Numismatic

1903 Gold $1.00 Louisiana Purchase McKinley MS-64 NGC

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In 1903, the United States issued a special gold dollar to mark the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. This commemorative issue features a solemn, left-facing portrait of President William McKinley on its obverse, a design crafted by Chief Engraver Charles Barber. The coin serves as a dual tribute, honoring both the massive territorial acquisition of 1803 and the recently assassinated president. The reverse of this delicate gold piece features an olive branch, symbolizing peace, alongside the dual dates of 1803 to 1903. Despite an initial production of 17,500 pieces, many of these coins were later melted down, making surviving specimens particularly notable for historians and enthusiasts. This specific example has been preserved in a high-quality certified state, graded as Mint State 64 (MS-64), which highlights the fine details of Barber's engraving.