Another “box of two” – The Louisiana Purchase commemorative gold dollars

Here are two more coins that go together, the Louisiana Purchase commemorative gold dollars. These pieces were sold during the Louisiana Purchase Exposition which was held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1903. It marked the 100th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s purchase from the French Emperor Napoleon.

First coin depicts Thomas Jefferson who was president at the time. This was the greatest of Jefferson’s presidency. The Jefferson portrait was based on John Reich’s Jefferson inaugural model which the artist executed in 1801. Both coins share a common reverse.

The Jefferson Gold Dollar



The Jefferson inaugural medal by John Reich that influenced the obverse of the design.



The McKinley gold dollar was issued in honor of the late martyred president who had died in 1901. Some historians like to call McKinley an “old school politician,” but he was actually a man who helped this country avoid some serious monetary policy mistakes, and who grew in office.

McKinley twice defeated William Jennings Bryan for the presidency. Bryan based much of his two campaigns on the “free silver” issue. Bryan’s plan was to issue silver coins at almost unlimited levels that would have resulted in major increase in the money supply and massive inflation.

McKinley entered office as a high tariff advocate for protection of American industries. During the latter part of his presidency, he became an advocate for reciprocity where he was ready to make deals to lower tariffs when other countries co-operated.

The McKinley gold dollar



McKinley's first vice president, Garret Hobart, died in office during McKinley's first term. His second running mate was Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was the Governor of New York. The politicians there were anxious “to kick him upstairs” to the vice presidency so they could rid themselves of his reform minded, honest ways.

McKinley’s campaign manager, Mark Hanna, exclaimed, “Do you realize that you have put that mad man one heartbeat away from the presidency?” The other politicians assured him that McKinley was in good health, and that they had nothing to worry about. An anarchist had other plans, however.

Here is a 1900 McKinley – Roosevelt jugate. A jugate is a political button that shows the presidential and vice presidential candidates together. These pieces are very popular with collectors. The little rough rider below the portraits illustrates Theodore Roosevelt’s campaign theme has the hero of the charge up San Juan Hill during the Cuban phase of the Spanish – American War.

 

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These two gold dollars are not cheap, but they are a lot less expensive than they once were. I've lost a good deal of money on these coins, at least on paper.

 

Worthy and interesting post, Thanks!

 

Very nice post. Love the campaign button. Thanks

 

Thanks for another informative post! Makes me believe you’ve done some professional writing.

 

All very nice and thanks for sharing some history!

 

thanks for a nice write up,and gold dollars look superb. The campaign button is a very interesting piece.

 

Very well written informative post! You remind of a member of CCF who collects commemoratives.

 

Here are a couple more pieces with Teddy Roosevelt in his Rough Riders outfit.



Teddy for Governor of New York!



And the Teddy spoon!

 

I have a complete type set of the "old commemorative coins." I have given up on keeping up with the modern pieces. Believe it or not many of the gold coins are now selling for melt!