Four-Impression Die Trial for the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay Medal. Type of HK-280. Lead. Essentially As Made.Approximately 6.75 inches x 7 inches. A most unusual item, the first of its kind your cataloger has handled in more than 25 years. The front of this lead blank is divided into four quadrants, each approximately 3 inches square, the quadrant at upper right with an impression from the reverse die of this so-called dollar type, the other three quadrants with impressions from the obverse die. Each impression is firm and shows universally sharp detail to the design elements. The entire blank is generally steely-olive gray with blushes of deeper color scattered about. The back is blank, not subdivided into quadrants, with a collector sticker attached on which is written FOUR TRIAL / STRIKES FOR / THE DIE OF / SO-CALLED DOLLAR / H+K 280. This is a great piece that will make an impressive addition to an advanced so-called dollar collection.
