1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Five Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480,000 MS66+ 01-16-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1860 Clark, Gruber & Company Half Eagle is the primary circulating denomination from Denver's leading private mint. The five-dollar gold piece struck the practical balance between the small quarter eagle and the larger eagle denomination, making it the most useful coin for everyday commercial transactions. Like all 1860 Clark Gruber issues, the half eagle features the distinctive Pikes Peak mountain design on the obverse surrounded by "PIKES PEAK GOLD." The reverse carries a heraldic eagle with "CLARK & CO." and "FIVE D." for the denomination. The five-dollar denomination saw the heaviest use in the mining camps and the growing towns of the Colorado gold fields. The firm's reputation for honest weight meant their half eagles were accepted without the discounting that plagued some territorial issues.

Rarity Notes

Scarce but the most available Clark Gruber denomination. Estimated 40-60 surviving examples. Auction prices range from $8,000 to $30,000.

Cross References

Kagin K-2; NGC #31181