Bonhams to Offer an Important Collection of Clark Gruber & Co. Territorial Gold

Los Angeles — On January 28, Bonhams sale of Coins and Medals will feature a complete set of Clark Gruber & Co. Territorial gold coins minted in 1860-1861 in Denver, Colorado, which was amassed over several decades. This set includes the quarter eagles, half eagles, eagles, and the ultra-rare double eagles from both dates issued, 1860 and 1861. Multiples of certain dates and denominations are also part of the collection resulting in the largest grouping of Clark Gruber & Co. gold offered on the market for many decades with estimates ranging from $1,500 to $90,000.

A decade or so after the California Gold Rush began in the late 1840s, gold was discovered on the South Platte River, near the future city of Denver. Clark, Gruber & Co., a reputable bank and brokerage firm in the state, established a coinage facility and remained in operation through 1862. It was elbowed out of the coining business in April 1863 when it was turned first into a federal assay office, then 43 years later, into the Denver branch of the United States Mint in 1906.

Highlights of this important collection include: a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated 1931-D $20 (MS65 PCGS) (est. $80,000-100,000) which is accompanied by a series of other dates and mints of the popular Saint-Gaudens $20 series; an 1879-CC $20; a rare 1864 $5; 1796 Small Eagle Silver Dollar; 1879 to 1883 Proof Trade Dollar set; many modern world gold proof sets and coins; many Chinese Proof Panda coins; U.S. modern gold and silver commemorative sets and Proof and Uncirculated American Gold Eagles. Large size U.S. currency includes: 1882 $50 Date Back NBN of New Brighton, PA; 1882 $100 NBN Louisville National Banking Co.; and a 1902 $100 NBN Date Back FNB of Lancaster, OH.

Additional highlights from the sale include: