1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Ten Dollar - Bronze Gilt

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Ten Dollar in gilt bronze combines a bronze base striking with applied gold finish to approximate the appearance of the gold original. The gilding process transformed the reddish-brown bronze into a golden surface that mimicked the ten-dollar gold eagle. The gilt bronze eagle pattern carries the full 1861 design with Liberty head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse. When preserved in high condition, the gilt surface retains its golden luster and can closely resemble an actual gold striking, requiring careful examination to distinguish. Gilt bronze eagle patterns occupy the middle ground between plain bronze and gold strikings, offering a more visually faithful representation of the intended coin while remaining an off-metal production. These pieces were created for collectors who desired the appearance of gold without the expense.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Gilt bronze eagle patterns are known in fewer than 5 examples.

Cross References

Kagin K-7 variant (Bronze Gilt); NGC #31280