The SilverTowne Vault Blog

Evolution of a Denomination Series: Gold Commemoratives Part Two

Published 11/12/2024

We left off in this series with Part One of vintage gold commemoratives. We will continue with the remainder of the early classic gold commemoratives that are responsible for the beginning of a long line of coins coming from the United States. Continuing their run in the early 20th century, the small but mighty list of gold issues packs a punch.

McKinley Memorial (1916-1917)

Designed by Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan, the McKinley gold dollars helped in paying for the memorial building at Niles, Ohio. The memorial building would commemorate the birthplace of President William McKinley. It features a profile facing left of the president on the obverse with the memorial building featured on the reverse.

The total number estimated of gold dollars dated 1916 is 15,000. The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association sold approximately 8,000 pieces to the public while approximately 7,000 were sold to Texas dealer B. Max Mehl at a reduced price. The rest...read more