1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Five Dollar Die Trial - Copper

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,200 PR63 11-01-1979 Bowers & Ruddy

Description

This copper die trial was struck by Clark, Gruber & Company of Denver, Colorado Territory during the height of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Clark Gruber began minting gold coins in 1860 to serve miners and merchants who needed a reliable medium of exchange in the remote mining regions. Their operations at the corner of McGaa and G Streets in Denver produced coins in $2.50, $5, and $10 denominations using locally mined gold. Die trials in copper allowed the firm to test their newly engraved dies without consuming precious gold. The 1860 half eagle design features a representation of Pikes Peak on the obverse, a distinctive motif that set Clark Gruber coinage apart from United States Mint issues. Copper trials from this private mint are extraordinarily rare, as most were discarded or melted once the dies were deemed satisfactory. Clark Gruber coins circulated widely throughout the Colorado gold fields and were generally accepted at face value despite containing slightly less gold than their federal counterparts.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Copper die trials from Clark Gruber are virtually undocumented in private hands. Most surviving examples reside in institutional collections.

Cross References

K-5 (Kagin); Clark Gruber & Company, Denver, Colorado Territory