1854 $10 PR

The existence of a proof 1854 gold eagle was in serious doubt until early in the 21st century. The only known example first turned up in Bremen, Germany as a clear proof, and sold in 2012 at Heritage in an NGC NGC PF61 CAM holder. It has since been regraded as PCGS PR61 DCAM. According to its write-up at the 2012 Heritage sale, the following had been written by Guth and Garrett in their Gold Coin Encyclopedia.

Mintage: Unknown (Unique?)

The existence of a Proof 1854 eagle is highly doubtful. Apparently, a set of Proof coins was presented to the city of Bremen [Germany] in July 1854 in exchange for a group of coins (presumably from Bremen). According to Walter Breen, the set was liberated in 1945 and broken up, but this information remains unsubstantiated. Although various 1854 Proof $1, $2.50, and $3 coins are known, none can be tied to that set, nor have any 1854 Proof half eagles, eagles, or double eagles ever been seen. The Smithsonian does not have a Proof example of this date.

Obverse Description

Christian Gobrecht's portrait of Liberty is surrounded by 13 stars with the date centered at the bottom.

Reverse Description

Heraldic eagle holding arrows and branch in its claws is centered in the design with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * FIVE D. around the periphery. Mintmark (if any) is located under the eagle's claws.