ATTRACTIVE PCGS/CAC 1860 CLARK GRUBER $5

K-2, R-4.

The Denver firm of Clark Gruber and Company was the leading private mint during the Colorado Gold Rush. This firm produced quarter eagles, half eagles, eagles and double eagles from 1860 to 1861. Half eagles were made in both years and the 1860 is far more plentiful than the 1861. Most 1860 half eagles grade between EF40 and AU53 and are characterized by poor eye appeal.

If a nicer AU55 1860 Clark Gruber half eagle exists, I've not seen it and this coin has dramatic peripheral reddish splashes framing deep green-gold centers. The strike is typically soft at the upper central obverse and the corresponding reverse with sharp borders. The surfaces are choice and the aforementioned natural color gives this coin great overall eye appeal.

No PCGS AU55 example of this issue has sold at auction since 2007 and the last NGC AU55 brought $7,050 in late 2014. No CAC approved AU55 or AU58 has sold at auction.

A premium coin for the date and grade and among my personal favorites in this collection.

CAC has approved just this 1 coin in AU55 with 13 finer.

From the California Connoisseur Collection