How to Identify the Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar Commemorative

What It Is

The Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar Commemorative is a gold dollar issued in 1904 and again in 1905 to mark the centennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, designed by Charles Barber. It is notable for depicting two individuals side by side on its obverse rather than a single portrait.

Obverse Design

Conjoined (jugate) busts of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, both facing left with Lewis's portrait in front, each identified by name near their likeness, along with a legend naming the Lewis and Clark centennial exposition.

Reverse Design

A wreath encircles ONE DOLLAR, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the applicable date, either 1904 or 1905, around the border.

Size, Weight, Metal & Edge

Standard gold dollar specifications: about 15mm diameter, 1.672 grams, .900 fine gold, reeded edge.

Mint Marks

None. Both the 1904 and 1905 issues were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Distinguish the 1904 issue from the 1905 issue simply by the date. Distinguish this coin from other portrait commemorative gold dollars by the specific identification of Lewis and Clark near their respective portraits, and from the single-portrait Louisiana Purchase gold dollar of 1903 by its double-portrait design.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Check the cheek and hair details of both portraits for wear, and the wreath's leaf tips and ribbon on the reverse. The 1905 issue in particular is scarce with fewer surviving problem-free examples, so originality of surfaces matters as much as technical wear when evaluating condition.

Authenticity Red Flags

This is one of the more valuable classic commemorative gold dollars, especially the 1905 date, so verify sharp, well-defined separation between the two portraits, a hallmark of a properly struck genuine coin, and confirm the correct date. Soft or blended portrait details are a warning sign of a cast reproduction.