Spencer Collection of So Called Dollars
HK-705 BR, Northampton Tercentenniary


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description: SC$1 1915 CA HK-401 PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION OFFICIAL MEDAL
Grade: NGC MS 64
Owner: Spencer Collection
 
Set Category: Token & Medals
Set Name: Spencer Collection of So Called Dollars
Slot Name: HK-705 BR, Northampton Tercentenniary
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Medal, 1915, Gilt Gold Plated Variety, PANAMA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Official Medal, San Francisco, So Called Dollar HK-401 Gold Plated Variety (less than 10% of this issue were gold plated), NGC MS64, Cert# 1786295-005. Issued to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. On the obverse, a winged Mercury opens the Canal locks, through which passes Argo, symbol of navigation, setting sun reflecting on her sails. Rv. Two entwined females, representing the two hemispheres, the world between, and females are holding cornucopias. 38.1 mm. Gilt Gold. R-4 for type, but much rarer for Gold Gilt Variety. See Article by Jeff Shevlin and Numismatist. Additional Info: Official U. S. Mint souvenir medallion from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, HK401, struck in Gold-plated Bronze. There is considerable discussion and confusion over the various finishes in which this type was available. This is listed in HK as “Gilt”; per Jeff Shevlin’s newer research (please see his website for further details), this is the type struck in Bronze and Gold plated. This clearly shows the typical buttery-yellow surfaces of a gold-plated as opposed to “fire gilt” medal/medallion. it is not known who actually did the gold plating and Jeff Shevlin is mute on the subject (probably saving what he knows for his upcoming book!). Farran Zerbe had the concession at the PPIE for these, although they were struck by the U. S. Mint in San Francisco. It is possible that the plating was done by a commercial jewelry firm such as Shreve & Company rather than the Mint. When this example is held next to the HK-400, you can clearly see that the HK-400 is rose or pink gilt, while this looks like a gold coin. Ex Alex Pancheco Collection, Earlier Heritage Long Beach Medals and Tokens Auction, 2/14/2008, Lot 81155.

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