Lot 2362
1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. A stunning gem proof with luscious golden-sunset toning on both sides. A fabulous looking gem Proof McKinley gold dollar. This coin honors the slain President William McKinley (1897-1901) as well as being sold in commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase celebration held in Saint Louis, Missouri. One hundred brilliant Proofs were struck of both the Jefferson and McKinley types. Many of these have been knocked about over the years, and today few exist in pristine, Gem condition. This is a beautiful deep mirror Proof that has splendid color and a pleasing light cameo contrast between the fields and devices on each side. There are no obvious surface blemishes on either obverse or reverse. An exciting and very scarce commemorative gold piece. Pop 12; 5 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 7483) .
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition this was our fourth largest exposition. With St. Louis having been Territorial Capital in 1804, civic leaders and Missouri Historical Society campaigned with the Louisiana Purchase states and territories to secure the celebration.
The exposition opened April 30, 1904 after some delay (it had been planned to open in 1903) and closed December 1, 1904. Attendance was about 20,000,000, with 13,000,000 paid. The fair would "demonstrate America's progress since the Louisiana Purchase…promote friendly relations and the exchange of knowledge throughout the peoples of the world." All states and territories and "dozens" of foreign countries were represented, with scores erecting their own buildings. Fifteen major exhibition "Palaces" radiated in a fan from the central Festival Hall in a "setting of lagoons, boulevards, gardens, fountains and sculpture" including 1,200 pieces of statuary. Electric lighting, a sign of progress then, was used "lavishly" for both decoration and illumination. Featured were motor cars, aeronautics and wireless telegraphy -- all in their infant stages of development. A highlight was on one automobile which had traveled from New York City to St. Louis, then "an unprecedented feat and a hazardous journey." The concurrent 1904 Olympic Games were held during Exposition in first concrete stadium built in U.S.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000.
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