1851 G50C BG-1317 (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The user's query for an '1851 G50C BG-1317' does not correspond to any known, genuine California Fractional Gold coin cataloged by authoritative sources such as Breen-Gillio (BG). The historical consensus, supported by decades of numismatic research, establishes that the first privately issued fractional gold coins appeared in 1852 to alleviate a severe shortage of small change during the California Gold Rush. An 1851 date is therefore anachronistic for a genuine circulating piece. The designation 'BG-1317' is also not a recognized catalog number within the established Breen-Gillio reference for this series. This combination of an incorrect date and a non-existent catalog number strongly indicates the item in question is a modern replica, souvenir token, or fantasy piece, not a historic territorial coin. Genuine California Fractional Gold coins are categorized into three periods. Period One (1852-1857) pieces were struck by jewelers in San Francisco, intended for actual circulation, and often mimicked the designs of official U.S. gold coinage. The extreme need for small denominations drove their creation, as gold dust was impractical for minor transactions and the nearest U.S. Mint was too distant to supply adequate coinage. Period Two (1859-1882) issues were produced primarily as souvenirs for tourists and collectors as the initial shortage of change abated with the output of the San Francisco Mint (opened 1854). These often had lower gold content relative to their face value. Period Three consists of later, often backdated, collector pieces. Items like the one described in the user's query fall outside this established timeline and are typically mass-produced, gold-plated base metal tokens sold in gift shops or online, bearing fantasy designs and dates to evoke the Gold Rush era without being authentic artifacts of it.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush
Reason For MintingThis specific item was likely created as a modern souvenir or collectible, not to fulfill a historic monetary need.
Minter HistoryThe manufacturers of genuine California Fractional Gold were primarily jewelers and metallurgists in San Francisco, such as Antoine Louis Nouizillet, M. Deriberpie, and the firm of Frontier, Deviercy & Co. The creator of the item specified in the query is unknown and falls outside of this historical context.
Historical SignificanceWhile genuine California Fractional Gold coins are historically significant as a solution to a critical currency shortage and represent a fascinating chapter in U.S. monetary history, the described item holds no such significance. Its importance is limited to being an example of the many modern replicas that can confuse collectors.
N/A
Denomination50 Cents (stated)
Minting Period1851 (stated)
Assayer/MinterUnknown Private Manufacturer (Not a Period One or Two Minter)
Geographic OriginLikely not 19th Century California
Obverse DescriptionTypically, replica tokens of this nature feature a crude Liberty or Indian head, often surrounded by 13 stars, with the anachronistic 1851 date below the bust.
Obverse InscriptionTypically includes '1851' and sometimes 'CALIFORNIA GOLD'.
Reverse DescriptionModern replicas and tokens often feature a bear, an animal not found on any genuine circulating Period One or Period Two fractional gold piece. They also may have a wreath design, but the engraving is typically of poor quality compared to genuine issues.
Reverse InscriptionOften includes a fraction like '1/2' and wording such as 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' or 'CAL. GOLD CHARM' but will lack the word 'DOLLAR' or 'DOL.' which is a key diagnostic of genuine pieces.
CompositionTypically Gold-Plated Brass or other base metal.
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessEffectively zero; contains only a microscopic layer of gold plating.
EdgePlain
Unknown; likely mass-produced in modern times.
Survival EstimateNot applicable; not a historic coin.
Rarity ScaleNot applicable; common modern token.
This type of item has minimal appeal to serious numismatists but may be acquired by tourists or novice collectors as an inexpensive placeholder or curiosity. Its primary value is educational, as a tool for learning to distinguish genuine artifacts from replicas.
Key VarietiesThere are no 'varieties' in the numismatic sense. These tokens are produced by various modern manufacturers and can differ in design details, but they are not part of the historic Breen-Gillio cataloging system.
Authentication TipsKey diagnostics for identifying this as a non-genuine piece include: 1) The 1851 Date: No genuine circulating fractional gold was made before 1852. 2) The 'BG-1317' Number: This is not a valid Breen-Gillio catalog number. 3) The Reverse Design: If a bear is present, it is definitively not a genuine 19th-century circulating piece. 4) The Inscription: Genuine pieces are denominated with 'DOLLAR,' 'DOL.,' or 'CENTS.' Replicas often use phrases like 'CALIFORNIA GOLD CHARM' or omit a monetary unit altogether. 5) Surface Characteristics: Replicas often have a soapy, prooflike, or unusually uniform appearance, lacking the distinct strike characteristics and wear patterns of hammered or early press coinage.
Shopping ConsiderationsA potential buyer should not purchase this item believing it is a historic Gold Rush artifact. Its value is typically between $1 to $5. It should be treated as a souvenir, not an investment. When purchasing genuine California Fractional Gold, buyers should insist on pieces authenticated and graded by a reputable third-party service like PCGS or NGC, and should purchase from knowledgeable, reputable dealers.
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 TypesAs this item is a modern token and not a historic coin, the standard grading scale (Circulated, Mint State, Proof) does not apply in a meaningful way. They are typically uncirculated as sold, but they are not 'Mint State' in the numismatic sense. No genuine business strike or proof examples of an '1851 BG-1317' exist.
Mint State CharacteristicsNot applicable. These tokens are not evaluated by the same criteria as genuine coins. Their appearance is typically uniform and may have a bright, prooflike finish from modern manufacturing processes, which is distinct from the luster of a genuine Mint State fractional gold coin.
Circulated Wear PatternsNot applicable. As these pieces do not circulate as currency, they do not acquire natural wear patterns. Any wear would be post-manufacturing damage.
Key Factors For ValueThe value of this type of token is nominal and does not vary based on the factors that drive value in genuine coins, such as surface quality, strike, or eye appeal. Its value is fixed as a modern collectible or souvenir.