View All 1879 Double Eagle Patterns

1879 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-1644, Gilt

Strike Type
1879 Proof Double Eagle Pattern - J-1644, Gilt

Coin Details

Year
1879
Denomination
Patterns
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Metric & Stella Patterns (1874-1879)
Composition
Gilt Copper

Auction Record

$288,000 PR63 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

Proof double eagle pattern struck in 1879, the culminating year of the metric coinage movement, highlighted by the famous Stella ($4 gold) patterns and final goloid dollar experiments before the program was abandoned. This proof striking in gold is part of the double eagle ($20) gold denomination design exploration for America's largest circulating gold coin conducted at the Philadelphia Mint under Chief Engraver William Barber. This gilt copper striking was gold-plated to simulate the intended gold finish, allowing evaluation of the design without expending precious metal.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Gilt copper strikings of gold denomination patterns are typically rarer than their gold counterparts.

Cross References

Judd J-1644, Pollock P-1789

External References

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