J-285 $10 (1861 Eagle Pattern) PCGS PF63 BN. Rare Civil War $10. This rare, proof, Civil War dated 1861 pattern eagle was struck in copper. It has a rich brown surface with hints of red in protected areas. Highlights of mint luster remain within the devices. No wear is seen, and the surfaces are in clean, original condition. The strike is full and sharp, as expected for a proof coin.

This pattern is the first to have a version of the motto that was adopted on most United States coins in 1866. The motto shown on this coin GOD OUR TRUST was changed to IN GOD WE TRUST, which is now standard. Some pattern coins were made with other mottos such as OUT TRUST IS IN GOD. It was probably rejected for being too lengthy. Some have the motto directly in the field, and others, such as the present coin, have it on a banner or scroll.

The coin shows the regular die with Libertys head facing left in profile wearing a LIBERTY inscribed coronet. She is surrounded by thirteen stars with the date below. The reverse is also similar to the regular die. A heraldic eagle with outstretched wings is seen. In its left talon are three arrows, and an olive branch is in the right. Above its head is the motto on a scroll. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border and TEN D., the denomination is below.
The Reverend M.R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania was the first to suggest to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase that coins should bear a reference to God. Chase then ordered Mint Director Patterson to prepare a device with the motto in the fewest tersest terms possible.

In its population report, PCGS shows 2 1861 pattern eagles in PF63 BN with 2 better.