Lusterrules So-Called Dollars

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In 1867, the New York State Legislature gave approval to have a bridge built that would span the East River between New York and Brooklyn, which at the time were two separate cities. Many believed the task was impossible. The bridge would have to be the largest ever built, almost twice the length of the longest bridge in existence at the time and tall enough to allow the hundreds of ships that sailed the East River to pass under it. Construction on the bridge began in 1869 and lasted fourteen years at a cost of $15 million dollars and the lives of 20-30 workers. The bridge opened on May 24, 1883 to great fanfare. President Chester A. Arthur attended the event, leading a group of dignitaries on a walk across the bridge. There were Military bands, cannon salutes and a number of speeches by dignitaries. Upon its completion the bridge was considered a “Wonder of Science” and the most remarkable engineering advancement of the 1800’s. This medal commemorates the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. It is made of white metal and is holed as made. It was not included in the HK reference book, most likely because it was unknown to the authors at the time. However, it is shown on John Raymond’s web site as Unlisted So-Called Dollar #319 and is considered very scarce. 10 of these medals have been graded by NGC and at MS-63 Deep Proof Like, this piece is the only example to have received a Proof Like designation and is the top pop example. Its eye appeal is much nicer when viewing it in hand than I was able to capture in my photos. Only 2 non-proof like examples have been graded higher, both at MS-64.