1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Five Dollar - White Metal, K-10

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Five Dollar in white metal is an off-metal pattern struck from the half eagle dies in a tin-lead alloy. White metal strikings have a bright silvery appearance that contrasts dramatically with the warm gold of the original coins, making them instantly recognizable as numismatic specimens. White metal was a favored composition for nineteenth-century pattern and trial strikings due to its low melting point, ease of striking, and ability to capture fine die details. The soft alloy often produces specimens with exceptionally sharp design elements that may exceed the detail visible on the harder gold originals. White metal Clark Gruber patterns are among the most visually distinctive pieces in territorial gold numismatics, as the silver-toned surface creates a surreal version of coins universally associated with gold.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. White metal half eagle patterns are known in only a handful of examples.

Cross References

Kagin K-10 (White Metal); NGC #31283