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50 Dollars, Panama-Pacific International Exposition, United States, 1915

National Museum of American History
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Object Details

U.S. Mint, San Francisco
designer
Aitken, Robert
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar coin, Panama-Pacific International Exposition
United States, 1915
Obverse Image: Bust of Minerva/Athena facing left.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIFTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / MCMXV
Reverse Image: Owl perched on pinecones.
Reverse Text: PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION / SAN FRANCISCO / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
On this octagonal version, there are eight small dolphins at the eight points of the octagon. Designed by Robert Aitken, these coins were part of an elaborate attempt to raise money for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, held in San Francisco between February and December 1915. In turn, the exposition was intended to celebrate the completion and opening of the Panama Canal in the previous year. The dolphins were on both sides of this octagonal version because they were friendly companions of the vessels making the trip from one ocean to another, via the new Isthmian waterway.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Chase Manhattan
1915
ID Number
1979.1263.01162
catalog number
1979.1263.01162
accession number
1979.1263
Object Name
coin
coin, commemorative
Physical Description
gold (overall metal)
octagonal (overall shape)
0 (overall die axis measurement)
struck (overall production method)
Measurements
overall: .2 cm x 4.5 cm; 3/32 in x 1 25/32 in
place of issue
United States
Related Publication
Glossary of Coins and Currency Terms
Related Web Publication
http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins/glossary.cfm
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Coins, Currency and Medals
National Museum of American History
related event
Panama-Pacific International Exposition
Record ID
nmah_1103658
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-72de-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • National Numismatic Collection:Introduction

    American History Museum
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