1903 G$1 LA Purchase, McKinley, CAM PR(PCGS#87483)

1903 G$1 LA Purchase, McKinley, CAM PR (PCGS#87483)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: A remarkable offering, both the Jefferson and McKinley Portrait Louisiana Purchase Exposition gold dollars are highly regarded rarities in Proof format. This is a beautiful coin, deeply mirrored in the fields, softly frosted on the motifs, and dressed in vivid deep orange-gold color. A trivial planchet flake (as made) on the reverse off the upper left of the digit 9 in the date serves as a useful provenance market in the virtual absence of handling marks or other blemishes.<p>The Mint produced 100 Proof Louisiana Purchase Exposition gold dollars each of the Jefferson and McKinley types. Delivered as they were before the circulation strikes, these specially prepared and distributed specimens are technically the first official gold commemorative coins produced by the United States Mint (discounting the 1848 CAL. quarter eagle, although a case can certainly be made for that issue's commemorative status). These coins were issued in frames with certificates attesting to the fact that they were among the first 100 pieces struck from the dies (although the frame and certificate no longer accompany the present example). Obviously an elusive coin given the limited mintage, this impressive specimen of the McKinley Portrait design type will serve as a highlight in an advanced cabinet.