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The So-Called Dollar 1876 U.S. Centennial--Philadelphia World's Fair, known by its cataloging number HK-21, is a fascinating numismatic piece commemorating the United States Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. This historic event celebrated the nation's 100th anniversary and showcased American achievements in industry, technology, and culture. The So-Called Dollar HK-21 serves as a tangible reminder of this milestone event and represents a significant piece of American history.
The design of the So-Called Dollar HK-21 features a central image of Independence Hall, the iconic building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. Surrounding the image are inscriptions commemorating the United States Centennial Exhibition and the Philadelphia World's Fair. The reverse of the coin displays an eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and progress.
So-Called Dollars, a term coined by numismatist Hibler and Kappen in their reference book "So-Called Dollars," refer to a category of historical commemorative medals roughly the size of a silver dollar. These pieces were often struck by private mints and organizations to commemorate significant events or individuals. The So-Called Dollar HK-21 was issued as a souvenir for visitors to the Centennial Exhibition and represents a popular type within the series.
Given the nature of So-Called Dollars as commemorative medals, they were typically not packaged in the same way as circulating coins. Instead, they were often sold or distributed at the events they commemorated, serving as mementos for attendees. As such, the So-Called Dollar HK-21 would likely have been available for purchase at the Centennial Exhibition or through souvenir vendors.
The So-Called Dollar HK-21 was likely struck by various private mints and organizations to meet the demand for souvenirs during the Centennial Exhibition. Exact mintage figures for these pieces can be challenging to determine, as production records were not always well-maintained for commemorative medals. However, it is estimated that thousands of these medals were struck to meet the demand of visitors to the exhibition.
In terms of condition, So-Called Dollar HK-21 specimens may vary widely depending on their level of wear and handling over the years. Some examples may exhibit signs of circulation, including surface scratches, wear to the high points of the design, and loss of detail. Others may have been well-preserved or stored in collections, retaining their original luster and sharp detail. Regardless of condition, each So-Called Dollar HK-21 serves as a unique artifact of the United States Centennial Exhibition and carries historical significance.