1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific, Round MS(PCGS#7451)

November 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3211

等级

MS63

价格

611,934

详细说明

Beautiful Choice Mint State 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 Gold Accompanied by the Original Case 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50, Round, MS-63 (PCGS), with original leather case. Vivid medium gold patina and softly frosted luster blend over both sides of this gorgeous example. The reverse is smooth in hand, as typically noted for Mint State Panama-Pacific $50s, while the obverse exhibits just a trace of friction over and before Athena's cheek to define the grade. The in hand appearance of the latter side is actually quite smooth, especially relative to the MS-63 designation from PCGS, and this is certainly a premium quality Choice example that is sure to see spirited bidding. The obverse of this impressive type depicts Liberty as Athena with her helmet pitched up upon her head in the expected fashion of the Greeks, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above, and the denomination FIFTY DOLLARS below. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is located in the upper left field. For the reverse the designer, Robert Aitken, featured a large owl facing nearly forward, perched on a thick pine branch, with large pine cones below and in the background. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is tucked into the field behind the owl. Matching the obverse is a round band at the perimeter which notes the name and place of the Exposition. The octagonal pieces, but not their round counterparts, include an extra border with dolphins that symbolize the continuous waterway created by the opening of the Panama Canal. The round version of the Panama-Pacific Exposition $50s did not sell as well as the octagonal style at the time of issue in 1915, hence a greater percentage of the mintage was returned to the Mint for melting. In fact, of the 1,500 round examples struck, only 483 were distributed to contemporary collectors, which paltry total confirms this type as the rarest collectible U.S. Mint commemorative coin. A good number of those sold, perhaps the majority, went into non-numismatic hands and as a result, they are occasionally seen with quite a bit of handling. Among the survivors, an MS-63 is a very desirable grade as the quality and eye appeal are still superb, while the price tag is in reach of many more collectors than those few graded higher. A simply incredible example of this prized issue, featured in the popular reference 100 Greatest U.S. Coinsby Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth. This lot includes the original leather case that was distributed to an attendee at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, California who made the considerable financial investment (for the time) of $100 to obtain this $50 gold commemorative coins. The case is fully functional with the rear hinge still enclosed by the leather and the clasp a bit loose, yet still in working order. The top and sides of the case exhibit only light scuffing, although the base has considerable rubbing around the edges and a sizeable scrape at the upper left where the leather has been lost. Inside the case, the removable purple velvet insert that once secured the coin is missing, and the purple cloth is frayed and torn at the hinge. On the other hand, the inside of the top cover retains bold gold lettering to the inscription PANAMA-PACIFIC / INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION / 1915 - SAN FRANCISCO - U.S.A. / COMMEMORATIVE COINS / AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS / STRUCK AT SAN FRANCISCO MINT. The rare printed informational card that fits into the bottom of the case is also included, the paper tight and smooth but with light foxing and a few areas of minor discoloration (totally commensurate with age). A respectable example of a Panama-Pacific Exposition case, to be sure, and rarely offered together with the coin, as here. (Total: 1 coin; 1 case) Provenance: From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Earlier from our (Stack's) session of Auction '87, July-August 1987, lot 978. PCGS# 7451. NGC ID: BYLU. Click here for certification details from PCGS.