1915 PANAMA PACIFIC 'PAN PAC' $50 ROUND PCGS 64 CAC U.S. US GOLD COIN

Description: 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Round Gold Coin (MS64 PCGS, CAC) Few coins can boast a legacy as rich and captivating as the 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Round gold piece. Minted for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this extraordinary coin embodies a moment in history defined by resilience and innovation. The exposition celebrated the grand opening of the Panama Canal—a marvel of engineering—and the rebirth of San Francisco following the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906. The coin owes its existence to Farran Zerbe, a visionary numismatist who convinced Congress to authorize an ambitious commemorative coinage program. Signed into law on January 16, 1915, the act allowed for the minting of five designs: a silver half dollar, a gold dollar, a quarter eagle, and two monumental $50 gold coins—one round and one octagonal. With only 3,000 fifty-dollar pieces authorized (1,500 of each format), these coins were destined to become rare treasures. The artistic brilliance of Robert Aitken, a New York sculptor, brought these coins to life. The obverse showcases Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, industry, and the arts, her serene profile adorned with intricate Greco-Roman details. On the reverse, her sacred owl perches amid Western pine cones, a symbol of knowledge and a subtle nod to California’s natural beauty. The octagonal version adds a unique flourish: dolphins encircling the edges, representing the waters of the newly opened Panama Canal. Cornelius Vermeule, in Numismatic Art in America, hailed Aitken’s work as a “tour de force” of archaeological classicism. From Minerva’s aegis and helmet to the bead-and-reel border inspired by ancient Greek architecture, the design evokes the grandeur of classical antiquity while showcasing the height of American artistry. Even the Roman numerals and Cinquecento-inspired lettering pay homage to the past, blending timeless elegance with modern craftsmanship. Struck on a special medal press shipped from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Mint, the coins were a technical and artistic marvel. Production began on June 15, 1915, during a ceremonial striking, and all 3,000 pieces were completed within weeks. However, the steep price of $100 per coin—a princely sum at the time—meant that many remained unsold. Of the 1,500 round coins minted, only 483 were purchased; the rest were melted, making the 1915-S Round $50 the rarest gold commemorative of the classic era. The coin presented here is a stunning example of this historic issue. Its rich orange-gold surfaces gleam with vibrant mint luster, highlighting the intricate details of Aitken’s design. Listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins, the 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 Round is more than a numismatic masterpiece—it’s a symbol of resilience, artistry, and the pioneering spirit that defined an era.

Price: 149000 USD

Location: La Jolla, California

End Time: 2025-02-03T22:38:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD