So-Called Dollar - 1926 SC$1 Sesquicentennial, PA HK-453 NGC MS65

This attractive So-Called Dollar was produced by the Philadelphia Mint at their exhibit on the grounds of the U.S. Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia during 1926. Rulau and Fuld, in their book Medallic Portraits of Washington (1999), catalog this issue as being produced with gilt-copper. However, Hibler and Kappen (1963) consider HK-453 to be struck in brass.

Whatever the case may be, this is an important issue—the official medal of the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, which was held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The obverse presents George Washington facing right with legends below and around, while the reverse depicts a man riding Pegasus holding a torch and quill. This So-Called Dollar was designed by Albin Polasek, whose work blended the Beaux-Arts style with his own personal touches. NGC has graded 20 pieces of HK-453 as MS65 with only 4 finer (all MS66).

An 80-foot tall illuminated Liberty Bell across Broad Street during the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia (1926). Photo: Wikimedia Commons.