1862 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-297

Coin Details

Auction Record

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

Description

Judd-297, Pollock-349, is a proof eagle pattern testing the placement of the GOD OUR TRUST motto on the Liberty Head ten-dollar gold denomination. This pattern extends the motto experimentation begun on half dollars and quarters in 1861 to the gold coinage. The obverse carries Christian Gobrecht's coronet Liberty Head design, while the reverse features the heraldic eagle with the motto integrated into the design. Testing the motto on gold coinage was a significant step, as gold coins were the most prestigious denomination in American coinage and any design change carried considerable weight. The motto would not appear on regular gold eagles until 1866.

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