1880 Proof Four Dollar Pattern - J-1661, Metric Dollar, Gilt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$78,000 • PR62 • 07-17-2022 • Heritage Auctions

Description

A gilt copper version of the 1880 metric dollar pattern, gold-plated to simulate the intended gold composition. The gilt surface transforms the copper metric dollar into a plausible approximation of a gold trade coin, allowing evaluation of the design's appearance in the precious metal it was intended to circulate as. The metric dollar concept envisioned a coin whose weight and fineness, expressed in grams rather than grains, would be readily intelligible to European bankers and merchants accustomed to the metric system. This gilt striking represents the intersection of two distinct ambitions: the desire for a universally understandable monetary standard (expressed through metric notation) and the practical constraint of evaluating gold coin designs without consuming gold bullion (addressed through gilt copper substitution). The gold wash on well-preserved examples retains a warm luster that closely mimics genuine gold, though under magnification the underlying copper can sometimes be detected at the edges and high points where the gilt is thinnest.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 12-20 gilt specimens are estimated to survive.

Cross References

Judd J-1661, Pollock P-1861 (Gilt variant)