1915 California Gold Quarter Token - X-Tn10

Coin Details

Auction Record

$695 MS63 04-09-2019 eBay

Description

The 1915 California Gold quarter, cataloged as X-Tn10, is another variety of small gold souvenir token from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition era. The existence of multiple X-Tn catalog numbers for California gold quarters dated 1915 — including X-Tn7, X-Tn10, and others — reflects the profusion of privately produced gold souvenirs created for the enormous San Francisco fair. The X-Tn10 variety is distinguished from other 1915 California gold quarters by specific design characteristics, die varieties, or manufacturing attributes identified during the systematic cataloging of territorial tokens. Different concessionaires and souvenir dealers at the Panama-Pacific Exposition contracted with separate manufacturers to produce their own versions of California gold tokens, resulting in the multiple identifiable types. The quarter denomination was among the most popular sizes for exposition gold souvenirs, as it combined genuine gold content with affordability — typically retailing for one to two dollars at the fair, providing a meaningful markup over the intrinsic gold value while remaining accessible to the general public. These small gold pieces were purchased in large quantities by fairgoers who wanted a tangible gold keepsake from their visit to the exposition celebrating San Francisco's rebirth and the opening of the Panama Canal.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Approximately 30-60 examples of the X-Tn10 variety survive. Multiple 1915 California gold quarter varieties compete for collector attention.

Cross References

PCGS #685853; HK X-Tn10 (California Territorial Token)