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1896 Bryan Dollar HK-781 NGC MS61 |
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In the late 19th Century there was an imbalance between the value of silver in a silver dollar vs. the value of gold in a gold dollar. While both coins had a face value of one dollar, the value of the metal content was significantly different in that the gold in a dollar was worth roughly double than the silver in a silver dollar. The So-Called Bryan Dollars were produced to illustrate this concept. The 1896 Bryan Dollars are much larger than a typical silver dollar of the time to show the size of silver dollar that would be necessary to equal the value of the gold in the gold dollar. There are several varieties of Bryan Dollars, all of which are popular amongst collectors of So-Called Dollars and political exonumia. This example offered here is a uniface piece (smooth reverse) made by Gorham Mfg. Co., Silversmiths struck from 823 grains of .900 fine coin silver and is listed as HK-781 in the Hibler-Kappen reference on So-Called Dollars. This 1896 HK-781 Bryan Dollar has been graded MS61 by NGC and is encapsulated in one of their oversize holders. The medal is moderately toned on both sides in a medium grey color, however, when under a bright light the toning shows that various other colors are present. The toning on the reverse smooth side is also shows some color under a light, but is mostly a deep grey color except for a circular area of lighter color that
is exactly 13mm in diameter. It is interesting to note that the
size of a type one U.S. gold dollar is also 13mm in diameter.
Another collector recently informed me that there is a photo of a Bryan
Dollar with a U.S. gold dollar attached in a similar location which can
be found in the Fred Schornstein reference on Bryan Money. Perhaps this
piece was originally packaged with a gold dollar to further illustrate
the difference in value between a silver dollar and a gold dollar? Other than a few tiny rim bumps, the piece appears to be largely problem free. Please note that the plastic holder
has many fine marks and scratches which are exaggerated in the photos and are not on the medal itself. A very cool mint state example of the popular Bryan Dollar. |
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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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