1915 California Gold Quarter Token - X-Tn7

Coin Details

Auction Record

$572 MS64 06-04-2021 eBay

Description

The 1915 California Gold quarter, cataloged as X-Tn7, is one of several small gold tokens produced in 1915, a year of exceptional numismatic activity in California due to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco from February 20 through December 4, 1915. The exposition celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and San Francisco's recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. The Panama-Pacific Exposition generated an extraordinary range of commemorative and souvenir numismatic items, from the official United States Mint commemorative coins (including the famous $50 round and octagonal gold pieces) to privately produced medals, tokens, and small gold souvenir pieces. The X-Tn7 California gold quarter represents one of the private souvenir gold tokens sold at or near the exposition, providing fairgoers with an affordable gold memento. The distinction between the multiple X-Tn numbered California gold tokens from 1915 (X-Tn7 through X-Tn11) reflects differences in design, manufacturer, or specific attribution. The proliferation of varieties in 1915 directly reflects the unprecedented commercial opportunity created by the Panama-Pacific Exposition's millions of visitors, many of whom desired gold souvenirs from their California visit.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The 1915 California gold tokens survive in moderate numbers due to the exposition's large attendance. Approximately 40-75 examples of the X-Tn7 variety exist.

Cross References

PCGS #704505; HK X-Tn7 (California Territorial Token)