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| 1920 Wilson Dollar Copper Manila Mint Opening HK-450 PCGS AU58 |
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| In 1920 an official medal was struck at the newly opened branch mint of the United States in Manila, Philippines. The medals commemorated the opening of the first branch mint outside of the continental United States. The obverse has a well-done portrait of President Woodrow Wilson and accordingly these medals are often called "Wilson Dollars." The reverse is beautiful with a representation of Justice overwatching a nude youth who is operating a coining press. The amazing design was executed by George Morgan who designed the popular Morgan Silver Dollars. The Hibler-Kappen book on So-Called Dollars mentions that the Wilson Dollars were produced in three metals; Silver (HK-449), Copper (HK-450) and Gold (HK-1031). Although the mintage of the Copper Wilson Dollars at 3,700 was roughly 70% higher than the 2,200 silver pieces struck, most experts and collectors agree that problem-free Copper Wilson Dollars are significantly more rare today than their silver counterparts. The vast majority of Copper Wilson Dollars found on the market today have significant saltwater damage given that many pieces were part of the group of coins intentionally damaged by the Mint which threw them into Manila Bay to avoid seizure by the Japanese during World War II. This example of the 1920 Copper Wilson Dollar HK-450 has been graded AU58 by PCGS and is encapsulated in one of the newer-style edge-view holders. The piece is a medium-dark chocolate brown color with no major discolorations. Some faint traces of original mint red color can still be seen in a few of the protected areas of the design. There are no major hits or marks on the piece and only a touch of wear on the high points of the design prevent a mint-state grade. The eye appeal of the piece is great with the only distraction a small water spot on Wilson’s cheek which is a bit less offensive in hand than it appears in the photos. A rare, near mint-state example of this popular medal in copper. |
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| If you wish to order or if you
have any questions about this coin, please contact us at (818) 451-9199
or email mike@kittlecoins.com |
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