Dollar - Dana Bickford of New York City

Reverse

Same center inscription; between outer circle and beaded border

Script: Latin

Lettering: Here is Shown the Value of Our Dollar in the Coin of Different Nations of the World.; between outer and inner circles, eight links contain Sterling 4.2 Francs 5.20 Kronen 3.80 Gulden 2.8 Marken 4.16 Guilder 2.50 Rouble 9.65 Yen 1.1; between inner circle and center, Invented and Protected by Dana Bickford

Comment

(1897) Bickford Dollar Pattern, HK-833, MS68 These were issued in 1897 by Dana Bickford, of New York, who issued eight "dollars" or patterns for an international coinage. The reverse inscription on each gives the exchange value of the dollar in several world currencies. These may also be one of the earliest uses of the bimetallic concept. This particular piece has be hands-down the finest Bickford piece we have ever seen--a Superb Gem and worthy of attention by collectors of so-called dollars. Listed as "very rare" unholed in the standard 1963 reference catalog, So-Called Dollars by Hibler and Kappen.