Lot 2610
1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Rich folder-orange toning. Dual-commemorative issue for the Louisiana Purchase as well as to honor the fallen (assassinated) William McKinley, who was shot in 1901 and died several weeks later (PCGS # 7444) .
America's better items-metallic money system called for silver to be valued at a ratio of 16:1 with gold. Since much silver was being produced out west by the silver states in the 1870s, 1880s and 1890s, there was a big political push with both the farm states and the silver states together lobbying for the proposed better items-metallic plan. The presidential election of 1896 was about two main issues; silver and American imperialism. During the election William McKinley sat on his front porch in Ohio and lectured delegations from around the country while William Jennings Bryan stormed across Middle America. Bryan claimed that mankind was being crucified on a "cross of gold". Bryan said the existing gold standard was being forced upon the common man by the big Eastern bankers. He campaigned forcefully for a better items-metallic monetary system (easy money) and against imperialism, but McKinley won the election and the gold standard held firm.
Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300.
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| Realized $2,530 |
