Owner Comments:
THIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY EXAMPLE GRADED BY NGC OF THIS TYPE THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN A RED/BROWN STATUS IN THE CENSUS. ALL OTHERS IN THE CENSUS HAVE NO COLOR DESIGNATION. THIS EXAMPLE APPEARS TO BE VERY CLOSE TO MS 65 IN MY AND OTHER COLLECTOR'S OPINIONS.
JEFF SHEVLIN HAS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THIS TYPE GRADED MS 64 LISTED FOR SALE ON HIS WEBSITE FOR $365.00.
Purpose: To celebrate opening of Panama Canal; to commemorate 400th anniversary of discovery of Pacific Ocean; to celebrate rebuilding of San Francisco following 1906 earthquake and fire.
Official Medals authorized by Congress; struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds. Contest conducted for design; $1,000 awarded to winner, Robert Aitken, sculptor. Sold by Department of Official Coins and Medals; Farran Zerbe, chief; Silver (.890 fine) for $1; Bronze and Gilt for 25 cents and 50 cents, respectively.
This official medal celebrates the opening of the Panama Canal. Winged Mercury opens the Canal locks with the ship Argo, the symbol of navigation, passing through the locks. Two females are shown on the reverse representing the two hemispheres entwined around earth holding cornucopias. Designed by Robert Aitken, who also designed the official $50 round gold and $50 octagonal gold PPIE commemorative coins, the medal was authorized by Congress and struck in the U.S. Mint Exhibit at the Exposition.