Lot 2717
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. NGC graded MS-65. Only 645 pieces struck. Nice light golden toning and boldly struck. Outstanding Gem quality for the Type. The Mint Act of January 16, 1915 authorized a fifty dollar gold piece along with a gold $1, a 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 pieces were the handiwork of Robert Aitken. Since many of them were purchased by wealthy individuals (they were not necessarily coin collectors), it stands to reason a fair number of them would have been slightly handled (or even mishandled) by their owners or heirs. With this in mind, is it any wonder why so few Gem Mint State 65s of the innovative octagonal motif survive today? A significant number were cleaned. This lovely Gem is perfectly fitted to match the Round $50 gold in this sale with the same grade. The coin displays bountiful and serenely beautiful soft golden color, several degrees finer than most of the competition. The surface radiates a pure satiny luster that, dare we say, should be awarded first prize in a contest for originality! No observable blemishes are found, omitting not even the smallest detail when scrutinized with a loupe -- making this an impressive Gem specimen for the well-heeled numismatist. In summation, one of the most significant issues in the U.S. Commemorative series. Pop 41; 10 finer, 6 in 66, 4 in 67.
Estimated Value $100,000 - 110,000.
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