Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Commemorative Gold
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal AU55 PCGS. The octagonal version of the Pan-Pac fifty dollar gold piece was more popular with collectors and buyers at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco in 1915, where the coins were distributed to the public. Of the 1,500 pieces struck, 645 were sold; compared to only 483 of the round counterpart. The size and shape were reminiscent of the Assay Office "slugs" of the Gold Rush period, which were also coined in San Francisco. If collectors in 1915 were only able to purchase one of these hefty gold commemoratives, it is easy to see why the octagonal version was, more often than not, the ideal choice.
Some octagonal Pan-Pac fifties were mishandled or carried as pocket pieces for a short period of time, resulting in light wear. These coins are rare today, as most examples remain in Mint State (and are prohibitively expensive), and they are highly appealing to budget-conscious collectors who seek a problem-free coin. The present Choice AU representative is a highlight among circulated pieces, showing lustrous, satiny orange-gold surfaces and almost no evidence of wear. The strike is sharp, and eye appeal is outstanding. Housed in a green label holder.
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal AU55 PCGS. The octagonal version of the Pan-Pac fifty dollar gold piece was more popular with collectors and buyers at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco in 1915, where the coins were distributed to the public. Of the 1,500 pieces struck, 645 were sold; compared to only 483 of the round counterpart. The size and shape were reminiscent of the Assay Office "slugs" of the Gold Rush period, which were also coined in San Francisco. If collectors in 1915 were only able to purchase one of these hefty gold commemoratives, it is easy to see why the octagonal version was, more often than not, the ideal choice.
Some octagonal Pan-Pac fifties were mishandled or carried as pocket pieces for a short period of time, resulting in light wear. These coins are rare today, as most examples remain in Mint State (and are prohibitively expensive), and they are highly appealing to budget-conscious collectors who seek a problem-free coin. The present Choice AU representative is a highlight among circulated pieces, showing lustrous, satiny orange-gold surfaces and almost no evidence of wear. The strike is sharp, and eye appeal is outstanding. Housed in a green label holder.