Commems Collection Classic: 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition - So-Called Dollar

Here's one of my commemorative medals (aka So-Called Dollars) struck by the US Mint in support of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

This is the bronze version; silver and gold-plated bronze versions were also available. (I'll try to dig those out and post them as well.)

On the obverse is seen the figure of Winged Mercury, the swift messenger of Greek mythology, symbolically opening the locks of the newly-completed Panama Canal to allow Argo the swift and magical sailing ship of Greek mythology to pass. The Argo carried Jason and the Argonauts on their voyage to obtain the fabled Golden Fleece. On the medal, the Argo was meant to represent the swift sea travel now possible via the Canal.

The reverse design features two female figures that are meant to symbolize the East and West Hemispheres. They are depicted sharing full cornucopias with the earth behind them showing North and South America. Below the figures is seen a seagull, a common bird of the Canal Zone.

The medal was design by Robert Aitken, who also created the designs for the Panama-Pacific gold $50 coins.