1915-S 50C Panama-Pacific MS(PCGS#9357)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Commissaire-priseur

Stack's Bowers

Numéro du lot

8635

Grade

MS67

Prix

6 600

Description du lot

A captivating Superb Gem with halos of intense steel-blue and reddish-golden peripheral toning on the obverse and reverse. The centers on both sides brilliant apart from delicate golden-gray overtones. To celebrate San Francisco's recovery from a massive earthquake and devastating fires, along with the opening of the Panama Canal, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held in 1915 to great fanfare. As part of the celebrations, the Mint was authorized by the Act of June 16, 1915, to issue a series of commemorative coins from the half dollar all the way up to two $50 gold pieces. For the half dollar, Chief Engraver Charles Barber designed the obverse while his assistant George Morgan was tasked with creating the reverse. Up to 200,000 half dollars were authorized to be produced at the San Francisco Mint, but only 60,030 were actually coined, with 30 reserved for the annual assay. Ultimately, only 27,134 were sold at $1 apiece or 6 for $5, and the balance of 32,866 pieces were melted. Most examples are Mint State, though a few did see some brief time in circulation. Gem specimens are scarce and are eagerly sought, especially since the toning and surfaces can be of somewhat variable quality. This solidly graded MS-67 is surely among the most desirable survivors, with only a handful graded finer by PCGS.