1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Round MS66 NGC....

"In commemoration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and pursuant to the Act of Congress approved January 16, 1915, as Superintendent of the Mint, I am about to strike the first $50 coin ever issued under authority of the law of the United States. The issue is limited to 3000 pieces: one-half octagonal and on-half round. The design is: Obverse: Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, handicrafts, inventions, arts, and sciences -- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- $50.00 MCMXV. In field, IN GOD WE TRUST. Reverse: The Owl, sacred to Minerva, the symbol of wisdom, perched upon a branch of western pine. PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION, SAN FRANCISCO. In the field, E PLURIBUS UNUM. The designer's initials, R.A. The San Francisco Mint mark, the letter S. The dolphins occupying the angles of the octagonal coin and encircling the central field, suggest the uninterrupted water route made possible by the Panama Canal. It is said that the motives used in these designs were selected by the sculptor, Robert Aitken, because of their simple dignity and far-reaching significance, as well as for their decorative patterns. The coin should be of peculiar interest to all Californians as the sentiment involved relates not only to commemorative the greatest of world expositions, but also brings to mind the historic fifty-dollar slug of pioneer days. In passing and approving the Act providing for this coinage, the Congress and the President have given a rare and exclusive tribute to California and the Exposition. I now strike the first piece."