1861 Clark, Gruber & Co. $5 Die Trial. K-10c. Rarity-7. Copper. Reeded Edge. MS-64 BN (PCGS). CAC.This inviting near-Gem was struck from the dies used to coin the regular issue Kagin-6 Clark, Gruber & Co. $5. Only a handful of these copper die trials have survived, the present one with exceptionally beautiful faded mint color remaining in the protected areas around the peripheries and within the recesses of Libertys portrait. Otherwise toned, both sides exhibit richly original steel-brown and golden-copper patina. The obverse is exceptionally well preserved, while for the reverse we note two minor spots that serve as useful identifying features, one located on the lower berry in the branch and the other below the letter N in DENVER. The strike is average with a few areas showing minor softness, although the overall impression is bold in hand. A fine strikethrough from a minute thread adhering to the obverse die is seen extending toward the center from star 4 before suddenly arcing back before ending between stars 4 and 5. Bold PIKES PEAK inscription on the coronet of Liberty and, indeed, an elegant coin overall. Rare, and worthy of the strongest bids.From the Samuel J. Berngard Collection. From our (Stacks) sale of the Classic Collection, Philadelphia Americana Sale, September 2009, lot 5397.
