1866 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-549

Coin Details

Auction Record

$34,500 PR62 01-26-2010 Stack's

Description

The largest American gold denomination receives the IN GOD WE TRUST motto in this magnificent proof pattern. The double eagle ($20 gold piece) was the flagship of American gold coinage, containing nearly a full troy ounce of gold, and its 34mm diameter made it the most prominent canvas for the motto addition. The obverse features the Coronet Head Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars, while the reverse displays the heraldic eagle surrounded by a glory of rays, now crowned with the motto ribbon. The double eagle carried enormous symbolic weight — as the highest-denomination circulating coin, it represented American economic power on the world stage. Adding IN GOD WE TRUST to this coin declared not just domestic faith but projected it internationally, as double eagles circulated widely in foreign commerce and banking.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Approximately 5-10 examples believed extant.

Cross References

Pollock-3617