Lucky Digger Makes a Gold Strike

Question: About two years ago I quite literally “dug up” a 1915-S Panama-Pacific commemorative $2 1/2 gold piece while replacing the wooden dividers in a concrete patio. I do not know how to estimate the mint state of a coin but it is covered with fine scratches. Features of the coin are otherwise fairly sharp. Since relatively few of these were minted, could you estimate the value or range of values that this coin might have?--L.J.A.

Answer: How your Panama-Pacific quarter eagle found its way to your patio might be more interesting than the story the coin itself has to tell. The Panama-Pacific Exhibition in San Francisco in 1915 was marked by three very desirable gold coins: $1, $2 1/2 and $50. All are low-mintage pieces, but surprisingly the $2 1/2 has the lowest mintage of all, just 6,749.

These commemorative coins take on some added meaning now that Panama is so much in the news. The design of the $2 1/2, curiously, has a hippocampus on the obverse, supposedly symbolizing commerce through the Panama Canal, with a woman holding a caduceus, symbolizing the battle against malaria and yellow fever during construction. The reverse depicts a rather defiant eagle--almost prophetic, considering recent events.

Your coin will undoubtedly prove to be a lucky find. From the description, if it has not been damaged, it is probably in the $300-to $500-range. Uncirculated specimens are worth $2,500 and up.

Coin News

The 70th anniversary of the Save the Children Fund is being marked by a series of commemorative coins from around the world. About 18 countries will issue silver coins and 10 countries gold coins, all struck by the British Royal Mint. Royalties will help the fund’s worldwide relief and welfare activists.

Participating countries so far include Botswana, Gambia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Nepal, Oman and Sierra Leone, in gold and silver. Coins from the Cayman Islands, Mongolia, Zambia (pictured), Falkland Islands and the Philippines are in silver only. Of the gold coins, 3,000 22-karat gold proof coins at $395 each will be issued from each country; of the silver coins, 20,000 sterling silver proofs at $49.50 each. To order, contact the British Royal Mint, P.O. Box 2570, Woodside, N.Y. 11377-9864; telephone (800) 221-1215.

The American Numismatic Assn. is seeking donations for its Young Numismatist Scholarships. Each year, the ANA offers 15 scholarships for collectors between 12 and 17 to attend a weeklong conference in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 22nd annual conference will be July 8-14, with each $1,000 contributed providing air fare, tuition and room and board for one young numismatist. To contribute, contact the Young Numismatist Fund, ANA Educational Services, 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903-3279; telephone (800) 367-9723.

More than 1,500 coins will be auctioned March 13 and 14 in New York, including a rare 1892 proof quarter eagle (only 105 specimens struck). The auction will be followed March 15 by the sale of the James A. Stack Sr. Collection of United States Paper Money. Catalogues are available from Stack’s, 123 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y. 10019; telephone (212) 582-2580.