1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar - Bronze, K-11

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Twenty Dollar in bronze, designated K-11, is an off-metal pattern struck from the double eagle dies. As the largest denomination in the Clark Gruber series, the twenty-dollar bronze pattern is an impressive piece measuring 34mm in diameter, the same size as a federal double eagle. The bronze composition provides excellent detail reproduction of the Liberty head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse. The "PIKES PEAK GOLD" inscription on the reverse creates an ironic contrast with the base metal composition, as these pieces obviously contain no gold whatsoever. Bronze double eagle patterns served primarily as numismatic curiosities and reference pieces. Their large size made them particularly impressive display items for nineteenth-century coin cabinets.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The K-11 bronze double eagle is estimated at 3-6 surviving examples.

Cross References

Kagin K-11 (Bronze); NGC #31270