1851 Silver State of California, Gilt Gold Double Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$26,400 MS62 01-03-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

This gilt argentum (silver) striking of the 1851 State of California twenty-dollar die represents the double eagle denomination in a silver substrate with gold wash. The AR designation indicates the silver base metal, while the gilding adds a gold-colored surface layer that approximates the appearance of the intended gold original. The State of California double eagle is the most ambitious denomination in the state coinage program. At twenty dollars, this denomination represented a massive concentration of value. Gilding on a silver substrate creates a particularly convincing imitation of gold, as the silver base provides weight and density closer to gold than copper or white metal would. This piece represents the pinnacle of the State of California series in terms of denomination and ambition. Frederick D. Kohler's authorization to produce coins at the twenty-dollar level indicates the scope of the state legislature's monetary aspirations. That this vision was never fully realized in gold makes the surviving trial and specimen pieces all the more historically significant.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Gilt silver strikings of the State of California $20 dies are among the great rarities of the territorial gold series.

Cross References

Kagin reference series. State of California $20, gilt silver (AR) variant.