1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar Fantasy

Coin Details

Description

This piece is classified as a fantasy issue rather than a genuine die trial or pattern. Clark, Gruber & Company of Denver, Colorado Territory produced gold coins in $2.50, $5, $10, and $20 denominations during 1860-1861, but no authentic $20 die trial with this specific configuration is confirmed by the standard references. Fantasy pieces attributed to Clark Gruber were produced outside the firm's documented coinage operations and may represent later fabrications created to fill a perceived gap in the Clark Gruber series. In 1862, the United States government purchased the Clark Gruber minting facility for $25,000, and it subsequently became the foundation for the Denver Mint, which began assay operations in 1863 and did not strike coins until 1906. Collectors should exercise particular caution with any Clark Gruber piece not well-documented in Kagin or other standard references on territorial gold coinage. The distinction between genuine die trials, legitimate restrikes, and outright fantasies can be difficult to establish for frontier mint products, where documentary evidence is often incomplete.

Rarity Notes

Fantasy piece. Not a genuine Clark Gruber product. Collectors should verify provenance carefully. Any examples offered should be treated with skepticism absent strong pedigree evidence.

Cross References

Not listed in Kagin; Clark, Gruber & Company fantasy attribution; cf. K-8 for genuine 1860 $20