Whitman Expo
1903 Jefferson - Louisiana Purchase Gold dollar MS PL Values
Details
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: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.
Reverse: The words LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION, ONE DOLLAR, 1803-1903, ST. LOUIS are printed with an olive branch.
Basic Information
GSID:
226269
Coin Date:
1903
Denomination:
G$1 / Gold dollar
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
17,500
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1903–1926
Composition:
90% gold; 10% copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Jefferson - Louisiana Purchase
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
1.672 gr
Weight:
0.0538 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.04837 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
15 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
