On June 15, 1915, there was a special ceremony held at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, California.  At that time San Francisco Mint superintendent T. W. H. Shanahan struck the first Octagonal $50 gold coin and presented it to Charles C. Moore, the President of the Panama-Pacific Exposition.  This coin was then added to the first Panama-Pacific Round $50 gold coin that had been delivered three days earlier, plus the first struck examples of the Pan-Pac $2 1/2 gold, $1 Gold, and half dollar.

The five coins were presented to Mr. Moore on December 30, 1915, in a specially made leather box created by Shreve & Co.  The box is different from any others made for the occasion.  Mr. Moore kept the set until his death, when it was given to the University of California at Berkeley along with other items from his estate.

The set remained with the university until 1958 when San Francisco rare coin dealer Earl Parker traded some rare documents that the university wanted for the set.  Since that time the set has graced several major collections and been owned by six different coin dealers, some of whom have owned the set more than once.  Since 1989 the set has been in the holdings of a prominent collector until it was acquired for this sale.

The set includes:

Panama-Pacific Half Dollar, PCGS MS-65.  An original gem, with brilliant centers and a medium-dark patina about the periphery of the obverse and reverse.  As is true with every coin in this set, there is absolutely no evidence of die wear.  Of course, there wouldn't be, as this is the number one coin struck!

Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar, PCGS MS-65.  A glittering gem in full brilliance.

Panama-Pacific $2 1/2 Gold, PCGS MS-64.  A borderline gem.  Over the years this coin has acquired a tiny patch of hairlines in the right obverse field and a couple of superficial scratches on the reverse.  The scratches are so light, in fact, that they barely break the luster.

Panama-Pacific $50 Gold Round, PCGS MS-63.  Choice, satiny, and absolutely beautiful!  Free of contact marks or other abrasions, superbly struck (as expected) and with a great look to it.  There are a few minor hairlines that keep the coin from a higher grade, but the overall appearance and appeal of the coin are fantastic.

Panama-Pacific $50 Gold Octagonal, PCGS MS-62.  This coin barely misses the choice category.  Once again, there are zero contact marks on the coin, but there are minor hairlines from a long-ago cleaning and a minor scratch on the lower portion of the owl.  There is a picture of this very coin on page 289 of the August 1915, issue of "The Numismatist."  The coin is being held (with pincers) as it is delivered from Shanahan to Moore.  A copy of that issue is included with this lot.

The Custom-Made Leather Box.  The box is a numismatic prize in itself!  On the outside is stamped, in gold, the name "Charles C. Moore."  On the inside of the box is a velvet-lined area made to hold the five coins.  Below that is a 14K gold mini-plaque that states:  "These five coins are certified by the Director of the Mint to be the first struck in each of their respective denominations in commemoration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.  Pursuant to the Act of Congress Approved January 16, 1915."  The inside lid contains a much large plaque, also in 14K gold.  The plaque reads, in part:  "Presented to Charles C. Moore in appreciative recognition of his inestimable services as President of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition San Francisco 1915."  The plaque is signed by the Governor of California, the Mayor of San Francisco, and eight other notables of the day.  It is dated "December Thirtieth Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen."

Other items in the lot in addition to the copy of "The Numismatist" mentioned earlier, there is a small leather case that contains an annual permit to enter the Panama Canal zone, issued to C. C. Moore and numbered (what else?) as "No.1."  There is also a coupon that accompanies the permit.