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The U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 (HK#398) is a notable commemorative medal issued to celebrate the completion of one of the most significant engineering feats of the early 20th century—the construction of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionized global trade and had lasting impacts on world shipping routes. The medal, minted in 1913, was part of a series created to commemorate the opening of the canal, which occurred on August 15, 1914, but the medal itself was issued a year prior to this momentous event.
Designed by the U.S. Mint, the medal was produced for both collectors and for those involved in the canal project. The design was focused on portraying the significance of the canal's construction and its impact on global commerce and geopolitics. The obverse of the medal features an image of the Panama Canal itself, with a symbolic representation of the canal cutting through the Isthmus of Panama. The reverse showcases a highly detailed depiction of the statue of the "Famous Canal," with the inscription around it further emphasizing the monumental achievement. The central theme of the coin's design lies in the celebration of human achievement, particularly in engineering and infrastructure, and it is this historical context that gives the medal its value and appeal to collectors and historians alike.
The U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913, cataloged under HK#398, is part of a collection of similar medals struck in various sizes and metals to celebrate the canal. The specific coin, being one of the more prized in the series, features a classic design associated with U.S. commemorative coinage, making it desirable to numismatists and collectors of both U.S. and world coins. As a so-called dollar, it is not an official circulating coin of the U.S. government but rather a private issuance made specifically for collectors or for public distribution to celebrate a historical event.
The minting of this medal, like others in the so-called dollar series, was likely overseen by a private company, though the U.S. Mint’s involvement with the designs is well-documented. The fact that the U.S. government issued a medal rather than a coin demonstrates how the national spirit of commemoration often transcended beyond the legal tender system during important historical moments. These "so-called dollars" often serve as tangible pieces of history, providing insight into the public sentiment and the types of events deemed significant enough for such commemoration.
From a production perspective, the U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 was minted in various compositions, including silver and other metals, which were common in the production of commemorative pieces of the time. The version cataloged here is a high-quality, silver version, weighing one ounce. The coin was struck with a high level of detail, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era and the importance of the event it commemorates. This particular medal is described as having a sharp, crisp design, with clear images and strong relief.
The mintage of the U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 is not easily quantified, as it was likely produced in relatively small numbers. The exact mintage figures are not widely available, but it is known that a number of these medals were struck to coincide with various commemorative events surrounding the opening of the Panama Canal. The rarity of this particular medal, especially in high grades like XF (Extremely Fine), increases its value and makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
As for the condition of the medal, the U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 (HK#398) in this instance is rated as XF (Extremely Fine). In numismatic terms, XF coins are those that show minimal signs of wear, retaining much of their original detail and luster. The features on the medal are still crisp, and while slight evidence of handling or wear may be visible, it is considered to be in excellent overall condition for its age. In particular, the quality of the relief on the obverse and reverse of the coin is well-preserved, ensuring the imagery remains vivid for collectors.
Given its historical significance, this coin is also of interest to historians who study the development and construction of the Panama Canal. The medal acts as a physical representation of the intense effort, global attention, and engineering innovation that went into creating one of the most important waterways in the world. The canal connected the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, providing a shortcut for trade routes that had previously been lengthy and dangerous, thus significantly altering global commerce and geopolitical strategies.
Aside from its historical and aesthetic appeal, the U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 also holds economic value. Its value fluctuates based on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand in the market, but it generally enjoys steady demand among collectors of U.S. commemorative coins and historical medals. The coin offers an excellent example of the type of commemorative pieces that were made to honor important milestones in history, especially when it comes to significant national engineering projects like the Panama Canal.
In summary, the U.S. So-Called Dollar Panama Canal Opening 1913 (HK#398) is a remarkable piece of numismatic history that encapsulates the monumental achievement of the Panama Canal’s construction. With its well-crafted design and historical significance, it serves as a reminder of one of the most important infrastructure projects in world history. The high-quality silver version in this XF condition is highly collectible, making it a desirable item for both numismatists and those interested in the history of the Panama Canal and the U.S.'s role in global engineering. As a commemorative medal, it not only symbolizes a key moment in history but also continues to serve as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.