Description
United States of America, Silver Half Dollar, 1915 S, Panama-Pacific Exposition commemorative issue, San Francisco mint. Obverse: Columbia stands facing to the left, raising each hand scattering fruits and flowers, cherub stands to her right holding a cornucopia aloft; radiant sun and Golden Gate to lower left background, date in exergue, legend surrounds, “PANAMA – PACIFIC EXPOSITION”. Reverse: American Eagle with wings outstretched sits perched on the Shield (from the Great Seal), oak and olive branch to fied either side, motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above, country surrounds above, denomination surrounds below. KM-135. Certified and graded by PCGS as Mint State 64 (48442515). Lightly toned and with very sharp detail, better in hand.
“Legislation authorizing the production of souvenir coinage for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition was signed by President Wilson on January 16, 1915, just one month before the fair was set to open. The law stipulated that up to 200,000 silver half dollars could be sold, and that they could be struck either at the San Francisco Mint or at the Mint’s exhibit in the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy. The silver halves could be melted and restruck ad infinitum for the purposes of keeping the Mint’s display in continual operation, provided that no more than the authorized total was sold. Overproduction was not an issue. The silver half dollars were the most affordable official souvenir coin issued by the Mint, costing $1 each or five for $6, yet sales were disappointing. Of the 60,030 coins struck, including 30 pieces for assay, only 27,134 examples were distributed.” (Heritage Auctions)
