One (1) 50 dollar coin, Panama-Pacific International Exposition
United States, 1915
Obverse Image: Bust of Minerva/Athena facing left.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIFTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / MCMXV
Reverse Image: Owl perched on pinecones.
Reverse Text: PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION / SAN FRANCISCO / E PLURIBUS UNUM
On this octagonal version, there are eight small dolphins at the eight points of the octagon. Designed by Robert Aitken, these coins were part of an elaborate attempt to raise money for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, held in San Francisco between February and December 1915. In turn, the exposition was intended to celebrate the completion and opening of the Panama Canal in the previous year. The dolphins were on both sides of this octagonal version because they were friendly companions of the vessels making the trip from one ocean to another, via the new Isthmian waterway.
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