1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Ten Dollar Die Trial - K-11, White Metal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,625 MS63 08-05-2009 Bowers & Merena

Description

This white metal die trial from Clark, Gruber & Company's 1861 ten-dollar eagle represents the firm's second and final year of coinage operations in Denver City. In 1861, Clark Gruber introduced significantly redesigned coins that replaced their original Pikes Peak mountain motif with a design closely modeled on federal Liberty Head coinage — a bold move that gave their coins a more "official" appearance and increased public confidence. The new obverse featured a Liberty Head portrait similar to the federal half eagle design, while the reverse displayed "CLARK GRUBER & CO. DENVER" around a spread eagle. The Kagin-11 designation places this among the later die trial varieties from the firm. White metal (a lead-tin alloy) was used for this die trial because it captured fine die details under low striking pressure, allowing quality inspection without expending gold. The 1861 Clark Gruber coins are historically poignant: the Civil War had begun in April, Colorado Territory was officially organized in February, and the firm was already in negotiations to sell their operation to the federal government. This die trial thus captures one of the last products of Colorado's most famous private mint.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. White metal die trials from the 1861 Clark Gruber redesign are among the rarest territorial numismatic items, unique or nearly so.

Cross References

Kagin-11