Numismatic

1903 Gold $1.00 Louisiana Purchase Jefferson MS-65 NGC (CAC)

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In 1903, the United States minted a special gold dollar to mark a monumental territorial expansion. This coin contains 0.0483 troy ounces of gold, struck with a purity of 0.900. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, who was president during the original 1803 acquisition. The reverse of the coin features an olive branch alongside the dual dates of 1803 to 1903, marking the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. Although 17,500 of these gold pieces were originally produced, many of them were later melted down, making surviving specimens particularly notable today. When first released, these coins sold for three dollars each. Because of their small size, they were often distributed in unique ways, including being mounted in stick pins, placed inside spoons, or housed in simple cardboard boxes. This certified Mint State 65 specimen offers a remarkable look at a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history.