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Copper-plated mule of H&K 258 and 259

45 mm, EF

This is only the second example of this medal that I am aware of. I saw the first after it was sold, I was lucky to acquire this piece. It is a mule of the first two so-called dollars that I posted in this series. The medals were made by Noble jewelers of Chicago. Why the mule? Many examples of add die pairings from the Columbian Exposition are known. I suspect it was people having fun at the presses. But why was this mule created, in something other than aluminum (some form of white metal), and then copper plated? It does make a handsome piece and is unlike anything else offered in San Francisco.

1894 Aluminum

Lauer Administration Building So-Called Dollar

Hibler & Kappen 267

35 mm BU

The Lauer Exhibition Palace so-called dollars were issued in a set of six. I've managed to collect Four of the six, although one is holed. My goal is an original set of 6 in their original holder. (Updated with better medal, 2/15/09.)

The California Midwinter International Exposition was held in San Francisco at a time when travel to the west coast was difficult. One would expect that most of the souvenirs would be found in San Francisco, but the 1906 earthquake and resultant fires destroyed much of San Francisco. When I look for pieces at shows, dealers generally say they feel these are among the rarest of the exposition pieces. I suspect that is true, but the number of specialist collectors is rather small. I'm four away from having all the known so-called dollars, although ny collection is far from the finest. I have all but three of the non-so-called dollars that I am aware of, but the real test is in what I don't know about. In all, I'm proud of the collection shown here, but I suspect there are one or more that are even better.

1894 Aluminum

State Seal, Exposition View So-Called Dollar

Hibler & Kappen 261

41 mm AU

The reverse design (the exposition view) was the logo for the exposition planning commission.

1894 Aluminum

Electric Tower, Mechanics Art Building So-Called Dollar

Hibler & Kappen 251

38 mm Unc

One of the so-called dollars definitely struck on site during the exposition. Counterstamped examples are known. This is the second in my collection.

Thank you for sharing. Note the American use of "who art" versus the British "which art."

An unlisted so-called dollar, scarce but collectible. I can't say much about it at present. The reverse translates as Section of Spain, California 1894. The Electric Tower is close but not exactly that of the Mechanical Building so-called dollars. another version of this piece has the aluminum product reverse as found on Nobel and Childs medals. In any event, I have more work to do on this piece.

Brass pinback produced by Whitehead and Hoag. Unlisted in Pond.

Pond 65

Gilt Bronze, 19 mm.

Schwaab Stamp and Seal Co.

4000 struck

Lord's Prayer token.

Pond 14

White Metal, 30 mm.

Whitehead and Hoag Co.

2500 struck

The Washington Oak in Billerica was supposedly the location of a spot where General Washington rested during the Revolutionary War. There are no records to support the story one way or the other.

Three recently acquired Lord's Prayer Tokens. The smallest is 13 mm, the largest is 19 mm. The tokens in the image are shown in the correct relative size. I've linked to a fourth in my collection as shown in Omnicoin. It is 17 mm in diameter.

You can see a large image at this link.

From the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition:

The Massachusetts Bay Centenary token above came with an eagle pin. The top, Columbus, token probably had a red, white, and blue ribbon.

It is not in Pond and many do not collect celluloid buttons, but I've included this piece in my collection:

Pond 19

Bronze, 32 mm

Whitehead and Hoag Co.

5000 struck

Haverhill commemorative. The birthplace of John Greenleaf Whittier, a famous New England poet, was built in 1688 by his ancestor, Thomas Whittier. The home has been maintained as a museum since 1835. This particular example has an original ribbon attached.

Pond 50

Bronze, 32 mm

Whitehead and Hoag Co.

2000 struck

Foxborough medal. The image inside the wreath of wheat is the image of a colonial homestead, a wellsweep, smokehouse, and shicks of grain.

1894 Aluminum

Schwaab Modified State Seal, 5 Edifices So-Called Dollar

Hibler & Kappen 256

45 mm Unc

Wordy, yes, but consider Farren Zerbe's 1904 advertising token listing his prices paid for collector's coins:

Good Money: Birmingham Button Makers, the Royal Mint, and the Beginnings of Modern Coinage, 1775-1821

by George Anthony Selgin

If you like Condor tokens (I do although I don't collect them), this will likely be an interesting book. It is economic history, but it deals with the whys of the tokens and how they helped fuel the industrial revolution. I've just started reading, but it is well written and engaging.

Interesting medal.

Four Boston medals.

Boston Tercentenary Committee

Pond 27

Whie Metal, 28 mm

Robbins Co.

About 2000 struck

Mayor's Medal, City of Boston (small)

Pond 44

Bronze, 24 mm

Robbins Co.

About 2000 struck

Mayor's Medal, City of Boston (large)

Pond 44

Bronze, 28mm

Robbins Co.

About 5000 for various events.

City of Boston, Mayor's medal, Costume Ball

Pond II.4.H

Bronze, 28 mm

Pond 34

Bronze, 101 mm

Medallic Art Co.

Approximately 200 struck to private account

Laura Gardin Fraser designed this medal for a private account, struck by the Medallic Art Co. It is the rarest, most expensive piece of the collecting subject and popular outside the specific topic for collectors of Fraser medals. I was fortunate to find such a nice example.

Thank you. I just picked up another 11 badges from the Paul Kagin collection (his badges from ANA conventions). One of these days, I'll get them photographed and posted. I'm behind because of another writing project.

I agree, real beauties. I love city views.

There are some days when I wish I had never parted with my early Nowegian penny (ca. 900) and two bractates, but I did all too many years ago.

Lovely coins and wonderful additions to your collection..

1991 Centennial Medal, designed by N. Neil Harris.

Mintage: 225 in bronze

A few medals in chronological order.

1982 Midyear Convention, Colorado Springs. Appreciation medal, Nickel-Silver

Mintage: 150, another 350 issued in bronze.

1988 Annual Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio, 57mm bronze

Mintage: 250

1999 Chicago Annual Convention (one of my favorite designs).

Mintage: 200 bronze and silver sets (reeded edges).

2002 New York, 57 mm bronze.