1866 Proof Eagle Pattern - J-548

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,830 PR64 05-07-1999 Bowers & Merena

Description

This proof pattern tests the IN GOD WE TRUST motto on the eagle ($10 gold piece), the second-largest gold denomination in regular American coinage. The eagle's 27mm diameter provided generous space for the motto ribbon above the heraldic eagle reverse, and the resulting design would prove enduring — the WITH MOTTO Coronet Head eagle continued in production through 1907. The obverse displays the familiar Coronet Head Liberty with thirteen stars, a design virtually unchanged since 1838. The reverse eagle, clutching an olive branch and arrows with a shield on its breast, now bears the national motto that completed the transformation of American coinage during the Reconstruction period. Only a single Judd number was assigned to the 1866 eagle pattern, suggesting Longacre found the optimal motto placement on his first attempt for this denomination.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Approximately 5-12 examples known to survive.

Cross References

Pollock-3616