Lot 1765
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-64. Only 645 minted. Nice original toning. A simply outstanding MS64 example, the glossy golden surfaces gyrate to-and-fro with full, textured luster these are famous for. Far in advance of most, this was struck with systematic exactness including (not excepting) all the key areas in the center such as helmet leaves, the hair curls, and the breast feathers on the owl. It took the Mint's 14-ton hydraulic press to coin such a big coin. During preparations for the Exposition's opening, the Philadelphia Mint shipped this press to the fairgrounds for the specific purpose of striking these pieces.
According to the Breen-Swiatek book on this series, "On June 15, the first octagonal pieces were struck, at a ceremony which attracted VIps from all over the country. This had been arranged by Farran Zerbe, then possibly the best known numismatist in the United States. Zerbe had enough political clout to have himself put in charge of the Exposition's Coin and Medal Department, which was named in the authorizing act as responsible for receiving and distributing the commemorative coins…" Pop 118; 18 finer, 17 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 7452) .
Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000.
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| Realized $78,200 |
