PAE (PAN AMERICAN EXPO) SCDs
TOP POP HK-291 PAE BUFFALO DOLLAR

Owner Comments:

This is the wonderful "Buffalo Dollar" from the Pan Am. Recognized as an R5 in the latest editions of the "So Called Dollar" references, but that is overstating the true rarity. This is in the R4 range with at least 100+ surviving. These are offered periodically on eBay and at other auctions in a wide spectrum of grades, about 3-5 or so a year (sometimes more sometimes less). There are even some nice proof-like mint state pieces offered every so often. There appear to be about the same number of holed as unholed examples, but demand for unholed pieces make those much more valuable. I have even seen them looped.

There are two distinct varieties of the HK291 though it is not recognized as such yet. This is the more "common" of the two varities, but this is still a scarce piece and high grade examples are prized.

This is a gorgeous gem designated as PL. I was hoping this would get the DPL nod when I submitted it, as this has wonderful cameo contrast and deep fields. This is one of two pieces graded MS65 PL with none finer: population 2/0. There is one HK291 graded numerically higher at MS66. But that is not PL and from the photos as seen from the Heritage auction, it does not seem to have much gilt remaining. Yet it still sold for over $1,000. There is also an MS65 and judging by the photos, that is a nice piece too. There are also five graded MS 63 DPL and three MS 64 DPL. So this is certainly among the top 10 in the condition census with only 8 or 9 that could possibly be considered finer.

NGC pop = 55
1 = XF45
1 = AU50
1 = AU53
2 = AU55
4 = AU58
1 = MS60
6 = MS61
12 = MS62
1 = MS63
1 = MS64
1 = MS65
1 = MS66

6 = MSPL62
6 = MSPL63
2 = MSPL65

1 = MSDPL62
5 = MSDPL63
3 = MSDPL64

26/55 = 47%, +6 Details