So-Called Dollars

Pan-American Exposition - 1901 - Buffalo, NY

Purpose: To promote "trade and social relations" with our Pan-American neighbors.

Organization: First suggested 1896 during Atlanta Cotton States Exposition. Exposition Co. chartered June 1897; opening planned for 1899. Spanish American War almost caused abandonment but Buffalo Mayor revived interest December 1898. Capital stock and bonds, to total of $5,000,000 quickly subscribed by public; state granted $300,000; Congress $500,000.

Site: Over 350 acres on shore of Delaware Park lake, northwest section; today an area of fine residences and parkways. Only one structure was permanent. Of white marble, it serves as library and Museum of Buffalo Historical Society.

Dates, Attendance: May 1 to Nov. 2, 1901. Attendance over 8,000,000; 5,300,000 paid.

Participants: "Every (?) state in Union and every (?) country in Western Hemisphere," with 9 states and "most" Central and South American countries erecting own buildings. Industrial exhibits numbered more than 3,500; Federal displays included Mint Exhibit.

Comment: While primarily a business and industrial enterprise, the "artistic and aesthetic permeated all." Architecture "expressed itself in the free classical style as developed in Chicago in 1893"; also "polychromatic coloring ... for first time ... extensively and intelligently applied to a group of pubic buildings." Progress in electricity provided new effects in illumination and there was "a wonderful electrical display."

It will be remembered that tragedy struck the Exposition and the Nation on Sept. 6, 1901. President William McKinley, 25th President of the United States, was greeting citizens late that afternoon in Temple of Music when shot down by Leon Czolgosz, anarchist terrorist. The President died Sept. 14.

Medals: Official Medals struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds; designed by G. T. Brewster.

Official Medals

Obverse: Standing heroic Indian figure, l. arm upraised, astride a soaring eagle; below to l., microscopic G. T. Brewster
Reverse: Relief map of Western Hemisphere with monogram of the Exposition below; above map Pan · American / Exposition/Bvftalo · N·Y·V·S·A·/May 1 · Nov 1 · / MDCDI ·

HK-287 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-288 - Copper.
HK-289 - Brass.

PRESIDENT McKINLEY ASSASSINATION DOLLAR

Obverse: Bust, part r.; above President McKinley / Born Jan. 29, 1843.; below bust Assassinated in Buffalo / Sept. 6, 1901. / Died Sept. 14, 1901.; beaded border.
Reverse: Edifice; above, around Pan-American Exposition; below edifice Temple of Music; beaded border.

HK-290 - Brass, reeded edge. Size 22.
HK-290a - Aluminum.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

BUFFALO DOLLAR

Obverse: Buffalo standing l.; above Souvenir; below 1901; beaded border.
Reverse: In center circle, scroll / May-November / Buffalo, N. Y. / scroll; outside, above Pan-American; outside, below Exposition; beaded border.