1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar - Bronze, K-4c, Gilt

Coin Details

Description

The 1860 Clark, Gruber & Company Twenty Dollar pattern struck in bronze with gilt finish is an off-metal trial piece from the firm's double eagle dies. This K-4c designation indicates it was struck in bronze and then gilded to simulate the appearance of gold, a common practice among nineteenth-century die sinkers for creating presentation or reference pieces. The coin reproduces the full design of the regular 1860 gold double eagle, with the coronet Liberty head obverse bearing "CLARK GRUBER & CO." and the heraldic eagle reverse with "PIKES PEAK GOLD" and "TWENTY D." inscriptions. The gilt surface was applied over the bronze striking to approximate the visual appearance of gold while using a far less expensive base metal. Off-metal territorial gold patterns are considerably rarer than the already-scarce gold originals. These pieces were produced in tiny quantities for the personal collections of the coiners or for presentation to business associates and dignitaries.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Off-metal Clark Gruber patterns are known in only a few examples per variety. Gilt bronze specimens are among the scarcest.

Cross References

Kagin K-4c (Gilt); NGC #31359