Lot 3571
1905 Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely rich golden toning on both sides. A wonderful looking coin. Engraved by Charles E. Barber and struck for the exposition held in Portland, Oregon. The Lewis and Clark Dollar honored the Corps of Discovery which explored the Northwest in 1803 to 1806 at the behest of President Jefferson. They were sold for between $2.00 and $2.50 apiece, with the proceeds earmarked for completion of the bronze memorial to Sacagawea, part-time guide and full-time interpreter between the Corps of Discovery and the Indian tribes. Mintage figures show 10,025 dated 1904 and 10,041 dated 1905.
Collectors had very little interest in the Lewis and Clark gold dollars as it followed closely on the heels of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Those that were sold mainly went to the public and were not handled with care. Today the 1904 and 1905 Lewis and Clark dollars are several times rarer in Mint State grades than are the other pairs of commemorative gold dollars -- the 1903 Louisiana Purchase, the 1916 and 1917 McKinley, and the 1922 Grant varieties.
Gleaming, satiny gold luster with light peach-colored ting and excellent detail. The surfaces are magnificent. Keen-edged devices throughout, including both portraits. Spot-free Gem. Pop 69; 2 finer in 67 (PCGS # 7448) .
Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000.
Ex: Benson Collection.
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| Realized $16,100 |
