1860 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-273, Gilt

Coin Details

Description

Judd-273 Gilt is a gilt copper proof of the 1860 Paquet Reverse double eagle pattern, replicating the appearance of the gold original while struck on an inexpensive copper planchet covered with a thin layer of gold. The obverse carries James B. Longacre's Liberty Head design wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1860. The reverse features Anthony C. Paquet's redesigned lettering, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. rendered in distinctively tall, narrow characters that contrast sharply with the broader lettering of the standard reverse. Paquet's reverse modification was an attempt to improve the appearance and striking quality of the double eagle, which had been in production since 1850. The taller letters occupied more of the peripheral field, creating a different visual balance between text and device. However, the design would prove problematic in production: the narrow, high-relief letters were positioned close to the rim, which interfered with proper metal flow during striking and made the coins vulnerable to rim damage in circulation. The gilt copper composition allowed the Mint to assess the visual impact of Paquet's changes without using gold. These gilt proof patterns are among the rarest members of the Judd-272/273 family because the gilding process added a labor-intensive step that limited production quantities. The Paquet Reverse story would reach its dramatic conclusion in January 1861, when a small number of production double eagles were struck with the new reverse in San Francisco before the design was recalled due to the rim weakness — creating the legendary 1861-S Paquet Reverse double eagle, one of the great rarities of American gold coinage.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Extremely rare. Gilt copper Paquet Reverse patterns survive in very small numbers, fewer than 5 specimens.

Cross References

Judd-273; Gilt copper; Paquet Reverse; cf. J-272a (gold original)