Whitman Expo
1903 McKinley - Louisiana Purchase Gold dollar MS Values
Details
Marking the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, the 1903 McKinley gold commemorative dollar honors the president just months before he was assassinated signed legislation to fund the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. The 1904 Louisiana Exposition was the place where these gold dollars and the similar 1903 Jefferson gold dollars were sold for $3 each. Interestingly it became the first United States coin to bear the image of a martyred president, coming six years before the Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to honor the slain 16th president.
The McKinley gold dollar, designed by Charles E. Barber, was mostly saved as a numismatic souvenir of the fair and most known specimen survive in Mint State grades. The majority fall in the MS62-66, while MS67s are highly scarce, and MS68s are very rare. Many examples showcase decent luster and overall nice eye appeal.
This coin is made of Gold and has a current melt value of $221.89
Obverse: Portrait of William McKinley with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.
Reverse: The words LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, ONE DOLLAR, 1803-1903, ST. LOUIS are printed with an olive branch.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
17,500
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1903–1926
Composition:
Gold
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
McKinley - Louisiana Purchase
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
1.672 gr
Weight:
0.0538 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.04837 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
15 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Charles Barber
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Obverse Designer:
Charles Barber
Reverse Lettering:
LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, ONE DOLLAR, 1803-1903, ST. LOUIS
Reverse Designer:
Charles Barber
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