Dragnet, just the facts, is this a real Panama-Pacific Commemorative coin?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by willieboyd2, May 11, 2015.

  1. willieboyd2

    willieboyd2 First Class Poster

    This coin appeared in an episode of "Dragnet 1970" that was run on cable today.

    [​IMG]
    Panama-Pacific 1915-S Commemorative Round $50 Gold

    Dragnet 1970 episode "Internal Affairs: Parolee", first shown November 27, 1969.

    Sergeant Friday and his partner investigate some old theft cases from 1956, one of which was a stolen commemorative coin. According to the program, the coin was worth $400 in 1956 and $6,000 in 1970. The officers locate the coin, it is then shown in it's holder which appears to be original

    :)
     
    Blissskr and eddiespin like this.
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  3. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    Not a coin, a medal or token.

    Need better pictures to id it.
     
  4. Blissskr

    Blissskr Well-Known Member

    Well there was actually two types of $50 gold coin minted for that exposition one round like pictured and the other octagonal. That one may possibly be a real example that the TV show producers used for the episode.
     
  5. messydesk

    messydesk Well-Known Member

    Could be a real $50 Pan-Pac round, could be a reproduction for a prop. Was this episode made before or after the Hawaii Five-O "1913 Liberty nickel" episode?
     
  6. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

  7. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    sorry double post
     
  8. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Picture isn't good enough to be able to tell if it is a real one or a prop coin
     
  9. willieboyd2

    willieboyd2 First Class Poster

    I believe that the coin and holder were genuine.

    The coin was not handled in the episode, it was photographed lying on a flat surface, with a story-related piece of paper under it. The photography could have been done anywhere, even at a coin dealer's store.

    I wonder why Jack Webb and the writers picked this particular coin. The Panama-Pacific commemoratives certainly are photogenic and have "star quality". Possibly someone connected with the program owned it.

    :)
     
  10. Paul M.

    Paul M. Well-Known Member

    If I had to guess, it'd be because it's a gigantic, rare, gold coin. :) But, that's just me.
     
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