1862 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-297

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,900 PR66 05-28-2006 Superior Galleries

Description

The 1862 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-297 is a proof coin 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: $6,900 PR66 05-28-2006 Superior Galleries. Struck in copper. Cataloged as PCGS #60447.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Extremely rare. Gold eagle motto patterns are known from only 3-5 specimens. Auction prices for gold pattern eagles routinely exceed $50,000.

Cross References

Judd-297; Pollock-349; GOD OUR TRUST motto series