1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $20. K-8. Rarity-5+. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC. Here is a significant offering of this rare and seldom encountered large size gold coin from private issuers Clark, Gruber & Co. This example offers considerable boldness of detail throughout the design. The central reverse is soft, and other high points are somewhat blunt due to a combination of minor striking deficiency and light wear. The vivid deep orange-honey color is very pleasing, and there are no sizable marks or other blemishes to report. Plenty of frosty luster enhances the appeal of this exceptional example.<p>These pieces are styled after the federal gold issues of the era, though Libertys tiara proudly proclaims PIKES PEAK to signify the origin in Colorado Territory. A federal-style eagle with the legend CLARK GRUBER & CO DENVER and denomination TWENTY D. comprises the reverse design. First struck in 1860, the issues of Clark, Gruber & Co. were coined from native Colorado gold and at a gold value 1% above that of federal coins of the same denomination. Heeding the happenings of a decade earlier in California, the firm insisted on maintaining the small overage so that no one could ever accuse them of underhanded dealings or falsehoods (though no doubt accusations flew anyway).<p>The 1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $20 is the more collectible of the firms two issues of this denomination, although only marginally so. In fact, the vast majority of our offerings of 1861 pieces in recent years have been for copper die trials, some of which have been gilt, and which are often selected to represent this issue in specialized collections. For the advanced numismatist, however, only a regular issue gold striking will do, and this premium quality offering is not to be missed. PCGS# 10142. NGC ID: ANK7. PCGS Population: 6; 14 finer (AU-58 finest).<p>CAC Population: 1; 2 (AU-50 finest certified approved by CAC). From the Bill Barber Collection.
