1915 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-1967, Pan Pacific

Coin Details

Description

The third primary-numbered Pan-Pacific dollar pattern, completing the trio of independently cataloged dollar design proposals created for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Judd-1967 represents yet another approach to the commemorative dollar denomination, and the production of three distinct primary-numbered dollar patterns (plus the eleven sub-varieties of J-1793a and two of J-1793b) reveals the depth of consideration given to a denomination that was ultimately excluded from the authorized commemorative series. The San Francisco Mint, which struck the production Pan-Pacific commemoratives, was itself a symbol of the city's resilience — the Old Mint at Fifth and Mission Streets had survived the 1906 earthquake virtually intact and continued operations throughout the disaster, safeguarding $200 million in gold reserves. The commemorative coinage produced there in 1915 included 15,000 half dollars, 15,000 gold dollars, 6,749 quarter eagles, 1,510 round $50 pieces, and 1,500 octagonal $50 pieces. The low mintages of the $50 pieces made them instant rarities and established a model for premium-priced commemorative coinage. J-1967 documents a dollar design that, had it been authorized, would have expanded this landmark program to six denominations and provided collectors with a silver-denomination option between the half dollar and the gold issues.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). Pan-Pacific dollar patterns are highly coveted, with very few specimens known.

Cross References

Judd J-1967, Pollock P-2159