So-Called Dollars Collection:
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HK-398-1HK 398 SO-CALLED DOLLAR – PANAMA CANAL COMPLETION DOLLAR – 1914 |
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HK-398-2HK 398 SO-CALLED DOLLAR – PANAMA CANAL COMPLETION DOLLAR – 1914 |
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HK-399-1HK 399 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Struck in SILVER. About Uncirculated / Uncirculated |
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HK-399-2HK 399 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Struck in SILVER. About Uncirculated / Uncirculated |
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HK-400-1HK 400 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Struck in Bronze. AU/Uncirculated |
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HK-400-2HK 400 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Struck in Bronze. AU/Uncirculated |
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HK-401-1HK 401 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Gilt. UNC |
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HK-401-2HK 401 SO-CALLED DOLLAR PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION – 1915 The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features winged Mercury opening the Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has two females representing the two hemispheres entwined about earth and holding in hands cornucopias. Gilt. UNC |
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HK-402-1HK 402 SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR – 1915 Alabama State Fund Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. A very popular piece with a price of $137.50 in the Hibler and Kappen book published in 1963. Struck in Bronze. XF / About Uncirculated |
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HK-402-2HK 402 SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR – 1915 Alabama State Fund Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. A very popular piece with a price of $137.50 in the Hibler and Kappen book published in 1963. Struck in Bronze. XF / About Uncirculated |
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HK-403-1HK 403 SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR – 1915 Arkansas State Fund Dollar. Obverse with State Seal. Reverse with Arkansas building. Aluminum AU / Uncirculated |
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HK-404-1HK 404A SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR FLORIDA – 1915 Florida State Fund Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. Obverse features Headless Victory standing in a vessel passing through Canal. On the reverse is a modified State Seal. Struck in Silver-plated Bronze. UNC |
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HK-405-1HK 405 SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR GEORGIA – 1915 Obverse has Female Figure striding and holding Cornucopia. Reverse with State Seal. Bronze. Almost Uncirculated |
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HK-405-2HK 405 SO-CALLED DOLLAR STATE FUND DOLLAR GEORGIA – 1915 Obverse has Female Figure striding and holding Cornucopia. Reverse with State Seal. Bronze. Almost Uncirculated |
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HK-407-1Maryland Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. Obverse has the State Seal, on the reverse is busts within twin circles one above the other. Top is James Ryder Randall bottom Francis Scott Key. Struck in Bronze. MMNS graded MS-61 |
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HK-407-2Maryland Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. Obverse has the State Seal, on the reverse is busts within twin circles one above the other. Top is James Ryder Randall bottom Francis Scott Key. Struck in Bronze. MMNS graded MS-61 |
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HK-408-1Mississippi Dollar – Obverse Portraits of Jefferson Davis & John Quitman. Reverse Mississippi Building. Bronze. AU |
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HK-408-2Mississippi Dollar – Obverse Portraits of Jefferson Davis & John Quitman. Reverse Mississippi Building. Bronze. |
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HK-409-1Montana Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. On obverse Winged Victory stands on prow of vessel, holding laurel wreath before her. Exposition buildings, hills, ship, sun and rays in background. Reverse has agricultural and mining tools in foreground within beaded circle, stream, trees, mountains, clouds, sun and rays behind. Struck in Bronze. AU/UNC |
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HK-409-2Montana Dollar from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition. On obverse Winged Victory stands on prow of vessel, holding laurel wreath before her. Exposition buildings, hills, ship, sun and rays in background. Reverse has agricultural and mining tools in foreground within beaded circle, stream, trees, mountains, clouds, sun and rays behind. Struck in Bronze. AU/UNC |
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HK-410b-1The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has State Seal. Bronze. AU55 (NGC) |
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HK-410b-2The Official Medal from the 1915 Panama – Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse features Canal locks through which passes Argo symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Reverse has State Seal. Bronze. AU55 (NGC) |
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HK-411-11915 Panama Pacific International Exposition – Oregon. Obverse State Building. Reverse variation of State Seal. Struck in Bronze Uncirculated |
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HK-411-21915 Panama Pacific International Exposition – Oregon. Obverse State Building. Reverse variation of State Seal. Struck in Bronze Uncirculated |
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HK-412-1Obverse shows Sailing Ship. Reverse shows State Seal. Bronze. VF / XF |
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HK-412-2Obverse shows Sailing Ship. Reverse shows State Seal. Bronze. VF / XF |
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HK-413-1Obverse shows Sailing Ship. Reverse shows State Seal. Bronze. AU58 (NGC) |
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HK-413-2Obverse shows Sailing Ship. Reverse shows State Seal. Bronze. AU58 (NGC) |
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HK-413-5-1WELL EXECUTED PATTERN LEAD DIE TRIAL – A UNIQUE ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECE No Wisconsin So-Called Dollars were ever struck. |
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HK-413-5-2WELL EXECUTED PATTERN LEAD DIE TRIAL – A UNIQUE ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECE No Wisconsin So-Called Dollars were ever struck. |
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HK-414-1The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Struck in Gilt Brass. Uncirculated |
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HK-414-2The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Struck in Gilt Brass. Uncirculated |
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HK-415-1Obverse aerial scene of the exposition with a female and bear standing before. Tower of Jewels on the reverse. Gilt Brass. UNC |
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HK-415-2Obverse aerial scene of the exposition with a female and bear standing before. Tower of Jewels on the reverse. Gilt Brass. UNC |
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HK-415a-1The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse similar to HK 415 except heavily fluted background and no expo buildings. Reverse Tower of Jewels. Struck in Gilt Brass. AU / UNC |
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HK-415a-2The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse similar to HK 415 except heavily fluted background and no expo buildings. Reverse Tower of Jewels. Struck in Gilt Brass. AU / UNC |
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HK-416-1The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse w/Tower of Jewels. Reverse w/Ship in canal. Struck in Gilt Brass. XF / AU |
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HK-416-2The “California The Exposition State” Dollar from the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, California. Obverse w/Tower of Jewels. Reverse w/Ship in canal. Struck in Gilt Brass. XF / AU |
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HK-418-1Obverse Seated Female Figure w/Expo buildings in background. Reverse Relief Map of the Americas w/two nude female figures. HK 418 Bronze …. VF / XF |
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HK-418-2Obverse Seated Female Figure w/Expo buildings in background. Reverse Relief Map of the Americas w/two nude female figures. HK 418 Bronze …. VF / XF |
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HK-419-1From the Panama Pacific International Exposition, obverse has a large date 1915 in the center, PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION along the outside with SAN FRANCISCO above and CALIFORNIA below. On the reverse within a large baroque shield is a blacksmith with an interesting country scene in the background. Extra Fine (NGC), holed as made |
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HK-419-2From the Panama Pacific International Exposition, obverse has a large date 1915 in the center, PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION along the outside with SAN FRANCISCO above and CALIFORNIA below. On the reverse within a large baroque shield is a blacksmith with an interesting country scene in the background. Extra Fine (NGC), holed as made |
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HK-420-1PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION above SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF 1915 below. Signed Whitehead & Hoag Co. Aerial view North America with PPIE fairgrounds prominent. Reverse features four busts with an eagle above. Silverplated Antiqued. XF/AU |
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HK-420-2PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION above SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF 1915 below. Signed Whitehead & Hoag Co. Aerial view North America with PPIE fairgrounds prominent. Reverse features four busts with an eagle above. Silverplated Antiqued. XF/AU |
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HK-421-1PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION above SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF 1915 below. Signed Whitehead & Hoag Co. Aerial view North America with PPIE fairgrounds prominent. Reverse features four busts with an eagle above. Bronze. XF |
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HK-421-2PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION above SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF 1915 below. Signed Whitehead & Hoag Co. Aerial view North America with PPIE fairgrounds prominent. Reverse features four busts with an eagle above. Bronze. XF |
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HK-422-1Ornamental gate with 1915 in center and Panama Pacific Exposition above. Reverse features map of U.S. with cities and dates of International Expositions held there. Struck in Gilt Brass. XF |
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HK-422-2Ornamental gate with 1915 in center and Panama Pacific Exposition above. Reverse features map of U.S. with cities and dates of International Expositions held there. Struck in Gilt Brass. XF |
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HK-424-1Obverse replica of $50 Gold Slug with eagle and shield in the center, banner reads “000 THOU” In the center on the reverse legend reads” SOUVENIR PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SAN FRANCISCO 1915″. Gilt Bronze. Uncirculated |
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HK-424-2Obverse replica of $50 Gold Slug with eagle and shield in the center, banner reads “000 THOU” In the center on the reverse legend reads” SOUVENIR PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SAN FRANCISCO 1915″. Gilt Bronze. Uncirculated |
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HK-425-1Obverse replica of $50 Gold Slug with eagle and shield in the center, banner reads “IN GOD WE TRUST”. In the center on the reverse legend reads OFFICIAL SOUVENIR DAYS OF ’49 PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SAN FRANCISCO 1915. COPYRIGHTED. Gilt Bronze. About Uncirculated (NCS) |
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HK-425-2Obverse replica of $50 Gold Slug with eagle and shield in the center, banner reads “IN GOD WE TRUST”. In the center on the reverse legend reads OFFICIAL SOUVENIR DAYS OF ’49 PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION SAN FRANCISCO 1915. COPYRIGHTED. Gilt Bronze. About Uncirculated (NCS) |
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HK-427-1Official Medal from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Bronze. Uncirculated |
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HK-427-2Official Medal from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Bronze. Uncirculated |
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HK-428-1Official Medal from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Gilt. About Uncirculated |
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HK-428-2Official Medal from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Gilt. About Uncirculated |
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HK-430-1Official Medal from the Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Bronze XF |
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HK-430-2Official Medal from the Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego, California. The obverse features a full figured cartoon characterization of Uncle Sam in striped pants, coat tails, stars on vest and top hat. The background behind Uncle Sam is North and Central America, the handle of the shovel lies where the Panama Canal was dug. The reverse features the ship S.S. Ancon passing through the Panama canal dated August 15, 1914. Struck in Bronze XF |
US Coinage
Panama Pacific Exposition Commemorative Half Dollar 1915-S – Choice Uncirculated
The 1915 Panama Pacific Half Dollar represented only the second commemorative silver half dollar issued by the United States Mint. Although this would later become the most frequent denomination for classic commemorative coins, the earlier issues took place across a range of denominations. The program of five commemorative coins issued for the Panama Pacific International Exposition including two versions of a $50 gold piece, a gold quarter eagle, and a gold dollar.
The half dollar featured the full length figure of the allegorical Columbia with rays of the sun and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Her arms are outstretched to scatter fruits and flowers. A cherub appears to her right holding a cornucopia. Inscriptions read “Panama Pacific Exposition” and the date “1915″. The obverse includes the “S” mint mark, as the coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint facility.
The reverse of the Panama Pacific Exposition Half Dollar features an American Eagle with wings outstretched, perched on a shield. An oak branch and olive branch appears to each side to represent strength and peace. The words “In God We Trust” appear near the eagle’s head, representing the motto’s first appearance on a commemorative coin. The additional inscriptions “United States of America” and “Half Dollar” surround. The obverse of the coin was designed by Charles E. Barber, and the reverse was designed by George T. Morgan.
Despite the higher authorized mintage of 200,000 coins, net distribution after melting was only 27,134. The gold commemorative issues struck for the Panama Pacific International Exposition sold a proportionally large amount of their maximum mintage. The 1915 Panama Pacific Half Dollar were sold for $1 each, or included in combination offers for four coin sets, five coin sets, or double sets incorporating all issues of the commemorative coin program.
Panama Pacific Exposition Commemorative Dollar 1915-S – MS 62 (ANACS Authenticated)
The Panama Pacific International Exposition was held in 1915 to mark the opening of the Panama Canal and the rebuilding of San Francisco following an earthquake and fire. A program of five commemorative coins struck in gold and silver were authorized to mark the event.
The Panama Pacific Exposition Gold Dollar was the smallest sized gold coin of the program. The obverse design featured the head of a Panama Canal laborer wearing a cap, with the words “United States of America” before him and the date “1915″ below. The reverse design depicts two dolphins circling the denomination “One Dollar” with the words “Panama Pacific Exposition San Francisco” around the edge. These designs were created by Charles Keck.
Commemorative coins were distributed by Farran Zerbe through his management of the Coin and Metal Department. Individual examples of each of the five issues were available, as well as four coin sets, five coin sets, and double sets. The individuals were sold within envelopes, while the sets were placed in leather or copper and glass display cases.
The 1915 Panama Pacific Gold Dollar was sold individually at a price of $2, the same price as the next most recent commemorative gold dollar issue. From the maximum authorized mintage of 25,000 coins, net distribution after melting was 15,000.
Panama Pacific Exposition Commemorative 2 1/2 Dollar 1915-S – XF Polished ( NGC Authenticated)
The Panama Pacific Exposition Gold Quarter Eagle was one of five different coins authorized to mark the international exposition held in San Francisco, California. The coins included two different $50 gold pieces, one $2.50 gold quarter eagle, one gold dollar, and one silver half dollar.
The obverse design of the quarter eagle features an image of Columbia, seated on a mythical creature known as the hippocampus, with a caduceus in her left hand. The hippocampus, which has the head of a horse and the tail of a dragon is intended to represent use of the Panama Canal, while the caduceus represents triumph over yellow fever during the canal’s construction. An inscription appears above “Panama Pacific Exposition” with the date “1915″ below.
An American Eagle perched on a stand is pictured on the reverse of the 1915-S Panama Pacific $2.50 Gold Coin. The stand includes the motto “E Pluribus Unum” with the denomination expressed as “2 1/2 Dol” below and “United States of America” above the eagle. The obverse of the coin was designed by Charles E. Barber, while the reverse was designed by George T. Morgan.
The Panama Pacific Quarter Eagles were limited to a maximum mintage of 10,000 coins. After some were returned for melting, the net distribution was 6,749. The coins were originally offered at $4 each, or as included in four or five coin sets issued during and briefly after the exposition. The coins were distributed by Coin and Medal Department, under the management of Farran Zerbe.
Note on 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition $50 Gold Pieces
The lowest mintage and rarest commemorative coin of the United States is the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition $50 Gold Piece. Available in both round and octagonal versions, the high denomination of the coins recalled the Humbert $50 slugs that were created in San Francisco during the gold rush. The coins were issued for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco.
The obverse of the Panama Pacific Fifty Dollar Gold Coin features the head of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, skill, contemplation, spinning, weaving, agriculture, and horticulture. Inscriptions include “United States of America”, “Fifty Dollars”, “In God We Trust”, and the date 1915 expressed in Roman numerals as “MCMXV”. The reverse of the coin features an owl, the symbol of wisdom and an animal sacred to Minerva. Inscriptions read “Panama Pacific Exposition” and “San Francisco”. The octagonal version of the coin has dolphins encircling the edge to represent the uninterrupted waterway created by the Panama Canal. The designer of the coin was Robert I. Aitken.
Sales of the $50 gold coins took place individually or as part of sets encompassing all of the Panama Pacific Exposition commemorative coins. Individual sales took place at $100. A combined offer for a four coin set (choice of octagonal or round) was also available for $100. Following the exposition, the five coin sets were available in special copper and glass frames for $200. Double sets were also available for $400.
The maximum authorized mintage for the 1915 Panama Pacific $50 Gold Coin was 1,500 each, for the round and octagonal versions. The final distribution net of melting was 483 for the round version and 645 for the octagonal version.
1915 US Coinage year Set – 1915 – Circulated Condition (Barber 1/2 Dollar, Quarter and Dime, Buffalo Nickel and Lincoln Cent)
