The coin in question is a $5 gold piece from the Colorado Gold series, minted in 1861 at the Philadelphia Mint. This unique coin represents a significant piece of American numismatic history, particularly renowned for its association with the gold rush era and the burgeoning of the United States' gold currency system. Key characteristics of the coin include: - **Year of Minting:** 1861, a period fraught with historical significance in the United States, marked by the onset of the Civil War. - **Material:** Crafted from gold, a valuable and sought-after material that lends both aesthetic beauty and intrinsic value to the coin. - **Denomination:** $5, which indicates its face value in U.S. currency, largely used during its time for various commercial transactions. - **Mint Location:** Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, one of the oldest and most reputable mints in the country, enhancing its collectibility and historical importance. - **Mint Mark:** The coin bears no mint mark, indicating that it was produced directly at the Philadelphia facility. - **Mintage:** While the specific mintage is listed as zero, this suggests that production records were either not maintained or are not available, potentially adding to the rarity and intrigue of the piece. Despite the precise measurements for width, height, diameter, and weight being listed as zero, this does not detract from the coin's value, which lies in its historical context and the role it played in American commerce during the mid-19th century. Overall, this $5 gold coin from 1861 is not just a currency piece but a collectible artifact that reflects a pivotal time in U.S. history, making it a treasured item for collectors and historians alike.
