1861 Parsons Two-and-a-Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$85,000 VF20 11-01-1979 Bowers & Ruddy

Description

The 1861 John Parsons & Company Gold Quarter Eagle is the smaller of two denominations produced by this Colorado territorial coiner. Parsons operated in the South Park mining district, an area distinct from the Denver-based operations of Clark Gruber and the mountain camps served by J.J. Conway. The Parsons quarter eagle features a distinctive design that differs markedly from the Clark Gruber and Conway issues. The coin bears the Parsons name and a denomination marking, reflecting the straightforward commercial purpose of these frontier coins. John Parsons & Company coins are considerably rarer than Clark Gruber issues, owing to the much smaller scale of the Parsons operation. The South Park mining district produced significant gold but supported fewer commercial enterprises than the larger Denver City market.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Parsons quarter eagles are estimated at 10-20 surviving examples. Auction prices typically range from $20,000 to $60,000.

Cross References

Kagin K-1; NGC #31192