1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Ten Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$114,000 MS61 03-31-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1860 Clark, Gruber & Company Ten Dollar Gold Piece with the Pikes Peak reverse is the most celebrated design in Colorado territorial gold coinage. This is the only Clark Gruber denomination to feature the Pikes Peak mountain image on the reverse, creating a dramatically different visual composition flanked by "PIKES PEAK" and "TEN D." The obverse displays a coronet Liberty head adapted from the federal eagle design, with "CLARK GRUBER & CO." around the periphery. The combination of the conventional Liberty portrait with the Western mountain landscape creates a fascinating hybrid between established numismatic tradition and frontier regional identity. The Pikes Peak $10 is widely considered the finest design achievement of Colorado territorial gold. Production of the Pikes Peak $10 was significant, as the denomination served major transactions in the mining districts. Clark, Gruber & Company's ten-dollar pieces circulated alongside federal eagles and were accepted at par or near par throughout the region.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 30-50 surviving examples. The iconic Pikes Peak design makes this the most sought-after Clark Gruber coin. Auction prices range from $15,000 to $60,000.

Cross References

Kagin K-3; NGC #31182