1861 $10 J-286 (Proof)

David Akers (1975/88): Description: Obverse. Identical to J-284. Reverse. Similar to J-284 except that the motto GOD OUR TRUST above the eagle's head is not on a scroll.

Comments: As was the case with the preceding pattern, J-284, there are neither specific auction records for this pattern nor are there any specimens definitely traceable despite the fact that Judd states "two struck" and Adams and Woodin called the pattern R-14 (2 or 3 known). However, in the Farouk sale conducted by Sotheby's in 1954, there was a lot listed with the gold patterns that was described as follows: "310. Pattern ten dollars, 1861, the motto on rev. reads GOD OUR TRUST, edge milled, struck in goldoid (sic). Extremely fine, unique, and from Col. Green collection." (The star indicates that the lot was photographed.)

The lot realized 235 Pounds or roughly $674.45, which was quite in line with the prices realized by comparable U.S. gold patterns in the sale, and so it is probable that the lot was actually J-286. Therefore I am listing the Farouk-Green piece as the only known specimen, the one referred to by Davis in his original pattern listing in The Coin Collector's Journal.