1916 G$1 McKinley MS63 认证号04796759, PCGS号7454

William Jennings Bryan armed with his "Cross of Gold'" speech and his "free silver" platform was no match for William McKinley's "sound money" and "a dinner in every pail" platform based on the gold standard. McKinley's victory over Bryan in the election of 1896 was a victory for gold and the death knell for free silver and bimetalism. McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, served in the War Between the States for the Union, was elected to the House of Representatives, and was Governor of Ohio before becoming president in 1896. As president he guided the nation through the Spanish-American War thus providing independance for Cuba and transforming the United States into a imperial power. McKinley, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, was assassinated by a Leon Czolgosz. The McKinley Gold Dollars were minted to honor the late president to provide funds for a memorial at his birthplace at Niles, Ohio. The coins were at one time to be minted as a silver dollar, but due to McKinley strong stance for the gold standard, was changed to a gold dollar. Coins were minted in 1916 and 1917, identical with exception of the date. The obverse shows a portrait of McKinley, vastly different from the 1903 coin, and very Roman-like in nature. The reverse shows the McKinley Memorial to be built at Niles. Coins were sold, mainly to collectors, at $3.00 each. Response was poor with only 10000 of each date sold of the 30,000 minted. The 1916 issue is more common than the scarcer, more valuable, 1917 coins. Dangerous conterfeits exist for both dates but can usually be distinguished by their shoddy workmanship and lack of detail. Proofs exists for both dates and should not be confused with proof-like business strikes. As with all gold commemoratives authentication by a third party grading sevice should be obtained before purchase.

Ron Guth

In early 1916, Congress passed a law calling for the issuance of 100,000 gold dollars to be sold as souvenirs for $3 apiece to raise money for a memorial to the martyred President William McKinley in Niles, Ohio.  Despite the lofty goals, only 20,026 pieces were struck in August and October 1916.  The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association sold an estimated 8,000 pieces to the public, approximately 7,000 to Texas dealer B. Max Mehl (at reduced prices), and the rest were returned to the Mint and destroyed.  Thus, the total number of 1916 McKinley Dollars that made it into the hands of the public is an estimated 15,000 pieces. 

Virtually all of the known examples are Mint State, though a few "escaped" into circulation or were made into jewelry.  As a result, the survival rate is extremely high.  PCGS alone has certified over four thousand examples, the bulk of which grade out at MS64.  Gems are common and even MS67 pieces are plentiful enough (but pricey).