Are you a cowboy and Wild West lover? If so, the 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 Gold coin. K-3. Rarity-6. Horseman Type. MS-64 (NGC) would definitely be one of your favorite specimens.
The name of this lot is “Gorgeous 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10“, so you can imagine that it is an example many collectors would love to have in their possession. No doubt this is the epitome of the California Gold Rush coinage.
When was this coin sold and where?
There was a live auction in August 2011 and it took place in Chicago. The final price back then was $281,750. It is commonly known as the famous “Vaquero” issue.
“Vaquero” is the Spanish word for cowboy. It is important to underscore its pale olive toning highlights. Undoubtedly, it is a shining bright yellow proof-like magnificence.
Experts also love the details in the way the horse is depicted and the outfit the cowboy is wearing. What is more, the reverse eagle is also sharp. Those who are wondering about the existing population of this marvel should know that there are about 12 to 15 pieces per Stack’s Bowers.
Has there been similar auctions to bid for this coin after this one?
According to Professional Coin Grading Services, one 1850 $10 Baldwin & Co. (Regular Strike) MS61 piece was sold for $381,875 in 2014. On this occasion, it was Heritage Auctions the company that celebrated the auction.
The history of this coinage during the California Gold Rush is fascinating. It was George C. Baldwin and Thomas S. Holman the ones who set up Balwin & Co. Then, they bought the coining operation of F.D. Kohler & Co.
After that important move, they issued the first coins. Their face value was $5 and $10 gold pieces whose dates were 1850. In 1851, they continued issuing coins too. This time they made $10 and $20 gold specimens. Confidence in their coins was lost when it was found that their coins had less gold than the stated value.
