Lot 1460
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Lovely rich golden toning. 645 struck. One of the nicer examples of this massive coin we have offered in this grade, bidders will do well to prepare carefully this time around. A satiny specimen with strong fundamental luster and choice surfaces top to bottom. Nicely struck, too, in fact totally so -- with such strikingly full devices on both side that special mention is merited. Indeed, the Premium Quality of the present coin easily rivals that of a higher-grade specimen.
During planning for the Panama-Pacific Exposition's coin striking ceremony, the Philadelphia Mint shipped a 14-ton hydraulic press to the fairgrounds for the specific purpose of minting these large $50 gold pieces. (Research has not been able to ascertain how they managed it: probably the press went disassembled by ship.)
On June 15, the first octagonal pieces were struck at a ceremony which attracted VIps from all over. The ceremony had been arranged by Farran Zerbe, then possibly the best known numismatist of his day. Zerbe had the political influence to have himself put in charge of the Exposition's Coin and Medal Department, which was named in the authorizing act as responsible for distributing the commemorative coins. Zerbe set up his own collection (over 20,000 specimens after he included additions) in a trellised display area of the Palace of Liberal Arts on the Exposition grounds labeling it Zerbe's Unique Money of the World. It became one of the more popular displays, and the Panama-Pacific Commemorative coins, each with its own story appended, were probably seen by several million visitors between the Exposition's opening February 20 and its close on December 4, 1915. Pop 118; 18 finer; 17 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 7452) .
Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
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| Realized $78,200 |
