Each of these $50 patterns, designed by William Barber, is unique in gold. The
reverse is very similar to that which appeared on the double eagle of the time. They
were struck in response to demand by bankers and merchants in San Francisco
(originally expressed in 1854) for large denomination coins to make quick counting
easier. These amazing pieces were once in the possession of William Woodin. A brief
discussion can be found at the Society of US Pattern Collectors website.
