1850 Half Eagle Die Trial - K-3, Dubosq & Co., White Metal, Obverse

Coin Details

Auction Record

$715 UNC 08-14-1991 Bowers & Merena

Description

This uniface white metal die trial preserves the obverse of the Dubosq & Company half eagle ($5 gold coin), struck from only the obverse die as a test impression. Theodore Dubosq was a prominent Philadelphia jeweler and silversmith who briefly entered the private gold coinage business during the California Gold Rush. Operating from his shop at 116 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia — far from the goldfields — Dubosq produced $5 and $10 gold coins in 1849-1850 using California gold sent east by correspondents. His coins are distinctive for their high quality of manufacture, reflecting his training as a jeweler and his access to skilled die engravers in Philadelphia. The obverse design features a Liberty head reminiscent of contemporary federal coinage, surrounded by "DUBOSQ & CO." and other inscriptions. This uniface die trial in white metal captures the full detail of the obverse die without the interference of a reverse impression, making it invaluable for studying the die work. Dubosq's gold coins are extreme rarities in their own right, and die trials in base metals from his operation are essentially unheard of in the numismatic marketplace.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Uniface die trials from Dubosq & Co. are virtually unique survivals from this short-lived Philadelphia private gold coiner.

Cross References

Kagin-3