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1894 California Midwinter Exposition So-Called Dollars

Category:  Token & Medals
Owner:  So-Called Guy
Last Modified:  1/21/2024
Set Description
This set showcases the So-Called Dollars from the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition which was held in San Francisco. The exposition was held the year following the World's Columbian Exposition which was held in Chicago in 1893. With 34 different types and a total of 50 varieties, as cataloged in the book "So-Called Dollars Volume I: United States Expositions", completing this set is a good challenge, and not unrealistic to complete. Back in the 1990's this was the first exposition that I was able to successfully complete, as at that time the 1963 edition of the book "So-Called Dollars" by Hibler & Kappen cataloged just 24 different types.

Set Goals
My set is missing two So-Called Dollars from the 1894 Midwinter Exposition. My goals are to eventually acquire SH 7-7 the Midwinter California Bear SCD and SH 7-30 the Midwinter Uniface Golden Gate SCD.

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin SH 7-1 GP, HK-245 California Midwinter Exposition Official SCD United States GOLD- PLATED SC$1 1894 CA HK-245 CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-1 GP OSTHEIMER COLLECTION EX. KAGIN 2/26/62 NGC MS 64 The exposition official medal was struck in the Mechanics Building by U.S. Interior Department contractor J.W. Ewing. The dies were designed and engraved by Charles E. Barber and produced by the U.S. Philadelphia Mint. Gold-plated medals were struck on opening day. This is the finest graded California Midwinter Exposition Official SCD and it is gold-plated.

Rarity R-6, Weight 17.22 grams, Size 33.5 mm

There are a total of (5) MS 64's of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, which are tied for the Top Pops for the type.

An NGC graded MS 64 non-gilt example of this type was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2021 for $312.00.

An NGC graded MS 63 PL example of this type was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2015 for $381.88.
View Coin SH 7-2 BS, HK-245a Midwinter Moise State Seal SCD United States BRASS SC$1 1894 CA HK-245A CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-2 BS NGC MS 63 L.H. Moise, a minter in San Francisco, struck this version of the official medal. Moise reused the obverse die to strike a
number of additional medals celebrating events in California. See Shevlin & Hyder’s article “The Golden Age of Numismatics” which was published in The Numismatist June, 2010 to see other So-Called Dollars struck by Moise with this obverse die.

Rarity R-5, Weight 16.88-17.62 grams, Size 33.6 mm.

There are (8) MS 63 examples listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, with only (3) MS 64's and (1) MS 65 listed as finer.

I sold another NGC graded MS 63 example on my website for $275.00.

Bruce Thomas sold another NGC graded MS 63 example on eBay for $375.00 in January 2024.
View Coin SH 7-3 AL, HK-261 Midwinter Ground Breaking Souvenir SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-261 STATE SEAL - EXPO VIEW CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-3 AL NGC MS 63 PL Although not a signed Blumenfield piece and not signed by Chicago engraver A. Hylen, the obverse is the same design as that used by the exposition organizing committee. This is the official medal sold at the August 1893 groundbreaking ceremonies. SH 7-3 through SH 7-7 have similar design characteristics, and they were probably struck prior to the exposition to promote the event.

Rarity R-5, Weight 7.48 grams, Size 41.4 mm.

There are (3) MS 63 PL's that are tied for Top Pop for this type in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

Heritage Auctions sold an NGC graded MS 62 PL example in 2007 for $431.25.
View Coin SH 7-4 WM, HK-248 Midwinter Michael de Young - Blumenfield SCD United States WHITE METAL SC$1 1894 CA HK-248 DEYOUNG DOLLAR CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-4 WM JEFF SHEVLIN COLLECTION NGC MS 61 Midwinter vendor J.E. Blumenfield sold a number of souvenirs in the Mechanical Arts Building, including a set of medals
defined by a distinctive style with a textured outer inscription ring. Microscopic BLUMENFIELD S.F.C. to the right of de
Young’s bust. The Midwinter Exposition would not have been held had it not been for Michael de Young. He was the
publisher of the San Fransisco Chronicle, a commissioner to the 1889 Paris Exposition, and vice president of the 1893
World’s Columbian Exposition.

Rarity R-6, Weight 15.07 grams, Size 40 mm.

There are only a total of (7) of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, with only (1) MS 63 example shown as finer.

The only auction that I can find for this medal type was a Heritage Auction in 2014, where an NGC graded AU Details example sold for $211.50.
View Coin SH 7-5 AL, HK-246 Midwinter Electric Tower - Blumenfield SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-246 ADMIN BLD. ELECTRIC TOWER CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-5 AL NGC MS 65 PL Another signed Blumenfield piece (note the misspelling on the obverse of his name Blumenfeld). The obverse is signed by Chicago engraver A. Hylen.

Rarity R-5, Weight 6.35 grams, Size 40 mm.

This example is the Top Pop for NGC of a total of (29) graded examples as of 1/2024. PCGS has only graded (1) MS 62 example.

I previously sold an NGC graded MS 63 example of this type on my website for $295.00.
View Coin SH 7-6 AL, HK-247 Midwinter Firth Wheel - Blumenfield SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-247 ADMIN BLD. FERRIS WHEEL CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-6 AL NGC MS 67 The Firth Wheel was a smaller version of the exceptionally popular Ferris Wheel built for the Columbian Exposition. Firth was the name of the individual that built this attraction for the Midwinter Exposition. Another signed Blumenfield piece (note the misspelling of his name Blumenfeld on the obverse). The obverse is signed by Chicago engraver A. Hylen.

Rarity R-5, Weight 6.69 grams, Size 40 mm.

This example is tied with one other MS 67 for Top Pop in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

An NGC graded MS 65 example of this type was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2021 for $528.00.

I previously sold an NGC graded MS 63 PL example on my website for $395.00.
View Coin SH 7-8 AL, Hk-251 Midwinter Electric Tower / Mechanics Art SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-251 MECHANICS ART BUILDING CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-8 AL JEFF SHEVLIN COLLECTION NGC MS 63 PL Several medal manufacturers struck souvenir medals in the Mechanics Art Building at the exposition. The Electric Tower / Mechanics Art so-called dollar is a pairing of the obverse dies of SH 7-9 and SH 7-10. Microsignature OA for Oscar Altstein, an engraver for S.D. Childs, is in the right lower design area of both the obverse and reverse die. The actual electric tower as built differed from this conceptual design as it had a search light at the top. The round sphere object at the top of the electric tower, representing the amount of gold mined in California, was placed in an exhibit.

Rarity R-6, Weight 6.69 grams, Size 38.5 mm.

There are a total of (3) MS 63 PL's and (1) MS 63 that are tied for Top Pops for this type in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

An NGC graded MS 66 DPL example (not listed in the NGC census for some reason) was sold by Stacks Bowers Auctions in 2015 for $587.50.
View Coin SH 7-9 AL, HK-252 Midwinter Electric Tower / Stamped in Mechanics Building SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-252 MECHANICS ART BUILDING CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-9 AL NGC MS 62 PL Several medal manufacturers struck souvenir medals in the Mechanics Art Building. Two different versions, SH 7-9 and 7-10, commemorated that fact. Some are known date-stamped on the reverse for opening day. The obverse die is signed OA for Oscar Altstein, an engraver that worked for S.D. Childs of Chicago.

Rarity R-6, Weight 6.14-6.40 grams, Size 38.4 mm.

There are only (1) MS 63 and (2) MS 63 PL's listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.
View Coin SH 7-10 AL, HK-253 Midwinter Mechanics Art / Stamped in Mechanics Building SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 (1894) CA HK-253 MECHANICS ART BUILDING CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-10 AL NGC MS 61 PL Several medal manufacturers struck souvenir medals in the Mechanics Art Building. Two different versions, SH 7-9 and 7-10, commemorated that fact. Some are known date-stamped on the reverse for opening day JAN 27 1894. The obverse die is signed OA for Oscar Altstein, an engraver that worked for S.D. Childs of Chicago.

Rarity R-6, Weight 6.10 grams, Size 38.2-38.4 mm.

There are (2) MS 62 PL's, (3) MS 63's, (3) MS 63 PL's, and (2) MS 63 DPL's listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

An NGC graded MS 61 example was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2022 for $288.00.
View Coin SH 7-11 AL Midwinter Electric Tower / Wonderful Aluminum SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 (1894) CA AL, 38mm ELECTRIC TOWER/ALUMINUM $ CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-11 AL NGC MS 64 PL A detailed representation of the Electric Tower coupled with a reverse extolling the virtues of the wonderful new metal,
aluminum. Engraved by S.D. Childs of Chicago, the reverse is a reused stock die. Aluminum was a very expensive metal to manufacture until the late 1880’s, with the use of electricity. The process was invented by Charles Martin Hall, see David E Schenkman’s article “Aluminum and its early use in Exonumia”, published in the 1990 Token and Medal Society Journal.

Rarity R-8, Weight 6.14 grams, Size 38.4 mm.

This is the only example of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024.
View Coin SH 7-12 AL Midwinter Spanish Exhibit SCD United States ALUMINUM 38mm 1894 ALUMINUM ELECTRIC TOWER - ALUMINUM CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-12 AL NGC MS 63 PL A detailed representation of the Electric Tower coupled with a reverse image of the facade of Spain’s exhibit area at the
exposition. Engraved by S.D. Childs of Chicago.

Rarity R-6, Size 6.13-6.17 grams, Size 38.4 mm.

NGC does not have census information regarding this medal type.
View Coin SH 7-13 AL, HK-259 Midwinter Grizzly Bear Exposition View - Nobel SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-259 MIDWINTER - ALUMINUM $ CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-13 AL JEFF SHEVLIN COLLECTION NGC MS 64 PL An interesting design with a grizzly bear high on a crag overlooking the fairgrounds. Aluminum new metal tokens and store cards were struck in abundance for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Most of the Midwinter so-called dollars were struck in aluminum. Reverse microscopic signature NOBLE CHICAGO. The N of Noble appears to be two V’s, one punched upside down to create an N.

Rarity R-6, Weight 9.35-9.42 grams, Size 44.2 mm.

This example is tied with (1) MS 64 as Top Pops of this type in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

An NGC graded MS 61 example of this type was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2014 for $411.25.
View Coin SH 7-14 AL, HK-258 Midwinter Administration Building - Nobel SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-258 MIDWINTER - ALUMINUM $ CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-14 AL NGC MS 63 PL The architecture of the Administration Building was referred to as a layer-cake design. Aluminum new metal tokens and store cards were struck in abundance for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Most of the Midwinter so-called dollars were struck in aluminum. Reverse microscopic signature NOBLE CHICAGO. The N of Noble appears to be two V’s, one punched upside down to create an N.

Rarity R-6, Weight 9.35 grams, Size 44.2 mm.

There is only (1) MS 64 PL listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

The NGC MS 64 PL example was sold by Bruce Thomas in a Heritage auction in 2022 for $900.00.
View Coin SH 7-16 AL, HK-254 Midwinter Exposition View / Ornate Five Edifices - Schwaab SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-254 CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO VIEW OF EXPOSITION SH 7-16 AL NGC MS 63 DPL Schwaab Stamp and Seal of Milwaukee produced four signed medals, at least one badge, and perhaps other medals and badges for the exposition. On the reverse, the four icons outside of the circles represent: Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Mechanics, and Agriculture & Horticulture. Microscopic S.S. & S. CO. MILWAUKEE at the bottom.

Rarity R-5, Weight 5.22-6.16 grams, Size 43.5-43.8 mm.

There are only (3) MS 64 PL's listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

I previously sold another NGC MS 63 DPL example on my website for $445.00.
View Coin SH 7-17 AL, HK-255 Midwinter Exposition View / San Francisco Facts - Schwaab SCD United States Aluminum SC$1 1894 CA HK-255 FACTS ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-17 AL NGC MS 63 PL An accurate aerial view depiction of the exposition grounds on the obverse, microscopic SCHWAAB S. & S. CO. MILWAUKEE. The reverse legend states facts about San Francisco; the population grew from 450 in 1847 to 350,000 in 1894.

Rarity R-5, Weight 5.35 grams, Size 44.0 mm.

There is only (1) MS 64 PL listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

I previously sold an NGC MS 62 on my website for $275.00.
View Coin SH 7-18 AL, HK-256 Midwinter State Seal / Ornate Five Edifices - Schwaab SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 (1894) CA HK-256 STATE SEAL SH 7-18 AL NGC MS 63 PL Schwaab Stamp and Seal of Milwaukee produced four signed medals, at least one badge, and perhaps other medals and badges for the exposition. The images on the medals are based on early conceptual drawings produced by the exposition publicity committee. On this variation of the state seal, Minerva has her left leg exposed. Microscopic S.S. & S. CO. MILWAUKEE at the bottom.

Rarity R-6, Weight 5.25 grams, Size 43.6 mm.

This example is tied for Top Pop with (2) other MS 63 PL's in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

I previously sold an NGC MS 62 PL example on my website for $585.00.
View Coin SH 7-19 AL, HK-257 Midwinter State Seal/ San Francisco Facts -Schwaab SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 (1894) CA HK-257 STATE SEAL CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-19 AL NGC MS 63 DPL Schwaab Stamp and Seal of Milwaukee produced four signed medals, at least one badge, and perhaps other medals and badges for the exposition. The images on the medals are based on early conceptual drawings produced by the exposition publicity committee.

Rarity R-6, Weight 5.30-5.47 grams, Size 43.5-43.7 mm.

This example is tied for Top Pop with (2) MS 63 PL's in the NGC census as of 1/2024, and this is the only DPL shown in the NGC census.

An NGC graded MS 61 example was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2014 for $211.50.
View Coin SH 7-20 AL, HK-260 Midwinter State Seal / Plain Five Edifices SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-260 STATE SEAL - 5 EDIFICES CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-20 AL NGC MS 63 PL Schwaab Stamp and Seal’s distinctive interpretation of the California state seal closely resembles the execution of the
seal on SH 7-18, leading us to conclude that it too may be a Schwaab product even though it is unsigned. This type is
known with and without a period after the date.

Rarity R-6, Weight 3.27 grams, Size 35 mm.

This example is tied for Top Pop with (1) MS 63 and (1) other MS 63 PL in the NGC census as of 1/2024.
View Coin SH 7-21 AL, HK-262 Midwinter Lauer Exposition View SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-262 LAUER'S EXPO VIEW CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-21 AL NGC MS 65 PL The first in the series is based on an early artist’s rendering of the exposition grounds. It bears no resemblance to what
was actually constructed on the site. Lauer, the Nuremberg German die-sinking firm, produced a set of six aluminum
medals depicting an exhibition building on the obverse with a common reverse, based on the California State Seal.

Rarity R-6, Weight 3.67 grams, Size 35.7 mm.

This example is tied with (2) other MS 65 PL's for Top Pop in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

One of the other NGC MS 65 PL's was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2014 for $481.75.
View Coin SH 7-22 AL, HK-267 Midwinter Lauer Administration Building SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-267 LAUER'S ADMIN. BUILDING CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-22 AL NGC MS 65 The second in the series depicts the Administration Building much as it was constructed. Lauer, the Nuremberg German die-sinking firm, produced a set of six aluminum medals depicting an exhibition building on the obverse with a common reverse, based on the California State Seal.

Rarity R-6, Weight 3.62 grams, Size 35.7 mm.

There are only (1) MS 66 and (1) MS 67 listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

The NGC graded MS 67 example was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2014 for $499.38.
View Coin SH 7-23 AL, HK-263 Midwinter Lauer Fine Arts Building SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-263 LAUER'S FINE ARTS BLD CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-23 AL NGC MS 65 The third in the series depicts the Fine Arts Building much as it was constructed. A major difference is the elephant
heads shown on the medal that arrived after the building was constructed, and were then installed on another exposition building. Lauer, the Nuremberg German die-sinking firm, produced a set of six aluminum medals depicting an exhibition building on the obverse with a common reverse, based on the California State Seal.

Rarity R-6, Weight 3.69 grams, Size 35.7 mm.

There are only (1) MS 66 and (1) MS 66 DPL listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

I previously sold an NGC graded MS 63 example of this type on my website for $475.00.
View Coin SH 7-25 AL, HK-264 Midwinter Lauer Mechanics Building SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-264 LAUER'S MECHANICS BLD CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-25 AL NGC MS 66 The fifth in the series depicts the Mechanics Building much as it was constructed. Lauer, the Nuremberg German die-sinking firm, produced a set of six aluminum medals depicting an exhibition building on the obverse with a common reverse, based on the California State Seal.

Rarity R-6. Weight 3.54 grams, Size 35.7 mml.

This example is tied with one other MS 66 for Top Pop in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

An NGC graded MS 65 example of this type was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2014 for $481.75.
View Coin SH 7-26 AL, HK-266 Midwinter Lauer Manufactures Building SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-266 LAUER'S MANUFACTURERS BLD CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-26 AL NGC MS 64 PL The last in the series depicts the Manufactures Building much as it was constructed. Lauer, the Nuremberg German die-sinking firm, produced a set of six aluminum medals depicting an exhibition building on the obverse with a common reverse based on the California state seal.

Rarity R-6, Weight 3.68 grams, Size 35.7 mm.

There is only (1) MS 65 example of this type listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

The NGC graded MS 65 example of this type was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2014 for $481.75.

An NGC graded MS 63 PL example of this type was sold by Stacks Bowers auctions in 2017 for $240.00.
View Coin SH 7-27 AL, HK-249 Midwinter Early Electric Tower / State Seal - Hanson SCD United States ALUMINUM SC$1 1894 CA HK-249 ELECTRIC TOWER/STATE SEAL CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-27 AL NGC MS 63 PL Chicago die engraver C. H. Hanson created a medal based on an artist’s conception of the fair grounds and a unique
interpretation of the state seal, using the Golden Gate and Fort Point as a backdrop in place of the Sierra Nevada range. Microscopic signature below the bear. This medal is usually found holed.

There are a total of (25) MS 64's, (3) MS 65's, and (4) MS 66's listed as finer in the NGC census as of 1/2024.

Rarity R-6, Weight 5.02 grams, Size 38 mm.

I have an NGC graded MS 63 DPL example for sale on my website for $175.00.

An NGC graded MS 66 PL example was sold by Bruce Thomas in a Heritage Auction in 2022 for $336.00.
View Coin SH 7-28 GPS, HK-250A Midwinter Exposition View / Golden Gate SCD United States GOLD- PLATED SILVER SC$1 1894 CA HK-250A EXPOSITION VIEW (GILT/AE) CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER EXPO SH 7-28 GPS JEFF SHEVLIN COLLECTION NGC MS 61 San Francisco’s exposition view (with a misplaced Firth Wheel), paired with a Golden Gate reverse. A version of the Golden Gate reverse appears on a coin box and SH 7-30. The gold-plated silver variety is the only silver medal known struck for the exposition; it is a low grade silver. Unsigned, this could be a Hanson piece as the obverse perimeter legends are very similar to SH 7-27, but they were made with different letter punches.

Rarity R-7, Weight 17.17 grams, Size 38 mm.

There are only (3) examples of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, (2) MS 61's and (1) MS 62.
View Coin SH 7-32 G Midwinter Days of Gold Souvenir SCD United States 13.9mm 1894-DATED CAL. GOLD DAYS OF GOLD SOUVENIR NGC AU 55 Souvenir California gold dollar size SCD depicting a miner swinging a pick. The miner with pick design is similar to other
rare miner California Gold charms made by San Francisco jeweler, Herman J. Brand. See SH 14-14 for another use of
Brand’s miner design.

Rarity R-8, Weight .87 grams, Size 13.4 mjm.

There are a total of only (3) of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, this AU 55, (1) MS 62, and (1) MS 63.
View Coin SH 7-33 G Midwinter Eureka Octagonal Cal Gold Closed Wreath SCD United States GOLD CHARM 1894-DATED CAL. GOLD ARMS OF CALIF - WREATH #2 OCTAGONAL, 9.3mm SH 7-33 G NGC MS 63 California octagonal gold charm with a crude representation of the California state seal. We are not certain, but this was likely struck by Nobel as it is similar to other Nobel medals stuck in that era. Reverse dated 1894.

Rarity R-8, Weight .31 grams, Size 12 mm.

There are only a total of (2) of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, this MS 63 and a MS 63 PL.
View Coin SH 7-34 GP Midwinter State Seal/ Santa Maria - Hanson SCD United States GOLD PLATED SC$1 1893 IL BRASS HK-167 OBV, HK-249 REV CALIF SEAL - SANTA MARIA SH 7-34 GP NGC MS 61 Chicago die engraver C. H. Hanson created a Midwinter medal reusing the State Seal die SH 7-27, and the Santa Maria die SH 6-145 from the 1893 Columbian Exposition. An interesting mule using dies from two different expositions. Both dies are signed by Hanson.

Rarity R-9, Size 38 mm.

There are a total of only (2) of this type listed in the NGC census as of 1/2024, this MS 61 and (1) MS 63.

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