1860 Proof Clark, Gruber & Co. Ten Dollar Die Trial - K-3, Copper

Coin Details

Auction Record

$29,375 Genuine 01-01-2013 Stack's Bowers

Description

This copper proof die trial from Clark, Gruber & Company's ten-dollar eagle is one of the most important pieces of territorial numismatics from the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Clark, Gruber & Company was the premier private minting operation in Denver City, Colorado Territory, producing gold coins that circulated widely throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Their eagle ($10) denomination featured "PIKES PEAK GOLD" and an image of the famous mountain on the obverse, with an eagle and denomination on the reverse. The "Proof" designation indicates this was struck with special care, using polished dies to produce a mirror-like finish — an unusual level of refinement for a frontier minting operation and evidence of the firm's commitment to quality. The copper composition marks this as a die trial rather than a circulating coin, created to test the proof dies before striking in gold. Clark Gruber's operation ran from 1860 to 1862, when the partners sold their building, equipment, and goodwill to the federal government for $25,000. Their brief but prolific minting career produced some of the most collectible and historically significant coins of the American West.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Proof copper die trials from Clark Gruber are essentially unique; the firm's gold proof eagles are themselves among the greatest territorial rarities.

Cross References

Kagin-3