Seldom Seen Selections: Top-Notch 1915-S Panama-Pacific Half

Heritage Auctions - The Panama-Pacific half dollar was the only silver commemorative issued in conjunction with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915; it was also the first silver commemorative struck at a branch mint (San Francisco). A mintage of 200,000 coins was authorized by Congress, but only 60,030 examples were actually struck, and even fewer (just 27,134 pieces) were ever distributed.



Unlike some commemorative issues, the Pan-Pac half dollar circulated very little, and the preponderance of examples are in the MS63-65 range. The issue becomes scarce at the Superb Gem level, and downright rare any higher. Our July 6-9 Long Beach auction features an example graded MS67+ by PCGS, a grade level surpassed by a mere five coins at both major grading services combined.

This beautifully preserved coin showcases concentric pastel rainbow toning on each side, underlying a faint light golden veneer. The strike is pleasing, and the eye appeal is top-notch. The combination of technical excellence and aesthetic appeal should appeal to the most discriminating collectors of classic commemoratives and deserves a strong bid.