Spencer Collection of So Called Dollars
HK-705 BR, Northampton Tercentenniary


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description: SC$1 (C1960) LA HK-581 MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION KING OF CARNIVAL
Grade: NGC MS 64
Owner: Spencer Collection
 
Set Category: Token & Medals
Set Name: Spencer Collection of So Called Dollars
Slot Name: HK-705 BR, Northampton Tercentenniary
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Medal, 1960, AL, MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION, United States, New Orleans, LA, So Called Dollar HK-581 AL, NGC MS64, Cert# 2113529-013. Obv. Crowned head and bust l., with letters H.A.S in exergue on r. base of bust; above Rex King of Carnival; below bust, around Monarch of Merriment; beaded border; Rv. Coat of Arms of School of Design; at lower l. is artist's palette with brushes; at lower r. is face mask; above coat of arms • Pro Bono Publico •; below coat of arms New Orleans / Mardi Gras; beaded border. Purpose: To celebrate, with "wholesome fun, spontaneous gaiety and feasting," season just prior to Lenten period of fast; termed by visitors "greatest free show on earth." History, Organization: Literally, Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday--day before Ash Wednesday. Originally, celebration was European custom but New Orleans' observance, in form of balls and masquerade dances, apparently started soon after colony founded. Street pageants, with public masking, began about 1857; Rex, King of Carnival, appeared first in 1872. This is an original medal, not one of the restrikes later made, as the restrikes contain many "bumps" on the reverse and lack crispness of strike on the obverse.

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