1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Five-Piece Set
with complete, original documentation and set presentation intact from its purchase
from the exposition's Coin and Medal Department in 1915.
A complete, five-piece set of the coins issued to commemorate the Panama-Pacific
International Exposition in 1915 was certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
(NGC). Consisting of the silver half dollar, the gold dollar, quarter eagle and
both the round and octagonal 50-dollar pieces, this fabulous set is completely original,
having been kept intact since it was purchased from the Exposition's Coin and Medal
Department in 1915.
The set includes its presentation box, which is white with gold lettering on the
cover reading: PANAMA-PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION COMMEMORATIVE COINS 1915
SAN FRANCISCO, USA.
Inside is a black, velvet-lined tray with individual depressions in which each of
the five coins were formerly housed until being graded and encapsulated by NGC.
The tray is framed in metal, and a purple label with gold lettering that describes
the respective coin accompanies each of its depressions. Adding to the rarity and
desirability of this set is its original bill of sale and subsequent documentation
tracing its pedigree through just two owners.
Because they've been protected within this case for more than 80 years, since being
struck by the San Francisco Mint, each of these coins is in extraordinary condition
and displays bright, satiny luster.
1915-S HALF DOLLAR, NGC MS-66
NGC has graded the 1915-S silver half dollar MS-66. Richly toned, this lovely coin
is of the variety featuring a distinctly re-punched mintmark, Breen-7432.
1915-S GOLD DOLLAR, NGC MS-67
The gold dollar grades an amazing MS-67.
1915-S GOLD QUARTER EAGLE, NGC MS-66
The quarter eagle merited an impressive grade of MS-66.
1915-S $50 GOLD, MS-66
Rarest of all the Panama-Pacific coins, especially in high grades, are the massive
50-dollar pieces. The specimens included in this set are both gems. The round edition,
of which just 483 were issued, is one of the finest certified by NGC. The distinctive
octagonal specimen, with a net mintage of only 645 pieces, was certified by NGC
as MS-65.
This wonderful, original set was purchased at the issue price of $200 by an Oswego,
Kansas resident named Robert O. Deming. The sale was recorded on the Coin and Medal
Department's invoice number 565, dated July 29, 1915 and signed by the department's
chief, famed numismatist and hobby promoter Farran Zerbe. The set was later acquired
by its most recent owner from famed Texas dealer B. Max Mehl, who had just bought
it from the original purchaser's son. In a letter dated June 8, 1940, Mehl informed
the prospective buyer of this set's availability at a price of $575.
In examining this set you will find the original purchase order, proving that this
set has never changed hands since its original purchase in 1915. I secured it direct
from the son of the original owner. As you know, these sets in cases have sold up
to $650.00, and I have seen one advertised at as much as $750.00. This is the cheapest
price I have ever sold a set for at private sale, but I have just bought it and
am willing to turn it for a very small margin. But if for any reason you do not
care for it, do not hesitate to return it at my expense.
Mehl remarked on the invoice, "Very rare, as only about twenty-five (25) such sets
were made and sold." The sale was in fact consummated, and this set was held by
the collector until very recently, when it was sold to Rare Coin Company of America
(Rarcoa). The proceeds of this sale have been donated by the set's former owner
to a college of his choosing.
Speaking for Rarcoa, President Ed Milas remarked: "In my 40 years in the coin business,
I've very rarely seen a set like this that's so original and well documented. Its
condition and the fact that this set has had so few owners is something I seldom
encounter these days. I'm really pleased that I had the chance to handle an original
Pan-Pac set of this quality."
NGC President Mark Salzberg was equally enthusiastic about the set: "This spectacular,
original Pan-PAC set brings together stunning beauty and outstanding condition.
It's a treat to see coins like these individually, but in an original set with full
documentation this is a truly inspiring reminder of why we collect coins."
