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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,280 MS64 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This uniface white metal die trial preserves the reverse of the Dubosq & Company half eagle ($5 gold coin), serving as the companion piece to the K-3 obverse trial. Struck from only the reverse die, this impression captures the eagle design and denominational inscriptions that Theodore Dubosq employed on his privately-issued gold coins. Dubosq produced his gold pieces in Philadelphia during 1849-1850, using California gold that had been shipped east. His operation was unusual among private gold coiners in that it was based in an established eastern city rather than in the western mining regions, giving him access to superior die-cutting talent and coining equipment. The reverse design of his half eagle includes a heraldic eagle composition with the denomination and issuer identification. White metal — a soft lead-tin alloy — was ideal for die trials because it flowed easily into the die cavities under minimal pressure, producing sharp impressions that revealed any defects in the die before valuable gold planchets were committed. Together with the K-3 obverse trial, this reverse impression provides a complete record of both dies used for Dubosq's half eagle production.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The reverse companion to K-3; uniface white metal die trials from Dubosq & Co. are virtually undocumented in commerce.

Cross References

Kagin-3a