1850 Kohler & Co. Ten Dollar - Copper

Coin Details

Description

The 1850 Kohler & Company Ten Dollar piece in copper is an off-metal trial striking from the firm headed by Frederick D. Kohler, who would later achieve the distinction of being appointed California's first State Assayer in 1850. Kohler's transition from private coiner to state official illustrates the fluid boundary between private enterprise and government authority in early California, where the need for reliable assaying and coinage was so urgent that experienced private operators were recruited into public service. Before his state appointment, Kohler operated a private assay and coinage operation that produced gold pieces for general circulation. This copper specimen represents a die trial or pattern piece struck from the same dies used for gold production, allowing inspection of the die work without expending precious metal. The ten dollar denomination was a mainstay of California commerce, and Kohler's pieces bore his name as a guarantee of weight and fineness, backed by his professional reputation as an assayer. Frederick Kohler's background as an experienced assayer lent particular credibility to his private coinage, as merchants and miners could trust that coins bearing his name contained the promised amount of gold. This reputation was undoubtedly a factor in his subsequent appointment as State Assayer, a position that gave him official authority to certify the gold content of private and commercial gold shipments.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare off-metal trial. Copper strikings from Kohler & Company are known in one or two specimens.

Cross References

NGC ID 31294; Kagin K-1 (Copper); Frederick D. Kohler appointed California State Assayer 1850