Lot 3404
1915-S $50 Octagonal Pan Pac. NGC graded MS-64. Only 645 pieces struck. Light golden toning. Very choice for the grade, with the fields displaying smooth almost velvet-like surfaces from the way the dies were prepared. The trendy effect was new and innovative in those days and it shows its finest here on these large format $50 coins. The Mint Act of January 16, 1915 authorized a fifty dollar gold piece along with a gold $1, a gold quarter eagle, and a silver half dollar to commemorate the Panama-Pacific International Exposition scheduled to open in San Francisco that year. Proceeds from sale of the commemorative coins would be used to defray the cost of exposition. Several events are commemorated, including the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.
Both $50 gold pieces were the achievement of Robert Aitken. Since nearly all went to wealthy individuals who were not necessarily coin collectors, a fair number of the coin were handled (or even mishandled) by their owners or heirs. With this in mind, is it any wonder why so few Choice examples of the octagonal motif survive today? A significant number were cleaned. This lovely MS63 is a perfect selection to represent the Octabonal $50 format. The coin displays beautiful soft golden color and radiates a pure satiny luster. No observable blemishes are reported, making this an impressive specimen for the well-heeled numismatist; one of the most desirable issues in the U.S. Commemorative series.
Note:). 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.
Estimated Value $55,000 - 60,000.
The Estate of Winthrop A. Haviland, Jr.
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| Realized $80,500 |
