Mormon Patterns, Die Trials & Restrikes Subseries
From the Mormon Patterns, Die Trials & Restrikes (1849-1860) Series
Obverse
Reverse
The story of Mormon Patterns, Die Trials, and Restrikes is intrinsically linked to the larger narrative of Mormon gold coinage—a direct consequence of the Latter-day Saints' westward exodus and the California Gold Rush. After a grueling journey to the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young's fledgling community faced a severe currency shortage, hindering trade and economic development. This isolation was both a religious goal and an economic challenge. The solution arrived as gold dust, carried back by members of the Mormon Battalion returning from California in 1848. Rather than let the dust circulate inefficiently, Young, a leader deeply influenced by Jacksonian hard money principles, directed the establishment of a church-run mint. The Deseret Mint was born out of theological necessity—the desire to build a self-sufficient 'Kingdom of God' in the west—and practical economics. The initial coinage of 1849-1850, overseen by mint master John Kay, was crudely struck from largely unrefined California gold. Its variable weight and fineness, often below face value, caused it to be heavily discounted or rejected outside Utah, leading many to be melted. The patterns and die trials from this era represent the experimental steps of a frontier mint working with limited equipment and expertise. A second wave of coinage occurred in 1860, using more refined gold from Colorado, resulting in a technically superior coin designed by J.M. Barlow. The entire private minting operation ceased by 1861 under order from the territorial governor and was made illegal by federal law in 1864, cementing the rarity of the original issues. Decades later, around 1898, the original dies were used to create commemorative restrikes, preserving the designs but also creating a new class of collectibles distinct from the original pioneer gold.
Assayer/MinterThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Deseret Mint - John M. Kay, J.M. Barlow)
Minter HistoryThe minting was a church-directed enterprise under Brigham Young. The key craftsman for the 1849-1850 issues was John Moburn Kay, a blacksmith and metalworker from England, who engraved the dies and operated the crude minting press. For the distinct 1860 coinage, J.M. Barlow, a local jeweler, was tasked with creating new, more sophisticated dies, assisted by Dougal Brown and possibly engraver David McKenzie. The entire operation was known as the Deseret Mint, a testament to the Mormon ideal of industriousness and self-reliance.
Reason for MintingTo convert raw gold dust from California into a standardized medium of exchange for the economically isolated Salt Lake City community.
Historical SignificanceMormon coinage, including its experimental patterns and later restrikes, represents a fascinating chapter of American economic and religious history. It is a tangible artifact of Manifest Destiny, the challenges of frontier economics, and the LDS Church's determined efforts to establish an independent, self-sufficient society in the Great Basin. The issuance of the $20 gold piece in 1849 predates the first federal Double Eagle, making it a historically pioneering denomination. The distinct iconography provides insight into Mormon theology and identity during this formative period.
Geographic OriginGreat Salt Lake City, State of Deseret (later Utah Territory)
For the 1849-1850 issues, the typical obverse features the 'All-Seeing Eye of Jehovah' beneath the three-pointed Phrygian Crown, an emblem of the Mormon priesthood. The 1860 design is completely different, featuring a reclining lion (the 'Lion of Judah') with the date below.
Obverse InscriptionCommon inscriptions include 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD'. The 1860 $5 piece is notable for using the phonetic Deseret Alphabet for this inscription, a unique feature in American numismatics.
Reverse DescriptionThe 1849-1850 issues feature clasped hands, symbolizing friendship and fellowship. The 1860 $5 reverse is more complex, showing an eagle with outstretched wings protecting a beehive (a symbol of industry, or 'Deseret'). Some patterns and die trials are uniface, with a blank reverse.
Reverse InscriptionInscriptions vary by denomination. For 1849-1850 issues, common text includes 'G.S.L.C.P.G.' for 'Great Salt Lake City Pure Gold' and the denomination spelled out (e.g., 'FIVE DOLLARS'). The 1860 reverse reads 'DESERET ASSAY OFFICE PURE GOLD' and '5 D.'
CompositionOriginal coins were Gold. Patterns and die trials are known in brass and copper. Later restrikes (c. 1898) were struck in copper and lead.
DenominationOriginally for $2.50, $5, $10, $20 gold denominations.
Stated FinenessThe coins were typically marked 'PURE GOLD', a statement of intent rather than precise measurement.
Actual FinenessThe 1849-1850 issues were notoriously inconsistent, struck from unrefined California gold with a fineness often ranging from .850 to .899, well below the .900 federal standard. The 1860 issue, using Colorado gold, was of higher quality, around .917 fine.
Mintages for patterns and trials were minuscule, often unique or with just a few examples known. Restrike mintages are also very small. These pieces are fundamentally rare.
Survival EstimateSurvival of original patterns and trials is extremely low. These were not meant for circulation and were often discarded or melted. Restrikes had a slightly better survival rate as they were made as collectibles, but are still very rare. The extreme rarity of all Mormon issues is due to widespread melting in the 19th century because they were underweight and of inconsistent purity, leading to their rejection at face value outside Utah.
Rarity ScaleThe entire series of Mormon Patterns, Die Trials, and Restrikes ranges from High Rarity (R-6) to Unique (R-8). Nearly every known piece is a significant numismatic item.
This series appeals to advanced specialists in Territorial gold, numismatic history, and artifacts of Mormonism. Each piece is a historical relic from a pivotal moment in American westward expansion, combining extreme rarity with a compelling backstory.
Key VarietiesKey varieties include: Brass patterns for the 1849-1850 issues. The unique 1860 brass pattern from the dies featuring mountains behind the lion. Uniface die trials struck in copper for various denominations. The c. 1898 restrikes in copper and lead, identifiable by die rust and sometimes reeded edges.
Kagin #K-1 through K-8 describe the primary gold issues; patterns, trials and restrikes have their own distinct Kagin numbers (e.g., K-4a, K-7a).
Authentication TipsAuthenticity is paramount. Original gold pieces are crudely struck on plain edge planchets. Be wary of casts and electrotypes. For restrikes, look for evidence of die rust (small pimples on the surface), as the original dies had deteriorated over 50 years. The c. 1898 restrikes often have reeded edges, a feature not found on originals. Compare punch styles and letter placement against known genuine examples, as die characteristics are well-documented for these rarities.
Shopping ConsiderationsThese are not 'coins' in the typical sense; they are historical artifacts. 'Good value' is defined by rarity, provenance, and condition. A piece with a documented history tracing back to the 19th or early 20th century commands a significant premium. Look for sharp, well-defined impressions, especially on uniface trials. For restrikes, minimal corrosion and original color are prized. Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is essential for market acceptance and authenticity verification.
A coin's grade is its condition, rated on a 1-70 scale. For rare coins, this is the most critical factor in determining value, as a tiny difference in preservation can mean a huge difference in price.
Relevant Grade TypesAll original pieces were intended as business strikes or pre-production trials. No proofs were originally made. The c. 1898 pieces are considered restrikes or commemorative issues. The key distinction for this series is 'Original Period Striking' vs. 'Later Restrike'.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of patterns and trials are exceptionally rare. Quality is judged by the sharpness of the strike, the presence of original mint luster (on metallics), and freedom from corrosion or damage. For the 1898 restrikes, evidence of die rust from the aged dies is an expected characteristic, not necessarily a flaw.
Circulated Wear PatternsBy definition, patterns and die trials should not show circulation wear. If wear is present, it is considered post-striking damage and severely impacts value. Original gold Mormon coins that did circulate show wear first on the high points: the crown and eyebrow on the obverse, and the knuckles of the clasped hands on the reverse.
Key Factors for ValueThe primary value drivers are: 1) Authenticity and Period of Manufacture (original trial vs. later restrike). 2) Rarity (many are unique or nearly so). 3) Condition and eye appeal. 4) A documented chain of ownership (provenance), which is critically important for world-class rarities like these and can add immense value.