1861 J.J. Conway & Co. Ten Dollar - Conway-1956 Restrike, K-3 Goldine

Coin Details

Description

The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Company ten-dollar gold eagle restrike in goldine is a 1956 Harold Conway production using transfer dies based on the original Clark, Gruber $10 gold coin. The goldine composition — a brass alloy approximating gold's color — identifies this as a collector reproduction rather than a precious metal striking. The original Clark, Gruber ten-dollar gold piece is one of the most iconic territorial gold coins, featuring a representation of Pike's Peak on the obverse — a design directly referencing the gold-mining region that the Denver mint served. The pike's peak motif, combined with the PIKE'S PEAK GOLD inscription, made these coins instantly identifiable as products of the Colorado Territory's premier private mint. The reverse carried an eagle design adapted from contemporary federal coinage. Clark, Gruber & Company's minting operations were remarkably professional for a private frontier enterprise. The firm purchased a complete coining press and hired experienced die cutters, producing coins that rivaled federal issues in quality of manufacture. The company's gold coins were widely accepted not only in Colorado but throughout the western territories. In 1862, the federal government purchased the Clark, Gruber mint and its equipment, initially intending to convert it into a branch mint, though this plan was ultimately abandoned. The Conway goldine restrikes preserve the distinctive Pike's Peak design for collectors, using the most recognizable imagery from Colorado's private gold coinage era.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Conway 1956 restrikes in goldine of the ten-dollar denomination were produced in limited numbers. Approximately 50-100 examples exist. Clearly identified as modern restrikes.

Cross References

PCGS #525184; Kagin K-3 (Clark, Gruber Eagle); Conway-1956 Restrike