Quote:I found a different prior thread of yours (
https://goccf.com/t/428492) talking about how this [symbolism on the Pan-Pac Expo $50 coins] was in the original bill with the idea being that the shape should be similar to the California $50 coin. Is there anything more to it than that though? Do you know if they thought that with that precedent from California, perhaps all $50 coins should be octagonal? Or was it something more than that?
My understanding is that the octagonal shape for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Gold Quintuple Eagle was specified as a direct commemorative tribute to the 1851-52 California $50 gold slugs of August Humbert and their role in California history - not that the 1850s piece set a precedent for the denomination.