1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Five Dollar - Bronze, K-10c, Gilt

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Five Dollar in gilt bronze, designated K-10c, combines a bronze base metal striking with an applied gold wash or gilt finish. This dual-process production involved first striking the coin in bronze and then applying a thin layer of gold to simulate the appearance of the original gold half eagle. The gilt finish on these territorial patterns was typically applied by electroplating or chemical gilding, techniques well-established by the 1860s. When freshly gilded, these pieces would have been virtually indistinguishable from gold originals to the untrained eye. Gilt bronze variants occupy a special niche among Clark Gruber off-metal patterns, as they represent the most visually faithful reproductions of the gold originals while using inexpensive base metal.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Gilt bronze half eagle patterns are among the rarest Clark Gruber off-metal varieties.

Cross References

Kagin K-10c (Gilt); NGC #31282