1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar - Special Strike

Coin Details

Description

The 1860 Clark, Gruber & Company Special Strike Double Eagle is an exceptional presentation-quality striking of the firm's twenty-dollar gold coin. Special strikings from private territorial mints are extraordinarily unusual, as these operations were primarily commercial enterprises focused on converting raw gold into circulating coinage. The coin shares the same dies as the regular 1860 Clark Gruber double eagle, with the coronet Liberty head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse bearing "PIKES PEAK GOLD" and "TWENTY D." markings. However, the special strike exhibits sharper detail, fuller design elements, and a more carefully executed overall appearance. Presentation-quality territorial gold coins occupy a unique niche in American numismatics, bridging the gap between the utilitarian function of private coinage and the numismatic awareness that was growing in mid-nineteenth-century America.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Special strike Clark Gruber double eagles are among the greatest rarities in territorial gold. Fewer than 5 examples exist.

Cross References

Kagin K-4 (Special Strike); NGC #31184