This coin is a fascinating piece from the world of American numismatics, specifically belonging to the Patterns & Trial Coins series. It was produced in the year 1861 at the Philadelphia Mint, known for its historical significance and craftsmanship. As a $5 denomination coin, it is made of copper and was struck as a proof, indicating that it was created for presentation purposes and to showcase the artistry and quality of the minting process. Notably, this coin does not have a mint mark, which is characteristic of some coins produced during this era, and it is part of a very limited set, with a strikingly low mintage figure reported as zero. Though the coin's physical dimensions such as weight, diameter, and edge type are not specified, the absence of these details does not diminish its appeal to collectors. The lack of a designer attribution indicates that it was either an experimental piece or a design not officially adopted for circulation. Overall, this 1861 $5 proof coin serves not only as a monetary token but also as a significant historical artifact, representing a unique moment in the fabric of United States coinage. Collectors of pattern coins and American history enthusiasts alike would find this item to be of considerable interest due to its rarity and historical context.
