United States of America 1861 Philadelphia Patterns & Trial Coins $20 (Twenty Dollars)

Coin / United States of America / $20 (Twenty Dollars) / Patterns & Trial Coins / 1861 / Philadelphia

The coin in question is a remarkable Proof coin from the United States, struck in 1861 as part of the Patterns & Trial Coins series. This specific coin has a denomination of $20 (Twenty Dollars) and is crafted from copper, a metal choice that was not typical for large denomination coins. Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin holds a significant place in numismatic history. The year 1861 was a tumultuous time in America, marked by the Civil War, and the creation of pattern coins during this period reflects the unique economic and political conditions of the time. Although the exact dimensions and weight of this coin were not specified, its design and execution would align with the high quality expected of Proof coins, which were typically struck with greater care and attention to detail than regular issue coins. Interestingly, this particular coin bears no mint mark, indicating it was made during a time when Philadelphia was the only mint operationally producing coins for circulation. The mintage of this coin is reported as zero, suggesting that it was never released into general circulation or perhaps that it was a test piece rather than a production item. As such, this coin could hold significant interest for collectors, given its rarity and the historical context that surrounds it. Overall, the 1861 $20 copper Proof coin stands as a fascinating collectible item, rich in history and a testament to the artistry involved in coin production during a pivotal era in American history.


Country United States of America
Year 1861
Serie Patterns & Trial Coins
Denomination $20 (Twenty Dollars)
Mint Philadelphia