1861 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-288

Coin Details

Auction Record

$115,000 (PR)62 07-25-2005 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

The 1861 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-288 is a proof Gold Double Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Civil War Patterns (1860-1865) series. The obverse features experimental designs reflecting wartime themes including patriotic motifs and alternative compositions and the reverse displays various experimental designs. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $115,000 (PR)62 07-25-2005 American Numismatic Rarities. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #60434.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Extremely rare. Copper Paquet Reverse patterns are known from only a handful of specimens. The related 1861-S Paquet Reverse production strike in gold is valued at $2-3 million.

Cross References

Judd-288; Pollock-340; Paquet Reverse