Of the dozens of commemorative coins struck during the traditional era spanning from 1892 through 1954, there is perhaps no more popular a grouping than those made in conjunction with the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. This world's fair, held less than a decade after the City by the Bay was virtually destroyed by the massive 1906 earthquake, inspired the creation of five commemorative coins, including a half dollar, this gold dollar, a $2.50 quarter eagle, and two large $50 gold coins.

The 1915-S Pan-Pac gold dollar was designed by Charles Keck and shows on its obverse the head of a Panama Canal laborer, while the reverse depicts two dolphins encircling the words ONE DOLLAR. Most of these coins survive in uncirculated condition in the grades of MS62-66, while those grading MS67 or higher are quite rare.