1849 Eagle Pattern - J-C1849-1

Coin Details

Description

Judd-C1849-1, Pollock-C1849-1, is a privately-issued pattern ten-dollar eagle struck in 1849 at the height of the California Gold Rush, the very year gold was discovered at Sutter Mill and triggered the mass migration that transformed California. The J-C prefix in the Judd classification denotes a commercially or privately produced pattern rather than a U.S. Mint official product, placing this coin among the private mint experiments that proliferated as entrepreneurs sought to convert raw California placer gold into usable coin form. Designed by James B. Longacre, the piece shares stylistic elements with contemporary official Mint designs, suggesting access to Mint-quality die-making resources. At 16.72 grams and 27mm diameter with a reeded edge, its specifications closely match the regular-issue Liberty Head eagle.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Extremely rare; very few examples known. One of the most significant privately-issued patterns from the California Gold Rush era.

Cross References

Judd-C1849-1; Pollock-C1849-1