1903 G$1 Jefferson - Louisiana Purchase MS PL

Proof-like surfaces. The 1903 Jefferson gold commemorative dollar was struck to help fund the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This commemorative gold dollar honors Thomas Jefferson who, as the nation's third president, helped coordinate the Louisiana Purchase with France's Napoleon Bonaparte. The coin was designed by Charles E. Barber and was sold for $3 at the fair alongside a similar gold dollar honoring President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901 just months after signing legislation appropriating funds for the event.

While 250,000 Jefferson gold dollars were struck, most remained unsold more than a decade after they were struck, and they were subsequently melted. Very few ever saw circulation, and given their small size and light physical weight many remain with relatively few marks or other detractions. A large number of these coins remain available in grades of MS62-66, though the coin is considerably scarce in MS67 and rare in higher grades.

Obverse Description

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.

Reverse Description

The words LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, ONE DOLLAR, 1803-1903, ST. LOUIS are printed with an olive branch.