1916 G$1 McKinley

Description

1916 Gold Dollar, McKinley Commemorative, PCGS MS-66. In 1916, Congress authorized the striking of gold dollars to raise funds for a memorial to President William McKinley in Niles, Ohio. Despite initial plans to produce 100,000 pieces, only 20,026 coins were actually minted in August and October of that year. The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association successfully sold approximately 8,000 pieces to the public, with an additional 7,000 distributed through Texas dealer B. Max Mehl at reduced prices. The remaining coins were returned to the Philadelphia Mint and destroyed, resulting in an estimated 15,000 pieces entering public hands. This example is graded PCGS MS-66, representing a gem-quality specimen of this important commemorative issue. The coin exhibits the designs by Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan, struck in 90% gold and 10% copper with a weight of 1.7 grams and diameter of 14.3mm. With a reeded edge and Philadelphia Mint origin (no mintmark), this piece exemplifies the quality typical of these highly sought commemoratives. Virtually all known examples of the 1916 McKinley Dollar survive in Mint State condition, as very few entered regular circulation. PCGS has certified over 4,000 examples of this issue, with the majority grading MS-64. This MS-66 represents an above-average example within the population, with only 185 pieces graded higher across all services. Among a total of 718 PCGS-certified examples, this gem represents significant eye appeal and collector desirability. An excellent addition to any commemorative gold collection.