1859 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-260

Coin Details

Auction Record

$31,050 PR61 01-10-2005 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

Judd-260 is the copper pattern that most closely foreshadows the adopted 1861 Paquet Reverse double eagle. The obverse features the standard Coronet Liberty Head by Longacre with thirteen stars and the date 1859, while the reverse displays Paquet's refined wreath design with tall, closely-spaced lettering for UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. below. This reverse die was produced from the same hub used to create the San Francisco Mint's 1861-S Paquet Reverse production dies, making J-260 one of the most historically significant patterns in the double eagle series. Only one or two examples in copper have been identified. The extremely narrow rims on this reverse die -- the very feature that would lead to the recall of the 1861 Paquet Reverse production run -- are clearly visible on this 1859 pattern. This coin represents the critical link between Paquet's experimental work and the final adopted design.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Only 1-2 examples currently identified in copper.

Cross References

Pollock-311