2365

1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:34,000.00 USD Estimated At:70,000.00 - 75,000.00 USD
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-64. Rich golden toning. Only 645 pieces struck. Lovely and agreeable color with every detail boldly struck. The Mint Act of January 16, 1915 authorized a fifty dollar gold piece along with a gold $1, gold quarter eagle, and a silver half dollar to commemorate the Panama-Pacific International Exposition scheduled to open in San Francisco that year. Proceeds from sale of these commemorative coins would help defray the cost of exposition. Several events were being commemorated, including the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.

Both $50 gold designs (round and octagonal) were the achievement of Robert Aitken. Since many of them were purchased by wealthy individuals who were not necessarily coin collectors, it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that a fair number of them were slightly handled by their owners or heirs. With this in mind, it is pleasing to offer this lovely very choice quality MS64. It is a perfect match any other in the same grade so there is no need to hesitate when bidding. The coin displays beautiful soft golden surfaces and radiates a pure satiny glow. No observable blemishes are noted, making this an impressive specimen for the well-heeled collector; one of the more remarkable issues in the U.S. Commemorative series. Pop 112; 20 finer at PCGS (PCGS # 7452) .

On the octagonal issue and only on this issue, there appear dolphins around the inner border at the 8 corners on either side. The artist, Robert Aitken, noted sculptor and coin designer, presents Minerva, goddess of the harvest, wearing a Corinthian plumed helmet. Aitken used a more thematic device for his reverse, an owl perched upon a pine branch.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000.