955

[L#0955] 1861 Clark Gruber $20 Copper Trial PCGS EF45

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:3,600.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
[L#0955] 1861 Clark Gruber $20 Copper Trial PCGS EF45
This rare trial strike used the identical obverse and reverse that struck the gold issue by Colorado's Clark, Gruber & Co. A splendid medium golden brown to deeper steel-brown color, it may have been carried as a pocket piece or good luck item by its former owners since there is distinctive wear on the main devices (along with soft centers which might be mistaken for yet more extensive wear). It could not have possibly circulated, for what sort of coin would it have circulated as, there being no large copper pieces like this found in change in the 1860s. A remarkable specimen, all things considered. A good account of this private mint's operation can be found in Dr. Donald Kagin's scholarly work on Territorial Gold issues.