1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Two-and-a-Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$84,000 MS63 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Quarter Eagle represents the second and final year of production for the firm's smallest gold denomination. The 1861 issue introduced a completely redesigned obverse featuring a Liberty head that departed from the 1860 Pikes Peak mountain theme, reflecting the firm's evolution toward more conventional numismatic designs. The reverse maintains the heraldic eagle format, with "CLARK GRUBER & CO." and "2 1/2 D." indicating the denomination. The 1861 redesign brought Clark Gruber coinage into closer alignment with contemporary federal quarter eagles. The 1861 Clark Gruber quarter eagle was struck during a pivotal year that saw both the onset of the Civil War and the beginning of federal government interest in acquiring the Clark Gruber mint. By year's end, negotiations were underway that would result in the government's purchase of the facility in 1862, converting it into the U.S. Assay Office that eventually became the Denver Mint.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Estimated 20-35 surviving examples. Scarcer than the 1861 $5 and $10 denominations.

Cross References

Kagin K-5; NGC #31186