Rare Hk 324 So-called Dollar - Uss California - N.s.g.w. San Francisco Scd Medal For Sale

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Hello, you are offerding on a rare (Less than 75 known and given E-6 rating by HK) medal, or "So-Called Dollar" commemorating the launch of the USS California by Union Iron Works of San Francisco in San Francisco Harbor on April 28, 1904. The event was commemorated by the "N.S.G.W" (Native Sons of the Golden West) who we're a fraternal order for preserving California History established in 1875. This medal was not sold but given to Members and friends of the N.S.G.W. at the lauching event which was mostly oratory and took place at Woodwards Pavillion San Francisco, CA.

The front of the medal depicts: the letters "N.S.G.W", over the crossed U.S. flag and the California State flag, over a wonderfully illustration of the USS California, over a banner that says "Armored Cruiser California" over the words "Launched" over "April 28 1904". The reverse of the coin depicts the California State Seal. The medal hangs from a really wonderful pinback which depicts the California Golden Bear over the word "California". The Bear pin-back is marked: "Made by W.K. Vanderslice Co. San Francisco"

This medal is illustrated on page 62 of "So-Called Dollars" book by Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen and given the cataloging number of HK 324. It is given a rarity number of "E-6" which means less than 75 examples are known to exist.

The USS California (ACR-6)was a steam-powered armored cruiser laid down on May 7, 1902 and launched April 28, 1904. The USS California was the longest ship of her kind at this time measuring 504 feet long. She served honorably for the U.S. on many missions and earned her pay during WW1 in the rough, U-boat ridden waters of the N. Atlantic. She met her demise on July 18, 1918. It is understood that she ran into a mine set up by the German U-Boat, U-156. It also should be noted that the USS Califiornia's named changed in 1914 to the USS San Diego to make way for the new Tennessee class battleship the USS California BB-44.

All questions welcomed and appreciated. All items sold as-is, I do my best to describe items. All payment is required within 3 days of item end date. Thank you for looking and happy offerding!

This item has been shown times. Rare Hk 324 So-called Dollar - Uss California - N.s.g.w. San Francisco Scd Medal: $170