1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. Jefferson Portrait. MS-67 (PCGS).An exquisite Superb Gem, both sides exhibit vivid cobalt blue peripheral highlights to otherwise bright rose-orange surfaces. Highly lustrous with eye appeal to spare. Authorized by Congress on June 28, 1902, the gold dollars of this type were intended to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. The coins were issued in connection with the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in St. Louis in 1904. Although the original intent of the Mint was to create just one design utilizing a portrait of President Thomas Jefferson, architect of the Louisiana Purchase, the assassination of William McKinley led to the creation of a second design to honor the slain president. This is a gorgeous example of the Jefferson design type that would fit comfortably into any high grade collection.