Q. David Bowers
Commemorating: Panama-Pacific International Exposition; the opening of the Panama Canal; and the rebirth of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire
Obverse motif: Portrait of "Labor" (laborer)
Reverse motif: Two dolphins
Authorization date: January 16, 1915
Date on coins: 1915
Date when coins were actually minted: 1915
Mint used: San Francisco
Maximum quantity authorized: 25,000
Total quantity minted (including assay coins): 25,034
Assay coins (included in above): 34
Quantity melted: 10,034, including 34 assay coins (melted at the San Francisco Mint on October 30, 1916)
Net number distributed: 15,000
Issued by: Coin and Medal Department (Farran Zerbe), Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, California
Standard original packaging: Imprinted paper envelopes (two varieties known); also included in three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece sets of different coins in velvet-lined leather cases; in five-piece and 10-piece sets mounted in a copper frame
Official sale price: $2 (a few at $2.25)
Designer of obverse and reverse: Charles Keck
Interesting fact: The Panama Canal laborer depicted on the obverse was widely mistaken for a baseball player.
(average market prices)
1920 MS-63 to 64 $ 3-$4
1925 MS-63 to 64 $4
1930 MS-63 to 64 $4
1935 Ms-63 to 64 $4.50
1936 (summer) MS-63 to 64 $6
1940 MS-63 to 64 $5
1945 MS-63 to 64 $7
1950 MS-63 to 64 $8
1955 MS-63 to 64 $30
1960 MS-60 to 63 $40
1965 MS-60 to 63 $90
1970 MS-60 to 63 $70
1975 MS-60 to 63 $350
1980 MS-60 to 63 $4,250
1985 MS-60 to 63 $1,400
1986 MS-60 $700, MS-63 $1,200, MS-64 $1,900, MS-65 $3,600
1990 (spring) MS-60 $600, MS-63 $1,750, MS-64 $3,500, MS-65 $6,500
1990 (December) MS-60 $560, MS-63 $1,100, MS-64 $2,250, MS-65 $5,200