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Panama-Pacific Exposition Gold $50 Coins

Commemorative Coins
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1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Obverse (Octagonal) 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Obverse (Octagonal)
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1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Reverse (Octagonal) 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Reverse (Octagonal)
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1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Obverse (Round) 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Obverse (Round)
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1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Reverse (Round) 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo 50 Dollar Gold Reverse (Round)
Year of Issue

1915

Authorizing Legislation

Public Law 63-233

Background

The Panama-Pacific Exposition Gold $50 coin was released in 1915 to commemorate the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Exposition was held in San Francisco and celebrated the successful completion of the Panama Canal.

Recipient Organization

Proceeds from sales of the coins went to offset the costs of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco.

Characteristics

The obverse design of this unique octagonal coin features a profile image of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, skill, contemplation, spinning, weaving, and agriculture and horticulture.

The reverse features an owl, sacred to Minerva and the symbol of wisdom, perched upon a branch of western pine. Dolphins encircle the central field, suggesting the uninterrupted water route made possible by the Panama Canal.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • FIFTY DOLLARS
  • IN GOD WE TRUST
  • MCMXV

Reverse Inscriptions

  • PANAMA PACIFIC EXPOSITION
  • SAN FRANCISCO
  • E PLURIBUS UNUM

Mint and Mint Mark

Artist Credits