1915-S Panama Pacific Gold Dollar PCGS MS66 - 1915-S Panama Pacific Commemorative, PCGS MS66. This Superb Gem Panama Pacific 1915-S gold dollar gleams with bright mint luster. The surfaces are original and clean with virtually no abrasion marks or other distractions. Not a hint of rub or friction is found on the high point of either side. The coin is well struck with full details on laborers cheek, ear, cap as well as the reverse devices. 

The coin was designed by Charles Keck as part of a set of coins that commemorated the opening of the Panama Canal and the rebirth of San Francisco after the earthquake and fire of 1906. The obverse depicts a close-up portrait of a typical laborer who helped to build the canal in profile facing left. The reverse motif is two dolphins around the denomination. The dolphins signify the linking of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by the canal. Although 25,000 coins were authorized, 15,000 were distributed, the rest being melted at the Mint in San Francisco. The coins were issued in envelopes that are quite rare today. They were also issued as part of various combinations of coins in sets.

Farran Zerbe, former President of the American Numismatic Association, oversaw the Expositions official Coin and Medal department and was largely responsible for the distribution of the coins.

The Panama Pacific Exposition was held in San Francisco in 1915. It had great economic importance for the city because of the great earthquake and fire. The expo did much to improve the spirit of the Bay Area and help San Francisco rebound. It ran from February 20th to December 4th, 1915 and was generally considered a huge success. The fair grounds are now the Marina District. The grounds were originally swamp land that was successfully pumped and filled. Piles were driven to support the buildings of the 1915 Exposition. 

The original price of the gold dollar was $2.00 or six for $10.00. Since counterfeits of this issue are common, only certified coins should be considered. (All USRCI coins are certified by one of the major grading services.)