Watch List notes:

UNITED STATES: AE medal, 1904, HK-324, 36mm, bronze medal, or "So-Called Dollar", USS California, the letters N.S.G.W. over crossed American and California State flags, over a view of the USS California; banner below reads ARMORED CRUISER CALIFORNIA with legend LAUNCHED / APRIL 28 1904 at bottom // the Great Seal of the State of California; less than 75 known and given R-6 rating by Hibler & Kappen, VF to EF. 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 were 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 launching event, which was mostly oratory, and took place at Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, CA. 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 United States on many missions and earned her pay during WW1 in the rough, U-boat ridden waters of the North 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 California's name changed in 1914 to the USS San Diego to make way for the new Tennessee class battleships and the new USS California.

Estimate: 75-100 USD