Lot 2555
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Round. NGC graded MS-65 P.Q. Lovely toning on both sides. In 1915 visitors from all over the world congregated at a new city that had been built of lath and plaster on the San Francisco shore front. Building upon the experience offered by the 1876 Centennial Exhibition (Philadelphia), 1892-1893 World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago), the 1900 Paris Exposition, the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, and other such events, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition showcased the latest technology, art, history, and discoveries in science. The official job of the Exposition was to celebrate San Francisco's rebirth from the 1906 earthquake and fire, but also to observe the opening (in August 1914) of the Panama Canal.
Today the five different coins issued in connection with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition stand as the high-water mark among American commemoratives. The $50 round is among the most impressive in U.S. federal coinage, both as to size ($50 or two and one-half ounces of 900 Fine gold) and prestige (purchase price was $100). On the round issue (another type was struck on an 8-sided planchet) the artistry was by Robert Aitken, noted sculptor and coin designer whose handiwork presents Minerva, goddess of the harvest, wearing a Corinthian plumed helmet. Aitken used a more homegrown device for his reverse, a "wise" owl perched upon a pine branch. And what a resplendent way to preserve the occasion than by this well struck MS65 housed in NGC holder #1519999-006. Reddish to tawny-gold in color with a satiny perfection, the surfaces reveal none of the often-seen scattered obverse abrasions, they are sleek and glowing. That being the case, this date is also difficult to find fully struck. The present coin retains nice detail to the design on the helmet as well as complete feather definition on the owl's breast and wings, all from a strictly above-average strike. Only 483 coins minted. Pop 38; 22 finer.
Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000.
|
| |
| Realized $128,800 |
