1861 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-284

Coin Details

Description

Judd-284, Pollock-336, is a proof ten-dollar gold eagle pattern from the first year of the Civil War. This pattern tested a potential design modification for the Liberty Head eagle series that had been produced since 1838. The obverse features the coronet Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht, and the reverse shows the heraldic eagle with an experimental arrangement of design elements. Gold eagle patterns of this era are extremely rare because the ten-dollar denomination was the second-largest gold coin and required significant precious metal for each striking. Production would have been limited to a handful of specimens for presentation to Mint officials and select collectors.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Only 3-5 specimens believed known. Gold eagle patterns from the Civil War era are among the most difficult to obtain.

Cross References

Judd-284; Pollock-336