1849 Pacific Co, Copper DT Gold Half Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,375 VF30 07-27-2008 Stack's

Description

This copper die trial of the 1849 Pacific Company gold half eagle is a non-precious-metal striking from the dies used to produce the five-dollar gold coins. Die trials, or test impressions struck in inexpensive metals to check die alignment, depth, and detail, were a standard part of the coinage process, though their survival from small frontier operations like the Pacific Company is remarkable. The piece carries the full design of the Pacific Company gold half eagle, struck in copper rather than gold. Because copper is softer than gold and flows more readily under striking pressure, die trials in copper often show sharper design detail than the corresponding gold coins, making them valuable study pieces for understanding the original die work. Copper die trials from California territorial minters occupy an interesting position in numismatic collecting. They are not coins in the monetary sense and were never intended for circulation. However, they are direct products of the original minting process and provide irreplaceable evidence about die varieties, striking characteristics, and the technical capabilities of these frontier operations.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Copper die trials from the Pacific Company survive in very small numbers. Authentication essential.

Cross References

Kagin reference series. Copper die trial striking of the Pacific Company $5 dies.