1849 Gold Dollar Pattern - J-116

Coin Details

Auction Record

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 hand-engraved J-115. It is made in the same hand-engraved, center-holed format as J-115. 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. Reference data: struck in silver (gold plated) with a plain edge, rated R-7. Catalogued as Judd-116, Pollock-131, Taxay EP134. Hand engraved - not die struck. The silver coins appear to weigh under 20 grains. An example described as J115 in Stack's 6/99 sale was found to be roughly 50% gold and 50% silver.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-116; Pollock-131; Taxay EP134