Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862
Made in 1862 from gold mined during the famed British Columbia gold rushes, these coins were the product of a government program that aroused intercolonial rivalries and pitted the media against the governor. Although never released for circulation, Governor Sir James Douglas took action in 1862, he authorized the purchase of minting equipment and ordered dies to strike $10 and $20 coins for use in the colony.
This upset people on Vancouver Island, then a separate colony from British Columbia, who felt the new mint should be in their jurisdiction. Perhaps as a result, within a year Governor Douglas had a change of heart and decided not to have any coins minted for general circulation. The equipment was moved into storage. This decision put him at odds with other government officials, setting off a media storm that lasted over a year. However, he gave approval for a few examples, called patterns, to be struck and sent to the 1862 International Exhibition in London. A few patterns were also unofficially struck as gifts for local dignitaries.
Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862 prices and values
- SP
| Variety | SP-60 | SP-62 | SP-63 | SP-64 | SP-65 | SP-66 | SP-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1862 - Silver ↑↑ | $70,000 | $80,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1862 - Silver ↑↓ | $70,000 | $80,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1862 - Gold | $800,000 | $100,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1862 - Gilt | $70,000 | $80,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
Specifications - Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862 - Silver ↑↑
- Alloy: Silver
- Weight: 11.2 grams
- Diameter : 27 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Die axis: ↑↑
Specifications - Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862 - Silver ↑↓
- Alloy: Silver
- Weight: 11.2 grams
- Diameter : 27 mm
- Die axis: ↑↓
Specifications - Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862 - Gold
- Alloy: Gold
- Diameter : 27 mm
Specifications - Patterns, essays and trials - 10 dollars - British Columbia - 1862 - Gilt
- Alloy: Gilt
- Weight: 11.2 grams
- Diameter : 27 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Die axis: ↑↑
