So-Called Dollars

UNITED STATES CAPITOL CENTENNIAL
1893
WASHINGTON, DC

Extensive research fails to establish origin of these medals. In absence of any Mint records, they appear to have been struck privately and probably were sold as souvenirs in and around Washington.

Original plan for national Capitol Building was drawn by Dr. William Thornton of Tortola, West Indies, and accepted April 5, 1793. Cornerstone laid by President Washington, with Masonic ceremonies, Sept. 18, 1793. In 1814, all interiors were burned by British, re-construction requiring 5 years. Famous bronze Statue of Freedom, almost 300 feet above ground, was erected on dome in 1863.


Photos courtesy of W. David Perkins

Obv. Capitol Building; at upper edge, on ribbon Washington, D.C., below Centennial of Laying / to l. of Corner, to r. Stone; below edifice of U. S. Capitol / Sep. 18, 1893; beaded border.
Rev. Within central wreath, and between scrolls above and below, Souvenir; ring of stars all around wreath; beaded border.

HK-244 White Metal. 35mm.


Photos courtesy of John Raymond

Obv. Same as obverse of No. 244 [Capitol building].
Rev. Same as reverse of No. 126a [Gen. Geo. Washington].

HK-244a Bronze. 35mm. Baker Y-324
HK-244b White Metal.

HK-154 to HK-243b