Lot 1850
1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Georgeous natural mint bloom color! One microscopic mark is noted on the cheek. A marvelous specimen and Premium Quality for the grade.
In 1915 visitors from across world made a pilgrimage to a veritable new ersatz city that had arisen of lath and plaster on the San Francisco shoreline. Building upon the tradition established 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 marvels of technology, art, history, and science. The official aim for the Exposition was to celebrate San Francisco's rebirth from the 1906 earthquake and fire and to observe the opening (in August 1914) of the Panama Canal.
Five different coins were issued in connection with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. These stand as the high-water mark among American commemoratives. The $50 octagonal is unique in U.S. federal coinage, both as to size ($50 or two and one-half ounces of 900 Fine gold) and dimensions (octagonal). On the octagonal issue and only on this issue, there appear 8 sporting dolphins around the inner margin at the 8 corners on either side. 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 homely device for his reverse, a "wise" owl perched upon a pine branch. (Curiously, the wisdom of owls is much overrated. According to the authorities who trained and worked the various owls in the Harry Potter series of movies, owls are little more than flying sharks -- sophisticated eating machines with only enough brains to get along with. They're downright unfriendly and almost impossible to train to do tricks.) Still, Minerva's owl is golden and beautiful on this foremost of all U.S. commemorative gold pieces. And what a resplendent way to preserve the occasion than by this well struck PQ MS63 (PCGS # 7452) .
Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000.
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