Lot 4233
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. A splendid gem with impeccable clean surfaces. Can't see why this wasn't graded higher. Creamy gold surfaces eddy and churn with almost "frothy" luster on this handsome great big coin with the sharp corners. Soft-edged devices and lettering throughout the centers are typical on this issue due to the unique design of Minerva and the owl; only a small percentage of this year's production is found with enough convincing detail and sparkling luster to be called Gem and earn a grade of 65, and this is one such coin!
In 1915 visitors from all over the world populated on a veritable new city that had been constructed on the San Francisco waterfront. Taking a page out of the history of the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia) and another page from the 1892-1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, among others, the show's promoters made the Panama-Pacific International Exposition a showcase for marvels of science, engineering and the arts. The official reason d'être for the Expo was to honor San Francisco's rebirth from the devastating earthquake and fire of ten years before, and also to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal.
The $50 octagonal is milestone in U.S. gold coinage, both as to size ($50 or two and one-half ounces of 900 Fine gold) and format (octagonal). On the octagonal issue there are 8 dolphins spaced around the inner border at the corners on either side. The design was the work of Robert Aitken, a noted sculptor. His bust of Minerva, goddess of the harvest, wears a Corinthian plumed helmet. For the reverse, an owl and pine branch. What a resplendent way to preserve the occasion than by this well struck MS65 gem housed in a PCGS holder! Pop 14; only one higher in 66. (PCGS # 7452) .
Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000.
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| Realized $149,500 |
