The obverse text reads Panama California Exposition San Diego 1915, and the reverse text is Panama Canal Opened by S.S. Ancon Official souvenir Aug. 15 1914. The front side of the coin shows Uncle Sam in the center with his shovel and axe, along with his striped pants and star vest, over an outline of North America with text surrounding. The backside of the coin depicts the Panama Canal with the first ship passing through.