Just when you thought our iAuction events couldn’t get any better, we offer one of the most popular – and beautiful – of all American coinage rarities, the 1915-S (or MCMXV-S for the purists) Panama-Pacific $50 gold “slug” in the octagonal format. Only 1,509 examples of this prized issue were struck, a figure that included nine examples struck for assay purposes which were no doubt melted soon after they had been assayed. Of the 1,500 pieces available at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, just 645 pieces were sold, the rest were melted after the Exposition had run its course. The number sold of the octagonal format pieces was greater than the number of round examples sold, as the octagonal shape of the planchets was a new concept in American coinage. The issue was designed by Robert Aitken, who also designed the 1921 Missouri Centennial half dollar and the 1935-S and 1936-D California-Pacific International Exposition – better known as the San Diego – half dollars. Choice MS-64 Pan-Pac $50 “slugs” are eagerly sought in all grades, and the usual venue for a classic rarity such as this might be in one of our Rarities Night sales. However, we have the utmost confidence that our iAuctions bidders will rise to the task and that this gorgeous opportunity won’t be missed. In fact, we expect a near-record price for a coin of this quality and rarity, so plan your bidding accordingly. And lastly, thank you for being among the smart collectors who turn to our iAuction events for their rare coin wants and needs.
