1861 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-288

Coin Details

Auction Record

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

Description

Judd-288, Pollock-340, is a proof double eagle pattern in copper featuring the Paquet Reverse design that briefly entered production in January 1861 before being recalled. Anthony C. Paquet's reverse features distinctly taller, narrower lettering for UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. compared to the regular reverse. The copper composition indicates this was a die trial or off-metal striking rather than a formal gold pattern. The Paquet Reverse story is one of the great dramas of American numismatics — after Philadelphia halted production and recalled the San Francisco shipment, a small number of 1861-S Paquet Reverse double eagles escaped into circulation and became legendary rarities.

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