1836 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-70, Gilt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$14,400 PR64 05-08-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-70 (Pollock-73) and rated Low R.7, this gilt specimen shares the same die pairing as the copper version but features a gold wash over the copper planchet, giving it the visual appearance of a gold striking. The obverse carries the distinctive Cap and Rays motif, with a Phrygian liberty cap inscribed LIBERTY set within a radiant sunburst pattern borrowed from contemporary Mexican silver coinage. The reverse displays the denomination 1 D. surrounded by a palm branch, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1836 around the border. The gilt composition places this among the more visually striking varieties of the 1836 gold dollar pattern restrikes. Like its plain copper counterpart, this piece was produced well after 1836, around 1859 or later, as part of the restrike campaign that saw these patterns manufactured in various metals for collectors. The gilding process was sometimes applied at the Mint to give copper patterns the appearance of the intended gold composition, providing collectors a closer approximation of what the finished gold dollar looked like had the denomination been authorized in 1836.