5759

1861 $5 Clark, Gruber $5 White Metal Die Trial MS62 NG

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1861 $5 Clark, Gruber $5 White Metal Die Trial MS62 NG
<B>1861<$5> Clark, Gruber $5 White Metal Die Trial MS62 NGC.</B></I> K-10a, R.8. Prior to striking regular gold coinage in 1861, the meticulous firm of Clark, Gruber struck die trials in copper, white metal, and nickel (double eagle only). It was speculated in the Clifford catalog (1982) that the white metal half eagle might be unique. We now know that is not the case as this auction has three such pieces and they are both different from the Clifford coin. It is believed that the Philadelphia jewelers, Bailey & Co., engraved the dies for the Clark, Gruber coinage. There are two variants of the white metal half eagle. This and the next lot represent one variety, the other is of double thickness. As with all these die trials, this piece was struck without a collar. The result is a coin that shows exceptionally wide rims around each side and is off center. Each side shows an extra bit of flan that gives the piece an out-of-round appearance. The surfaces are a muted gray, the color token collectors are so familiar with white metal strikings. Like the quarter eagle above, the die shows a bit of weakness on the highpoints. There are a couple of marks on the cheek of Liberty, a couple more on the neck, and a cluster in the left obverse field that account for the MS62 grade.