Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
TOP POP: Uncirculated+ — Designated Proof Like by NGC
“Columbian Hanson Columbus High Collar with Colorado Building SCD”
*An utterly illusive issue in all grades. Nearly choice uncirculated with mirrored proof-like surfaces. Brilliant, even, untoned surfaces highlight the devices of the medal. Exceptional eye-appeal for a lower mint-state example. — Contact marks and abrasions are evident and in alignment with an example in MS-62. However, of just 12 total examples authenticated in all grades, the finest known has a numeric grade of 63 and there is only 1 in this category. This is indicative of both extreme rarity and providing insight into overall preservation. As of December 2022, no higher mint-state examples exist (above MS-63). — This specific example is tied for finest PL known and resides at the top of NGC’s population report.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Although not a “specific” Colorado So-Called Dollar (listed by Hibler/Kappen as IL), the HK-210 World’s Columbian Exposition “Colorado Building” dollar is certainly associated with and has significant Colorado-related history. “Very” little is known about the actual medal itself, as well as the details behind it. — Although there are several die combinations/marriages (mules) documented, the only 2 officially noted in the 2nd version of Hibler-Kappen is HK-210/Eglit497A (Aluminum) and HK-1006/Eglit 497 (Silver). Upon conducting extensive research, it appears the noted die-pairing listed as HK-210/HK-1006 (Obv: Columbus Bust - Rev: Colorado Building) was also struck in both bronze and nickel. Examples are described as “extremely rare.” — Although the Columbus bust obverse is noted on several other mules (without the Colorado Building on the reverse), there is only “one” other variety documented where the Colorado Building is paired with another die that is “not” the Columbus bust. Since this is a Colorado collection and my interest lies solely therein, I am partial to including this information. Hibler-Kappen lists the second variety as HK-210a (aluminum). The obverse depicts the Administration Building, where the reverse retains the same Colorado Building design as the HK-210.
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“Obverse portrait of Columbus, facing right, with the World’s Fair Colorado building depicted on the reverse. The building’s most obvious feature was its two 98-foot towers (which you’ll read more about below). Dies by Charles Hansen of Chicago. It is possible that the nickel medal could be silver-plated. — As of 2022, the metal varieties known to the authors Shevlin and Hyder in their 2023 Volume 1 SCD release, as well as their associated rarities are as follows:
- SH 6-142 S (Silver) R7, 38mm — Previous Reference: HK-1006
- SH 6-142 BZ (Copper) R8; Weight: 21.46g, 38.01mm — *New*
- SH 6-142 AL (Aluminum) R6; Weight: 6.1g, 38mm — Previous Reference: HK-210 (Medal Shown Here)
- SH 6-142 N (Nickel) R8, 38mm — *New*
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I was able to locate archival records from the original “Official Guide to the Grounds and Buildings of the World’s Columbian Exposition” which was published by the “World’s Columbian Exposition, Department Publicity and Promotion” circa October, 1892. Admission is listed as 10¢ on the cover page. The guide provides in-depth background to all State Buildings erected for the fair. — The following is the original excerpt on the “Colorado Building”:
“Colorado — Is in the Spanish renaissance, this style of architecture being considered most suitable for the southwestern states. The whole exterior of the building is in staff of an ivory color, and in the salient features of the design profusely ornamented, the ornamentation comparing to fine advantage with the broad, plain surfaces of the building. The striking feature of the design is two slender Spanish towers, 98 feet high, rising from either side of the main entrance, on the east.
The tower roofs and the broad, over-hanging roof of the building are covered with red Spanish tiles. The building is 125 feet long, including the end porticoes, with a depth of 45 feet, and 20 feet to the cornice line. The front vestibule opens to the main hall of the building. On either side of the entrance are stairways to the floor above. At the rear of the hall is a large onyx mantel, flanked by glass doors, leading to offices.
At the ends of the hall are a men's smoking room and a women's reception room, each opening into an uncovered terrace, surrounded by a balustrade. On the second floor is the assembly room, extending the entire length of the building in the center. This room has a high vaulted ceiling, rising above an ornamented cornice. Over this cornice will be rows of electric lights, giving a diffused light, by reflection from the vault above.
On the ends of this assembly room are a reading and a writing room, which open to the hanging balconies on the ends of the building, forming one of the most attractive exterior features. Broad, low casement windows open from the assembly rooms to the front and rear balconies, the front one extending between the towers, 24 feet, and over the main entrance.
The rear balcony extends along the entire length of the building. Staircases lead to the lanterns in the tower, where a fine view of the grounds is had.
Architect, H. T. E. Wendell of Denver; contractor, W. J. Hill, of Denver; cost, $35,000.”
Credited Source: “Official Guide to the Grounds and Buildings of the World’s Columbian Exposition — Published by World’s Columbian Exposition, Department Publicity and Promotion, October, 1892. Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co. Printers. 1892.
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StacksBowers auction records show the last example that appears to have sold in auction was on March 31, 2008 (prior to the example listed here which sold in December of 2022). This is an Issue that is rarely traded or seen on the public market as made evident by searching auction archives from some of the largest companies known: StacksBowers, Heritage, GreatCollections, Teletrade, DavidLawrenceRareCoins, Jeff Shevlin’s “So-Called Dollar,” Northeast Numismatics, eBay, iCollector, and Holabird. — The 2008 Stacks description of the listing provided fascinating detail on an issue where almost no information exists. Lot #4751 is quoted with the following excerpt: “This little-known State issue is a fascinating precursor of the famous Bryan Money of the political campaigns of 1896 and 1900 which turned on the ‘Free Silver’ debate.” — Credited Source: StacksBowers Auctions. — This certainly explains and provides valuable insight into the legend, “OUR SLOGAN FREE COINAGE OF SILVER” on the reverse of the medal. — Additionally, and just recently, I learned the previous owner of this medal (prior to me) was “Lost Dutchman Rare Coins,” of Matt Dinger. This is quite special to me considering Matt is 1 of 2 hosts on the “Coin Show Radio;” one of the only numismatic podcasts known where I’ve been a loyal listener since episode 1. So, this piece certainly has its history!
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It had been a collection goal to obtain this specific issue for nearly a decade. I was “finally” able to acquire one in December of 2022; and had not seen one come to auction or for sale “anywhere” in the last 10 years. Subsequently, I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to obtain and now own one. — It is officially the oldest Colorado-related so-called dollar in this collection (and in general) and a mere 12 examples have been graded by NGC in all grades (MS/PL/DPL). This example is tied for finest PL. Surprisingly, the finest known in “all” grades/designations is MS-63 DPL. This certainly indicates the rarity of this issue, as well as how few survived in mint-state grades, as none of the 12 have been graded 64 or higher.
DESIGNER: Unknown; Potentially H. T. E. Wendell of Denver; or, W. J. Hill, of Denver (or someone within either organization)
DIES BY: Charles Hanson of Chicago
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
- HK-210
- Eglit 497A
- SH 6-142 AL
RARITY: Total struck: Unknown
(*TOP POP* NGC PL Pop = 6; NONE Finer - Total PL Pop = 7 — NGC MS/PL/DPL Pop = 7; 1 Finer - Total MS/PL/DPL Pop = 12): [04/2023]
Rarity Level 6 = ~21-75 Known - Designated “Rare” to “Very Rare”
**Uncertain how accurate this rarity level is. With only 12 graded, this issue appears to fall more in-line with an R7 (11-20 Known)**
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Aluminum, 38mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Bust, in ruffed collar, facing to r.; above, around Christopher Columbus; below *** 1492-1892 ***; beaded border.
REVERSE: Edifice; above, around World's Fair Colorado Building / Our Slogan Free Coinage of Silver; beaded border.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(World’s Columbian Exposition, 1892-1893, Chicago, IL):
“Purpose: To commemorate 400th anniversary of Discovery of America by Columbus and "to tell the story of the world's progress through those four centuries."
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Organization: Our third largest exposition; distinguished by direct Federal sponsorship similar to U.S. Centennial 1876. When first suggested, rivalry among cities was keen, sometimes bitter. Congressional Acts 1890 settled issue; set up National Commission to work with World's Columbian Exposition (Company), chartered April 1890. Public subscribed to $10,000,000 stock and bonds of latter; special city bond issue of $5,000,000; Federal grant of $5,000,000.
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Site: Almost 700 acres on shore of Lake Michigan, mainly Jackson Park, then barren area. Only Fine Arts Palace remains. Rebuilt in limestone, by private gift of $5,000,000, it now is Museum of Science and Industry, called by many "a permanent World's Fair."
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Dates, Attendance: "Dedication" Oct. 21, 1892 (corresponding to Oct. 12, 1492); 125,000 present; lunch served to 70,000! Officially opened May 1, 1893 by President Cleveland; closed Nov. 2, 1893. Attendance over 27,500,000; 21,500,000 paid.
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Participants: President Harrison invited "all the nations of the earth to take part...by sending such exhibits...as will most... fully illustrate their resources, their industries and their progress in civilization." All states and territories and 50 foreign countries represented, 36 of former and 17 of latter erecting own buildings. Total exhibits exceeded 50,000; numerous Federal displays included Mint Exhibit.
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Comment: Twelve major exhibition Palaces plus 200 other buildings brought "250 acres under roof," creating spectacular "White City." Neo-classic architecture gave "breadth, freedom and largeness of scale to all future planning and design of World's Fairs"; influenced design of public buildings for decades; Manufactures Building was "greatest on earth." Electricity was in infancy; first exposition use for "lavish illumination." Among features were Edison's phonograph, linotype, Pullman cars; initial showing of Westinghouse A. C. generator, basis of future lighting and power; first Ferris Wheel was equaled as attraction "only...by Fair itself"; was greatest single enterprise on grounds.
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Medals: Official Medals below were struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds. Exposition was "well commemorated in metal." For Pax Dollar, see Part I, Louisiana Purchase Exposition--1904.”
— Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen