2/21/25 6:31 AM
Gold: $2,933.33
Silver: $32.97
Platinum: $979.35
Palladium: $978.20
G/S: 88.97
Pt/G: 0.33
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map11005 Olive Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63141
phone 314-692-2646 email Email
hoursMon - Fri: 8am to 5pm (CT)
Sat: 8am - 4pm (CT)
Lot #: Go
Lot Title: 1860 $10 Clark Gruber PCGS AU-55
Lot Number: 319
Description: MAGA Collection. Kagin-3, R.5. 24 graded AU-55, 21 higher at PCGS.

There is something a bit overly cynical about the way prior authors have derided the fanciful structure of the "volcano" design that purports to represent Pike's Peak on the Clark Gruber gold coinage. Terms such as “comical”, or “amateurish” are often applied. Approaching the subject pragmatically, the cataloger feels that such statements completely ignore coins as art, and possibly advertisement, and in that context it would be completely understandable that, if the engraver wished to fit something into such a small, round area as a coin, representing an enormous mountain, then settling upon the ungainly pyramidal structure was perfectly practical. It is seriously doubtful that anyone, even in the mid 1800s, would have mistaken the rendition as being a “realistic” representation of a mountain peak. The reality is that trying to fit a lifelike depiction of Zebulon Pike's eponymous summit into the confines of a round circumscription would result in something far worse and even more naive than the branding used by Clark-Gruber.

And wasn’t “branding” truly Clark-Gruber’s goal? If so, then that is what makes the design completely practical. To this very day, the reverse motif is instantly recognizable, even to a casual numismatist. It’s memorable proportions, with DENVER boldly displayed beneath, are instantly recognizable and memorable. Such is the benefit of proper “branding”.

Considerable luster (for the type) permeate the entire surface and attests to preservation quite near the mint-state level. Indeed, the cataloger feels that from the standpoint of actual wear, the grade could be AU-58, meaning there is little more than slight friction visible on the highpoints. However, PCGS may have noticed the presence of two light pinscratches crossing into the obverse left field, as well as a handful of other vague handling hairlines scattered around the mountain's motif. The reverse has essentially escaped such contact. Excellent medium gold tone encapsulates the overall hue, with the addition of slender lines of carrot-gold near the recessed edge of several design elements. At arm's length, a well-balanced and consistently attractive example of this storied rarity.
PCGS #: 10137
Certification: 05805387
Estimate: $30,000-$33,000
Lot Status: Bidding has been closed for this lot.
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1860 $10 Clark Gruber PCGS AU-55
1860 $10 Clark Gruber PCGS AU-55
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