Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition 1907 Coin
In 1907, the United States celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. To commemorate this historic event, the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition was held in Norfolk, Virginia, near the original settlement site. As part of the celebration, a special coin was minted: the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition commemorative coin. This coin holds historical and numismatic importance and is a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American colonial history.
Background of the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition
The Jamestown Exposition was a grand event organized to honor the 1607 landing of English settlers in Virginia. Officially opened by President Theodore Roosevelt on April 26, 1907, the exposition featured exhibitions from U.S. states, military displays, and technological innovations of the time. While it was not as commercially successful as other world’s fairs, it played a vital role in public awareness of early colonial history and served as a platform for national pride.
The exposition was also intended to promote naval development, and its site later became the location of the Norfolk Naval Base, which is now the largest naval base in the world.
The Jamestown Tercentennial Coin
Authorization and Purpose
The idea of issuing a commemorative coin to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding was proposed and authorized by the U.S. Congress. The coin was officially approved on March 3, 1906, under the authorization of Public Law 59-258. It was intended to help fund the expenses of the exposition and to serve as a collectible memento for attendees and the general public.
Design and Features
The Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition coin is a gold dollar, one of only a few U.S. commemorative coins minted in gold. Designed by Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan, both prominent engravers of the U.S. Mint, the coin displays key figures and symbols related to the early colonial period.
- Obverse (front): Features the conjoined busts of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, two prominent historical figures linked to the Jamestown colony. Their likenesses symbolize unity and the complex interactions between English settlers and Native Americans.
- Reverse (back): Depicts the Jamestown Memorial Church, one of the oldest surviving structures of the original settlement, and includes inscriptions marking the 300th anniversary (16071907).
The inscriptions on the coin include United States of America, Jamestown Exposition, and One Dollar. The coin has a reeded edge and a diameter of approximately 15 mm, consistent with other gold dollar coins of the era.
Minting and Distribution
The total authorized mintage for the Jamestown gold dollar was 250,000 coins, but far fewer were actually struck and sold. Only around 50,000 coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, and of these, a significant number were returned and melted due to low public demand. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 to 25,000 coins remain in existence today.
Sales and Public Reception
Despite the historic significance of the exposition and the novelty of the commemorative coin, public interest was limited. The coin was initially sold at a premium typically $1.50 per coin with proceeds intended to support the Jamestown Exposition Company. However, the high price and lack of public enthusiasm led to poor sales. Many coins were left unsold and eventually returned to the Mint to be melted down, reducing the available supply and inadvertently increasing their rarity.
Numismatic Value and Collectibility
Today, the Jamestown Tercentennial gold dollar is a coveted piece among coin collectors and history enthusiasts. Its value depends on several factors, including condition, mint luster, and historical provenance. Coins in uncirculated or near-mint condition command significantly higher prices in the numismatic market.
Grading and Rarity
- Coins graded MS-63 or above are especially prized due to their sharp detail and minimal wear.
- Proof versions of the coin were not officially minted, but some coins with exceptional strike quality are considered proof-like.
- The coin’s relatively low mintage makes it one of the scarcer early 20th-century commemorative coins.
As of recent market trends, Jamestown Tercentennial coins in average uncirculated condition can fetch several hundred dollars or more. High-grade specimens certified by PCGS or NGC may sell for over $1,000, depending on market demand and historical interest.
Legacy of the Coin and the Exposition
The 1907 Jamestown gold dollar not only commemorates a foundational event in American history, but it also represents an early example of U.S. commemorative coinage used for educational and fundraising purposes. While the exposition itself did not achieve widespread acclaim during its run, the coin endures as a well-crafted reminder of national identity, heritage, and the colonial roots of the United States.
Additionally, the coin sparked continued interest in historical commemoratives, contributing to a broader movement that saw the issuance of other coins celebrating events like the Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Pilgrim Tercentenary, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Continuing Influence
- The coin is frequently referenced in numismatic guides and collector forums.
- It is part of many historical coin collections and is sometimes featured in museum exhibits related to American colonial history.
- Its enduring appeal lies in the story it tells not just of Jamestown, but of how Americans in 1907 viewed their past and celebrated national milestones.
The Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition coin stands as a golden relic of a significant historical celebration. While the exposition may not have reached the heights envisioned by its organizers, the coin left a lasting impression in both the numismatic world and American heritage. Featuring iconic figures like John Smith and Pocahontas and celebrating one of the most pivotal events in early colonial America, the 1907 commemorative dollar is more than just currency it’s a legacy captured in metal. For collectors, historians, and anyone intrigued by America’s beginnings, this coin remains a valuable and meaningful artifact of the nation’s commemorative journey.