Although Lewis and Clark commemorative gold dollars were struck dated 1904, the exposition celebrating the Corps of Discovery s journey did not open in Portland until 1905. Gold dollars dated 1905 were also made, with a mintage of 35,000 pieces, 10,000 more than struck the year before. However, net distribution, after melting, of both dates of Lewis and Clark gold dollars amounted to about 10,000 of each. The 1905 Lewis and Clark gold dollar is significantly scarcer in better Mint State grades and approaches twice the rarity of the 1904-dated pieces above Gem. Dave Bowers speculates in his book Commemorative Coins of the United States that Zerbe may have withheld quantities from the official melting, only to be spent or melted at a later date. Either way, this piece sits firmly within the Condition Census for this issue and PCGS has only certified four pieces finer at MS-67. Each side of this superlative Gem exhibits bold prooflike reflectivity even near the borders. The color is rich yellow gold and the preservation is excellent. The portrait motifs on both sides display strong definition and lack any traces of the circulation or cabinet friction that is commonly encountered on these dollars. This beautiful key-date commemorative gold dollar is among the finest examples extant and worthy of a strong bid.， Est. $7500-$12,500
