1916 G$1 McKinley

Description

1916 McKinley Gold Dollar, PCGS MS64. In early 1916, Congress authorized the issuance of 100,000 gold dollars to be sold at $3 each to raise funds for a memorial to the assassinated President William McKinley in Niles, Ohio. Despite these ambitious plans, only 20,026 pieces were struck in August and October 1916 at the Philadelphia Mint. The National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association sold approximately 8,000 pieces to the public, while Texas dealer B. Max Mehl acquired roughly 7,000 at reduced prices. The remainder were returned to the Mint and destroyed, leaving an estimated 15,000 examples that entered public hands. This 90% gold, 10% copper commemorative displays the artistry of designers Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. Weighing 1.7 grams with a diameter of 14.3mm and reeded edge, the coin represents an important chapter in American commemorative coinage. The high survival rate of these pieces is remarkable, with virtually all known examples in Mint State condition. Circulation wear pieces and jewelry conversions remain exceptional rarities. PCGS has certified over 4,000 examples of the 1916 McKinley Dollar, with the bulk grading at MS64 level—precisely where this example sits. Gem pieces are readily available to collectors, and even MS67 specimens are plentiful enough to be found with diligent searching, though they command premium prices. This MS64 example represents excellent value for the collector seeking a well-preserved example of this historically significant and numerically scarce commemorative issue. PCGS Certificate #5696677