United States of America 1838 Philadelphia Patterns & Trial Coins $5

Coin / United States of America / $5 (Five Dollars) / Patterns & Trial Coins / 1838 / Philadelphia

The coin in question is a pattern and trial piece from the United States Mint, specifically produced in Philadelphia in the year 1838. It features a denomination of $5 and was designed by the renowned engraver Christian Gobrecht. This particular coin is made of white metal and is categorized under the "Coins" sub-type. As a trial coin, the 1838 $5 piece holds significant historical value, serving as a prototype or experimental piece that was not intended for general circulation. Its mintage is marked as zero, indicating that it was produced for specific purposes, likely for evaluation and testing of designs rather than for standard release. Due to its nature as a pattern coin, this piece is particularly sought after by collectors, with its significance heightened by the absence of a mint mark, as it was coined at the Philadelphia Mint. The specifications provided indicate that the coin lacks traditional measurements such as weight and diameter, which further reflects its status as a trial piece. Overall, the 1838 $5 pattern coin remains a fascinating artifact of American numismatic history, embodying both artistic craftsmanship and the evolution of coin design within the United States. Its rarity and unique qualities contribute to its esteemed position in the collections of numismatists.