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

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Twenty Dollar in gilt bronze, designated K-11, is an off-metal striking with applied gold finish over a bronze base. The gilt treatment on this large 34mm coin creates a particularly convincing imitation of the gold original, as the substantial size and weight of the bronze blank approaches that of a gold double eagle. The gilt surface preserves the design details while adding the warm golden color associated with the original twenty-dollar gold piece. The "PIKES PEAK GOLD" reverse inscription takes on an aspirational quality on these gilt bronze specimens. Gilt bronze double eagle patterns from Clark Gruber represent the largest and most visually impressive off-metal pieces from any Colorado territorial mint. Their combination of size, design quality, and simulated gold appearance makes them highly prized among territorial gold specialists.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Kagin K-11 (Bronze Gilt); NGC #31276