How to Identify the Louisiana Purchase Gold Dollar Commemorative
A 1903 gold dollar marking the Louisiana Purchase centennial, struck with two obverse varieties depicting either Thomas Jefferson or William McKinley.
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What It Is
The Louisiana Purchase Gold Dollar Commemorative is a 1903-dated gold dollar marking the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. It is notable for being issued with two different obverse portraits, making it the first U.S. commemorative coin to depict an actual historical person.
Obverse Design
Two varieties exist. One shows a left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson, the president who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase; the other shows a left-facing bust of William McKinley, the assassinated president who had championed the exposition marking the anniversary. Both were designed by Charles Barber, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and a LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION legend around the border.
Reverse Design
Identical on both varieties: a wreath encircling ONE DOLLAR, with 1803 LOUISIANA PURCHASE 1903 around the border marking the centennial dates.
Size, Weight, Metal & Edge
Standard gold dollar specifications: about 15mm diameter, 1.672 grams, .900 fine gold, reeded edge.
Mint Marks
None. Both varieties were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
The only way to distinguish the Jefferson variety from the McKinley variety is the obverse portrait itself. Compare it against other portrait gold dollar commemoratives of the era, such as the Lewis and Clark issue, by checking the specific individual depicted and the reverse centennial-date legend unique to this coin.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Check the high points of the portrait's cheek and hair or collar area, and the wreath ribbon ties on the reverse, for handling wear. As a commemorative rarely placed into general circulation, most survivors grade in mint state, with common condition issues being bag marks, spotting, or cleaning rather than actual wear.
Authenticity Red Flags
Because both varieties are scarce and valuable relative to common-date gold dollars, look for correctly sharp portrait detail and confirm the reverse legend reads exactly 1803 LOUISIANA PURCHASE 1903. Blurry or unusually flat portrait details can indicate a cast counterfeit.
Frequently asked questions
Why does this coin have two different obverse portraits?
It was issued with a choice of Thomas Jefferson, who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, or William McKinley, who championed the anniversary exposition, making it the first U.S. commemorative to depict an actual person.
How can I tell the reverse of this coin from other gold dollar commemoratives?
Look for the specific legend 1803 LOUISIANA PURCHASE 1903 encircling a wreath and ONE DOLLAR, unique to this issue.
Where was this coin struck?
Exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint; it carries no mintmark.
What are the size and weight of this coin?
Standard gold dollar specifications: about 15mm diameter, 1.672 grams, .900 fine gold.