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 Replies: 12 / Views: 891 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12253 Posts |
Every so often, someone makes a post asking "What's Your Favorite Commemorative?" The results typically favor the 1926-39 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar. It's hard to argue against the choice as James Earle Fraser and his wife Laura Gardin Fraser - each a very talented artist/sculptor - teamed up to produce an outstanding design. Here, I ask a slightly different question: "What's Your Favorite Commemorative Gold Dollar?" (Note: I purposely chose to restrict the question to Gold One Dollar coins to avoid having the size/weight of the Gold Quintuple Eagles ($50) of the Panama Pacific International Exposition dominate the discussion. I wanted to create a level playing field so to speak.)My favorite is the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Gold Dollar. For me, its design appears more "alive," natural and approachable. Many of the designs of the other gold dollars strike me as being a bit sterile and too matter-of-fact. I find the Pan-Pac coin's design to be much more inviting. And the somewhat whimsical depiction of dolphins on the reverse certainly helps, IMO. 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Gold Dollar  From a previous post of mine about the coin: "Among the designs used on the various coins issued on behalf of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, I've long believed the design on the Gold Dollar by Charles Keck to be a strong, modern design that "put a human face" on the incredibly immense and complex construction project that was the building of the Panama Canal. Its obverse depiction of a canal worker, wearing a cap, as a symbolic representation of "Labor" worked for me." What's your favorite Gold Dollar from the classic era? Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
I'm voting with you @commems. I believe the Panama Pacific gold dollar represents the high point in classic commemorative gold coin design.
I believe the Charles Keck design on this small coin is much improved by having the freedom to not include the modern statutory mottos "Liberty", "In God We Trust" and "Pluribus Unum". There would have been no room for anything else.
Although my collection does not include gold commemoratives of any denomination - my first two purchases someday would be the Gold $1 and $2.50 from the Panama Pacific Exposition.
In addition IMO to be handsome designs - the issues would also be cousins to my nearly complete SCD collection from the same Exposition.
Edited by nickelsearcher
11/05/2023 09:02 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I'd have to second that. My favorite silver commem is the Connecticut by far, with dynamite designs on both sides.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5603 Posts |
Excellent Topic COMMEMS, I Agree, To a Degree, The " Obverse " Of The 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Gold Dollar's Design has Always Led the way, as far as My Opinion as to the " Favorite " Classical Era Commemmoratives Designs and Over-All Details.......  The Reverse is Another Topic all together. Bland, Boring, Very Blah.... PS, The Connecticut 1935 Tercentenary Reverse, The Charter Oak, Steals the Prize And Naming a Favorite during The Classic Era Commemoratives, Is a Very Difficult Task, The Talent given, Awesome.........  |
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Moderator
United States
187654 Posts |
Very nice choice!  I do not qualify since I have no gold in my collection.  |
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
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I do not qualify since I have no gold in my collection. C'mon jbuck - you're dodging the question. The only gold I have is in a few crowns, but I do have an internet account and can views images to make a choice. So - what's your choice? |
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Moderator
United States
187654 Posts |
Quote:
So - what's your choice? Let me do some research...  |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12253 Posts |
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The Reverse is Another Topic all together. Bland, Boring, Very Blah.... @morgans dad: Fair enough. Which reverse design is your preference? Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems
11/07/2023 09:24 am
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Moderator
United States
187654 Posts |
So how little did I know about these classic commemorative gold dollars? They are the same size the silver Three Cents coin!  If see there are five designs from which to choose, so I chose the Lewis & Clark Exposition. A two headed coin from the mint? Who would not love that! Also, when I was in grade school I lived in Clarkston, WA which is across the Snake River from Lewiston, Idaho. I may have mentioned that a few times in the past. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3634 Posts |
I'd have to agree with you on this, commems. My 2nd choice would probably be the Grant $1. I've always liked the design, even on the small canvas of a $1 gold piece.
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
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I chose the Lewis & Clark Exposition Hooray - jbuck joins the party with a solid choice. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Moderator
United States
187654 Posts |
Quote:
Hooray - jbuck joins the party with a solid choice. |
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New Member
United States
28 Posts |
I'd have to go with the Jefferson/Louisiana Purchase Expo dollar. I really like the older-fashioned bust of Jefferson over the ones on modern nickels. The reverse is also not too busy, and contains the olive branch reminiscent of the peace medals concept.
For novelty, I like the Lewis/Clark dollar since you can never lose a coin flip so long as you call heads!
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Replies: 12 / Views: 891 |
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Posted 11/05/2023 11:02 am
