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***Auction Highlight*** 1915-s Panama Pacific Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc By USCG (f

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,443.75 - 4,887.50 USD
***Auction Highlight*** 1915-s Panama Pacific Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc By USCG (f
***Auction Highlight*** 1915-s Panama Pacific Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc By USCG. Exceptionally Rare Commemorative. The Pan Pac was Minted Along with 4 Other Coins to Commemorate the Completion of the Panama Canal and Distributed at the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco which also Celebrated the Renewal of San Francisco since the Great Fire. When Examining the Pan Pac Half Dollar, Note that there is a Problem with Pan-Pac Halves in its Strike: Weakness is often Evident on Columbia’s Head, Cap, Arm and Body, also on the Eagle's Breast Feathers and Claws. Occasionally, Coins are seen with a Rim Indentation Near the Periphery on Each Side; this is a Mint Caused Problem and Should Not Be Factored Into the Grade. When Grading Lightly Circulated Examples, Friction is First Evident on Columbia's Shoulder and on the Eagle's Breast. This is a wonderfully original example of a key date classic commemorative type. Both sides are Rainbow Rim toned with the obverse being a striking bold rainbow. The surfaces are smooth, satiny and extremely attractive.

The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 represented both a technical and political milestone. In honor of this achievement, and to celebrate San Francisco's rebirth after the earthquake of 1906, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held in 1915 on 635 acres of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Exhibits by 44 states and 36 foreign countries showcased the arts and sciences, producing one of the largest expositions of its kind.

Just over one month before the Exposition was to open, Congress signed into law the Act of January 16, 1915, enabling the production of silver half dollars and gold coins of assorted denominations in support of the event. These silver half dollars were the first commemorative half dollars to be struck at a branch mint, with 60,000 being produced over the course of the Exposition. Like many commemorative issues of the early 20th century, numismatist Farran Zerbe managed the distribution, setting up his Money of the World exhibit at the event as promotion. Though declared a "very successful distribution" by Zerbe, just over half of the half dollars were returned to the Mint for melting, leaving a net distribution of 27,134 pieces.

While all of the commemorative coins issued for this event have gained popularity over time, the half dollar perfectly balances aesthetic beauty with relative affordability. Gem MS-65 examples are more difficult to locate, and some are hindered by insufficient strike and luster. Premium quality Gems like the present offering are scarce. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation