1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Quarter Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).

A boldly struck, carefully preserved Gem to represent this key date issue in the classic commemorative series. Lustrous with a softly frosted finish that blends nicely with golden-rose patina. Struck to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal, the Panama-Pacific commemoratives are among the most beautifully designed and allegorical of any American numismatic item. The obverse of the quarter eagle, designed by Charles Barber, features the mythological creature the Hippocampus, a half horse, half fish being associated with Poseidon, God of the Sea. On his back rides a female figure of Columbia, holding a caduceus. This represents the U.S. dominance over the sea, as well as acknowledging the medical marvel of curing Yellow Fever, which claimed many lives during the construction of the canal. George Morgan designed the reverse, bringing use of his "defiant eagle" motif that was used on some of his pattern coins of the late 1870s.

PCGS# 7450. NGC ID: BYLP.

Estimate: $4500