"1871" G$1 BG-1329 (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The "1871" California Gold Dollar, specifically the unverified BG-1329 variety, represents a fascinating and enigmatic chapter in American numismatics. By 1871, the initial, desperate need for small denomination coinage that had spurred the 'Period One' (1852-1857) fractional gold issues had long subsided. The San Francisco Mint, operating since 1854, was producing ample federal coinage for commerce. The pieces struck during this 'Period Two' (1858-1882) were of a different nature. They were no longer primarily instruments of trade but had transitioned into popular souvenirs and keepsakes. Jewelers in San Francisco, capitalizing on the romantic allure of the Gold Rush, manufactured these miniature gold coins for tourists and for residents to mail to friends and family back East. These pieces were often intentionally underweight relative to their face value, functioning more as high-quality, denominated tokens than true currency. The legal landscape for these private issues had also shifted dramatically. The Coinage Act of April 22, 1864, had explicitly outlawed private coinage, making the continued manufacture of denominated fractional gold a legally dubious enterprise. However, enforcement by the Secret Service was sporadic and not fully effective until the early 1880s. This legal gray area allowed numerous jewelers to continue production, often with a mix of defiance and discretion. For much of the 1870s, firms like Robert B. Gray & Co. (who sold his business to the Levison Brothers' California Jewelry Co. in 1871) and Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig were active producers. The existence of an 1871-dated dollar is entirely consistent with this period's output. However, the specific Breen-Gillio (BG) number 1329 is not listed in standard references or major auction archives. This suggests several possibilities: it could be an extremely rare, newly discovered variety; a typographical error in the collector's records; or it may refer to a 'Period Three' piece—a later, clandestine issue that was backdated to '1871' to avoid prosecution after the crackdown of 1883. These Period Three issues are the most mysterious, often crudely made and difficult to attribute, with many linked to East Coast jewelers like Herman Kroll. Without a confirmed specimen, BG-1329 remains a numismatic ghost, representative of the complex, semi-legal, and commercially vibrant world of late Gold Rush-era San Francisco.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Commerce
Reason For MintingPrimarily created as souvenirs and novelty items for tourists and locals, capitalizing on the mystique of the California Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter for the unlisted BG-1329 is unknown. However, prominent San Francisco jewelers were the primary producers of fractional gold in this era. Robert B. Gray & Co. was a major manufacturer until 1871 when he sold his enterprise to the Levison Brothers, who operated as the California Jewelry Co. and sometimes marked their pieces with an 'L'. Other jewelers were also active, but most Period Two and Three issues are anonymous.
Historical SignificanceThis coin, and others of its period, mark the transition of private fractional gold from a necessary circulating medium to a commercial souvenir industry. It highlights a period of lax federal enforcement of coinage laws and the enduring romanticism of the Gold Rush that created a strong market for these miniature gold pieces.
Not Applicable
Denomination$1
Minting Periodc. 1871 (Period Two)
Assayer/MinterUnknown (Potentially a San Francisco Jeweler)
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionAs BG-1329 is unverified, a precise description is impossible. A typical 1871 Period Two gold dollar would feature a Liberty head or an Indian head motif, surrounded by stars. The style would be that of a jeweler's interpretation rather than a direct copy of federal coinage.
Obverse InscriptionTypically would include the date '1871'.
Reverse DescriptionA typical reverse for a Period Two dollar would feature a simple wreath enclosing the denomination '1 DOLLAR' or '1 DOL.'
Reverse InscriptionTypically '1 DOLLAR' within a wreath, sometimes with 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' around the periphery.
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessGenerally lower than federal standards, often ranging from .500 to .850 fine, as these were produced for profit as souvenirs.
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival EstimateUnknown; no examples are recorded in major population reports under this variety number.
Rarity ScaleUnlisted; if a genuine example were confirmed, it would likely be R-8 (Unique) or of the highest rarity.
The appeal of any 1871 California gold dollar lies in its direct connection to the post-Gold Rush era. If BG-1329 were ever confirmed, its primary appeal would be its extreme rarity as a previously unlisted variety, making it a significant discovery piece for specialists.
Key VarietiesFor 1871-dated gold dollars, several Breen-Gillio varieties are known, such as BG-1104 (Octagonal), BG-1109 (Octagonal), BG-1201 (Round), and BG-1204 (Round). These are the established, collectible varieties for the date. No known restrikes or patterns are specifically associated with the unlisted BG-1329 number.
Authentication TipsAuthentication for any California Fractional Gold piece is paramount due to prolific counterfeiting and modern replicas. A genuine Period Two piece should exhibit die characteristics consistent with known jewelers' work of the 1870s. Look for sharp, albeit sometimes crude, details from a hand-cut die. The gold should have the correct color and weight for known genuine examples (which are often lightweight). Replicas often have a soapy, cast-like appearance, incorrect weight, or feature designs (like bears) not used on genuine 19th-century pieces. Any suspected unlisted variety like BG-1329 would require expert examination by specialists at PCGS or NGC.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor any 1871 California Gold Dollar, a potential buyer should prioritize third-party certification from PCGS or NGC, which guarantees authenticity and attributes the BG number. A 'premium quality' example for its grade would exhibit a sharp strike (many are weakly struck in the center), clean surfaces free of distracting marks or damage, and original, uncleaned luster. The color of the gold can vary, and pieces with attractive, deep reddish-gold toning are often prized. Avoid coins that have been harshly cleaned, show evidence of being mounted in jewelry (solder marks, rim damage), or have been repaired.
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 TypesOriginal period issues were business strikes intended for sale as souvenirs, not general circulation, though some may have traded hands. They are found in Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No Proofs were struck during the original manufacturing period. Any piece described as a Proof is likely a later fantasy issue or has been misattributed; some Mint State examples can have prooflike surfaces due to the striking process.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn uncirculated 1871 gold dollar is judged on the quality of its strike, luster, and surface preservation. Strikes are frequently weak on the highest points of the portrait's hair and on the center of the wreath on the reverse. Luster is typically satiny and can sometimes be slightly reflective or prooflike. Due to their small size and handling over the years, even Mint State examples often have tiny contact marks or hairlines that can affect the grade.
Circulated Wear PatternsOn a Liberty head design, wear first appears on the highest points of the hair above the ear and on the cheek. On the reverse, the leaves and bow of the wreath will show the first signs of friction. In lower grades (VF and below), the finer details of the hair and wreath merge, and the legends may become soft.
Key Factors For ValueSince BG-1329 is unlisted, its value is hypothetical. For any genuine 1871 California dollar, the key factors are: 1) Rarity of the specific BG variety. 2) Grade and surface quality—a high-grade, problem-free coin is always worth more. 3) Strike—a sharply struck coin is more desirable than a weakly struck one. 4) Eye Appeal—coins with pleasing, original color command significant premiums. Certification by PCGS or NGC is essential for market acceptance, and a CAC sticker would indicate premium quality for the assigned grade.