1880 G25C BG-799K (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1880 Octagonal Indian Head 25 Cents, cataloged as Breen-Gillio 799K, represents the fascinating final chapter of privately issued gold coinage in California. This piece belongs to what numismatists classify as 'Period Two' (1859-1882) of the fractional gold series. Unlike the earlier 'Period One' issues, which arose from a genuine and desperate need for small change during the initial chaos of the Gold Rush, these later 'jeweler's issues' were created primarily as souvenirs and keepsakes. By 1880, the San Francisco Mint was in full operation, and the state was saturated with official U.S. coinage, rendering the original purpose of fractional gold obsolete. However, the romance of the Gold Rush had captivated the nation, and tourists visiting San Francisco sought tangible mementos of the era. Local jewelers skillfully filled this niche, producing vast quantities of these miniature gold coins in various shapes and designs, with the Indian Head motif becoming particularly popular. The production of these pieces existed in a legal gray area. The Coinage Act of 1864 expressly forbade private coinage, but enforcement by the U.S. Secret Service was inconsistent and not fully pursued until 1883. Many jewelers continued production, sometimes backdating their pieces to pre-1864 to feign legality. The 1880 date on the BG-799K is therefore notable, as it was struck defiantly during this period of ambiguous enforcement, just a few years before the federal crackdown that would end the era of fractional gold for good. The minter of BG-799K is not definitively known. The style is similar to pieces made by Robert B. Gray & Co., a prolific producer who sold his business in 1871. It is plausible that his successor, the California Jewelry Co. (run by the Levison Brothers), or another contemporary jeweler, utilized existing designs or created new dies in a similar style. These pieces were not intended to meet a specific intrinsic value standard; their gold content was often inconsistent and worth less than their face value, as their appeal was in their novelty and connection to the California mythos. Today, the BG-799K is a scarce and highly collectible variety, a miniature artifact from a time when the lines between currency, token, and souvenir were beautifully blurred.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush Souvenir Trade
Reason For MintingPrimarily created to serve as a popular souvenir or keepsake for tourists and collectors, capitalizing on the romance of the California Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter for BG-799K is unknown. The design is stylistically linked to the work of San Francisco jeweler Robert B. Gray & Co. (active c. 1858-1871). However, as this coin is dated 1880, it would have been produced after Gray sold his business to the California Jewelry Company (Levison Brothers). It is possible that the successor firm or another contemporary jeweler was responsible for its creation, perhaps even using old hubs or punches, or simply mimicking a popular and successful design. These 'Period Two' minters were typically jewelers by trade, manufacturing the gold pieces as a profitable sideline.
Historical SignificanceThis coin is significant as an example of the later 'jeweler's issues' of California fractional gold, which transitioned from a necessary circulating medium to a commercial souvenir product. It represents the persistence of private minting in defiance of federal law and the enduring popular appeal of the Gold Rush narrative in American culture.
BG-799K
Denomination25 Cents
Minting Period1880
Assayer/MinterUnknown Jeweler (Possibly successor to Robert B. Gray & Co.)
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionThe obverse features a stylized head of a Native American chief facing left, wearing a feathered headdress. The portrait is simple and somewhat crude, characteristic of jeweler's issues. Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, encircle the portrait along the octagonal border. The date '1880' is below the bust.
Obverse Inscription1880
Reverse DescriptionThe reverse design is dominated by a wreath composed of two branches tied together with a bow at the bottom. The wreath encircles the denomination '1/4 DOLLAR'.
Reverse Inscription1/4 DOLLAR
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual Fineness EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival EstimateFewer than 20 believed to exist. The combined NGC and PCGS population reports show approximately 10-16 examples graded.
Rarity ScaleR-6 (Very Rare)
The BG-799K is highly sought after for its rarity (R-6), distinctive octagonal shape, and popular Indian Head design. As a dated 'Period Two' issue, it is a key piece for specialists collecting the diverse and challenging series of California Fractional Gold, representing the end of this uniquely American numismatic chapter.
Key VarietiesThe primary varieties for this issue are distinguished by surface characteristics: Regular Strike, Prooflike (PL), and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL). No major die varieties from the original minting period are widely recognized. No later-date restrikes or patterns are known to exist for this specific Breen-Gillio number.
Authentication TipsGenuine pieces are struck on extremely thin gold planchets, often no thicker than a business card. The strike is often weak in areas, particularly in the center of the design or on the stars. Modern replicas are typically thicker, have a more uniform and 'soapy' appearance, and may be gold-plated brass, which can sometimes be seen on the edge. Authentic pieces must have a denomination (e.g., 'DOLLAR'); souvenir tokens made after the 1883 crackdown usually do not. Compare the specific die characteristics—font style, star shape, and portrait details—to certified examples, as counterfeit dies often have notable differences.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example for this issue is defined by a sharp strike, especially on the details of the headdress and the numerals of the date. Look for coins with clean, original surfaces that retain some measure of mint luster; many surviving examples are prooflike due to being struck on polished planchets. Avoid specimens that have been harshly cleaned, which imparts a dull, lifeless surface with hairlines. Check carefully for evidence of having been mounted in jewelry, such as rim damage or solder marks, which is a common issue for these souvenir pieces. A coin with attractive, original 'old gold' toning is highly desirable.
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 1880 BG-799K coins were produced as business strikes, although many were struck on polished planchets to enhance their appeal as souvenirs. They are therefore found in Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly for this late date, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. Many high-grade examples receive Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) designations from grading services due to their reflective fields. No true Proofs were struck during the original period of issue, and no later restrikes are known.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of BG-799K often exhibit a sharp, if somewhat crude, strike. The highest points of the design, such as the feathers and the cheek of the Indian, should show full detail. Luster is typically bright and satiny, and on PL/DMPL examples, the fields will be highly reflective. Due to the primitive minting process and the softness of the gold, even high-grade Mint State coins can have small planchet flaws, die polishing lines, or minor contact marks. A superior MS coin will have minimal marks and strong eye appeal.
Circulated Wear PatternsOn circulated examples, wear first appears on the high points of the obverse: the cheekbone of the Indian chief and the feathers in the headdress. On the reverse, the highest points of the wreath's leaves and the bow will show initial friction and loss of detail. In lower grades (VF and below), the date and the individual stars will begin to weaken and merge with the fields.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-799K, rarity is paramount, but within a given grade, surface quality is the key value driver. An example with original, undisturbed luster and minimal contact marks will command a significant premium over one that has been cleaned or has distracting marks. The sharpness of the strike is critical; a well-struck coin with full details is always preferred. Eye appeal, including the quality of any prooflike surfaces and attractive original toning, is also a major factor. A CAC sticker on a certified coin will add a substantial premium, indicating it is a superior example for the grade.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | $300.00 | 1 |
| 62 | $325.00 | N/A |
| 62+ | $375.00 | N/A |
| 63 | $475.00 | 3 |
| 63+ | $525.00 | N/A |
| 64 | $575.00 | 10 |
| 64+ | $675.00 | N/A |
| 65 | $1,200.00 | 5 |
| 65+ | $1,350.00 | N/A |
| 66 | $2,000.00 | N/A |