A 1915-S Panama-Pacific octagonal $50 gold piece — deemed by some to be the most beautiful design in the long line of commemorative coinage that began in 1892 — will be a focal point of bidding activity and an anchor to our exciting February 2015 Americana Sale to be held in New York City. This beauty is from the Stephen Winthrop Collection, one of several collections highlighted in the sale catalog. Graded MS-64 by PCGS, this beautiful design type by Robert Aitken features a bust of Athena (or Minerva if you prefer Roman mythology over the Greek) in full warrior regalia with a protective shield and a plumed helmet. The reverse features Athena’s familiar, the wise old owl, the symbol of ancient Athens. Dolphins representing freedom of the seas are seen in each of the eight angles at the rim on both sides. Slightly more than 1,500 examples of this octagonal delight were produced, a figure that included pieces for assay. Only 645 examples of the octagonal format were sold at the Exposition, and the rest were melted later in 1915 or early in 1916. To see the Aitken design in full mint bloom as offered in the 2015 Americana sale is a rare treat. To own an example equal to the one in our sale is the dream of many numismatists, and if you are quick to act and resolute in your bidding activity, you may be the next owner of this beautiful and impressive gold commemorative coin.
