1896 White Metal Andrew Jackson Medal PCGS MS66

Rare 1896 Andrew Jackson White Metal Dollar

In 1897, Tennessee celebrated its 100th anniversary of statehood with an exposition that didn’t last just a day or a week but went on for six months. Held in Nashville from May 1 through October 1, 1897, the Tennessee Centennial Exposition featured exhibits from 18 states and territories as well as Canada and 15 other foreign countries. It attracted more than 1.6 million people to Nashville’s 180-acre Centennial Park to view displays dedicated to agriculture, lumber, mining and electric lighting.

There was just one thing wrong with the whole event: Tennessee’s 100th Anniversary of Statehood actually occurred in 1896 — a full year before the Exposition.

“Old Hickory” Celebrates Tennessee’s 100th Birthday

That’s where this piece comes in. Though it has no legal-tender value, and no one is quite sure about its origin, this silver dollar-sized medal is known as the “Old Hickory” or simply the Andrew Jackson Dollar. On the obverse is a bust of President Andrew Jackson, who was elected from Tennessee in 1828 and served two terms. He is depicted within a wreath with his nickname, “Old Hickory” below. The reverse displays the seal of Tennessee, along with the reason for the medal: the “Centennial of the Admission of Tennessee Into the Union, Held at Nashville June 1, 1896.”

Finest Known Andrew Jackson “Dollar”

No one is sure how many of these white metal medals were struck, but this sole piece is the only one ever graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Better yet, this one-and-only PCGS-graded piece comes in spectacular Gem Uncirculated Mint State-66 (MS66) condition! It is the finest known as of the time of this writing. As our numismatist says: “This thing is amazing!”

Collectors and history buffs alike seek out items featuring Andrew Jackson. This rare piece is 125 years old and features deep mirrored fields and frosty devices. It belongs in the finest of collections. Secure it for yours today!