1870 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-1038, Gilt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$31,200 PR64 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Receiving a gold wash over its copper substrate, this gilt variant of J-1038 represents the most ambitious gilding effort in the 1870 pattern program. The double eagle's 34mm diameter required the most extensive gilt application of any denomination, and the resulting piece presents the closest visual approximation to a genuine twenty dollar gold piece achievable without using solid gold. Gilt double eagle patterns occupy a unique position in numismatic collecting: they are simultaneously deceptive in appearance and transparent in purpose, designed to demonstrate rather than deceive. The gold wash over copper creates a distinctive warm tone that experienced collectors can distinguish from solid gold under close examination.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Extremely rare, approximately 4-12 examples survive.

Cross References

Judd-1038 Gilt, Pollock-1173