The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Official Souvenir Medal was produced for the 1904 St. Louis fair where the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase was celebrated. These official souvenir medals were struck in various metal compositions including silver, gold, gold-plated bronze, copper, yellow-bronze, bronze and gilt. They were designed by George Morgan and his initial M appears at the base of Jefferson’s shoulder. Approximately 90,000 medals were struck in total at the Mint Exhibit located on the fairgrounds. This example of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Official Souvenir Medal was struck in Copper and is listed as HK-301 in the Hibler-Kappen reference on So-Called Dollars. This 1904 HK-301 Medal has been graded MS65BN by NGC and is encapsulated in a newer-style edge-view holder. This is a beautiful gem example with wonderful color with lots of original red color present, perhaps enough to warrant an RB designation instead of the BN designation that was assigned. The luster is also strong and the piece is free of major marks, hits, spotting or other issues. The obverse which features the busts of Jefferson and Napoleon and the reverse featuring a map of the United States and an outline of the Louisiana Purchase, is very attractive. This piece is one of the finest known examples of the HK-301 graded by NGC. Only three (3) examples, including the present example, have been graded MS65BN, five (5) have been graded MS65RB, two (2) graded MS66RB and a single MS67BN exist. A wonderful gem specimen of this popular so-called dollar. |