1860 Mormon Five Dollar - Copper, Plain Edge Restrike

Coin Details

Description

The 1860 Mormon Five Dollar copper plain edge restrike is a separate cataloged variety from the bilateral 1860 copper striking, distinguished by production characteristics, die state, or striking method. The distinction between "original" copper strikings and later restrikes is determined by careful examination of die state progression, surface characteristics, and provenance. The 1860 Mormon half eagle dies show the mature state of the Mormon gold design, unchanged in its essential elements from the 1849 inaugural issue. The All-Seeing Eye, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," bishop’s mitre, clasped hands, and "PURE GOLD" inscription all continue to proclaim the theocratic and economic foundations of the Mormon coinage. The copper restrike provides collectors with access to the 1860 die designs at a fraction of the cost of original gold specimens. For numismatic researchers, comparisons between different copper strikings from the same dies — varying in die state, edge treatment, and composition — help establish the sequence and circumstances of restrike production.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. The 1860 copper restrike is scarcer than 1849-dated restrikes due to less frequent use of the 1860 dies.

Cross References

NGC #31316