1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. Two-and-a-Half Dollar - Bronze Gilt

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company Two-and-a-Half Dollar in bronze gilt is an off-metal striking of the firm's quarter eagle dies, produced as a numismatic specimen rather than for circulation. The bronze base metal was gilded to emulate the appearance of the gold original. The piece carries the 1861 Liberty head obverse design and heraldic eagle reverse with "CLARK GRUBER & CO." and "2 1/2 D." denomination markings. The gilt layer gives the coin a golden appearance that closely resembles the original gold striking when first produced. Off-metal quarter eagle patterns from Clark Gruber represent the firm's awareness of the growing numismatic collecting community in the East. These pieces served no commercial purpose in the mining camps but were valued by collectors even during the period of original production.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Bronze gilt off-metal quarter eagles from Clark Gruber are known in fewer than 5 examples.