1849 Dollar Pattern - J-116

Coin Details

Auction Record

$50,400 MS62 01-16-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-116 is the gold-plated silver (or low-karat gold) version of James B. Longacre's experimental gold dollar pattern, closely related to the famous hand-engraved J-115. The obverse features a Liberty Head facing left, similar to the adopted Type I gold dollar design, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing the denomination. Traditionally described as gold-plated silver, metallurgical analysis of several known specimens has revealed that at least four of the five known examples are actually struck in approximately 14-karat gold, on planchets cut from gold pocket watch cases. The J-116 represents Longacre's effort to test a wider 16mm diameter for the new gold dollar denomination, addressing concerns that the tiny 13mm adopted coin would be confused with the similarly sized half dime. These patterns were struck during the transformative year when the California Gold Rush compelled Congress to authorize the gold dollar denomination on March 3, 1849.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Approximately 4-5 examples known, most in low-karat gold rather than gold-plated silver as traditionally classified.

Cross References

Pollock-131