1915-S Panama Pacific Commemorative Half Dollar PCGS Certified MS63

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was a World’s fair held in San Francisco, California from February 20th to December 4th, 1915. Its official purpose was to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. However, it was widely seen as an opportunity to showcase the city’s extraordinary recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake. The United States government authorized the San Francisco Mint to produce a series of 5 spectacular commemorative coins, including a silver half dollar and four gold coins, to mark the occasion. The Panama-Pacific gold coins included round $1, $2.50, and $50 gold pieces, as well as a highly unusual and never before seen octagonal $50 gold piece. These coins were the first commemorative coins to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and were the first commemoratives ever struck at a branch mint outside of Philadelphia.

The half dollar’s obverse was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. It depicts Columbia, the female personification of the United States, scattering flowers from a cornucopia held by a cherub. Barber’s assistant George T. Morgan was selected to design the reverse, which features an eagle perched on top of the Union shield. To its left is an oak branch, symbolizing stability, and to the right is an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Today, the Panama Pacific coins are immensely popular, and the half dollar is sought after due to its relatively affordable price.

Offered here is a pleasant mint state example of the 1915-S Panama Pacific Commemorative Half Dollar coin commemorating one of the most impressive human engineering feats of the 20th century.

You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.