1915-S Pan-Pac $1 PCGS MS64

Introduction

The 1915-S Panama-Pacific $1 Gold Commemorative represents a landmark issue in early 20th-century American coinage and a beautifully preserved example of classic U.S. commemorative gold. Graded PCGS MS64, this coin displays strong luster, sharp design definition, and excellent overall eye appeal for the type. Struck in limited numbers for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it remains one of the most historically significant and widely collected small-denomination U.S. gold issues.

History

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held in San Francisco in 1915 to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal and to showcase the city’s recovery following the devastating 1906 earthquake. The United States Mint issued a special series of commemorative coins for the event, including the $1 gold piece struck at the San Francisco Mint. With a mintage of just 15,000 coins, this issue reflects both national pride and a pivotal moment in American industrial and global expansion. Surviving examples in higher Mint State grades are increasingly scarce and actively sought by collectors of early commemoratives.

Design

The obverse was designed by Charles Keck and features a classical depiction of Liberty facing left, rendered in a bold and sculptural style characteristic of early 20th-century commemorative gold coinage. The reverse depicts two dolphins encircling the denomination “ONE DOLLAR,” symbolizing the connection of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Panama Canal.