1880 G$1 BG-1330 (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1880 G$1, cataloged as BG-1330, represents the twilight of the fascinating California Fractional Gold series. By 1880, the original impetus for these private issues—a severe shortage of small denomination coinage during the Gold Rush—had long since vanished. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, was producing ample federal coinage for commerce. Consequently, the role of fractional gold had transitioned entirely from a necessary medium of exchange to that of a souvenir or keepsake. These 'Period Two' (1859-1882) pieces were primarily manufactured by jewelers in San Francisco to cater to a burgeoning tourist trade and a sense of local pride and nostalgia for the 'Days of '49.' Unlike their 'Period One' predecessors, which were intended to and did circulate, these later issues were often significantly underweight and sometimes of lower fineness, as their purpose was novelty, not commerce. The production of such pieces existed in a legal gray area. The Coinage Act of 1864 had made private coinage illegal, but the law was not aggressively enforced against these small tokens until the U.S. Secret Service launched a widespread crackdown in 1883. This impending suppression makes the 1880-dated pieces among the last of their kind to be openly produced and denominated. The jewelers who made them operated with a blend of artisanship and commercial savvy, creating attractive miniature coins that captured the romance of the Gold Rush for visitors and locals alike. The BG-1330 is a product of this final era, a memento of a uniquely Californian numismatic tradition just before it was extinguished by federal authority.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Tourism
Reason For MintingPrimarily produced as a souvenir or charm for the tourist trade, capitalizing on nostalgia for the Gold Rush era.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter or jeweler responsible for the BG-1330 variety is not definitively known, a common trait for many 'Period Two' issues which were often produced anonymously to avoid potential legal trouble. The work is attributed generally to the community of San Francisco jewelers who dominated the production of these souvenir pieces from the 1860s through the early 1880s.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-1330 is significant as it represents the final chapter of private gold coining in California before federal enforcement halted the practice. It is a tangible link to the commercialization of Gold Rush history and the transition of these pieces from functional currency to collectible souvenirs, embodying the end of a numismatic era.
N/A
Denomination$1
Minting Period1880
Assayer/MinterUnknown Private Minter
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionFeatures a stylized Indian Head portrait facing left, a common motif on late-period fractional gold. The portrait is typically surrounded by a number of stars.
Obverse Inscription[Likely features stars and the date 1880, but specific details for BG-1330 are not available.]
Reverse DescriptionA simple wreath design, typical for the series, encircling the denomination. The design is often cruder than that of official U.S. Mint issues.
Reverse Inscription1 DOLLAR
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessOften below the .900 standard of federal coinage, variable by maker.
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival EstimateVery Low; likely fewer than 20-30 pieces known.
Rarity ScaleR-6 (13-30 Known)
Sought after for its status as a late-date, denominated issue from the final years of legal fractional gold production. Its rarity and connection to the romanticized end of the Gold Rush era make it a prize for specialists.
Key VarietiesThis is a specific die variety (BG-1330) within the 1880 G$1 issues. No later-date restrikes or special collector issues are known for this specific variety. The primary variations in the broader series relate to obverse and reverse die pairings, date positions, and portrait styles used by different anonymous makers.
Authentication TipsGenuine pieces from this era are very thin and often weakly struck in areas. Replicas are typically thicker, have a soapy or cast-like appearance, and may show a coppery core where the gold plating has worn. All genuine Period Two pieces must be denominated (e.g., 'DOLLAR', 'DOL.', 'D.'). Pieces with a bear on the reverse or that say 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' without a denomination are tokens or fakes. Referencing the plates in the Breen-Gillio reference is the definitive authentication method.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example for this issue would be one that is well-struck for the variety, as many were made with crude, manual presses. Look for sharp details on the Indian's headdress and the lettering on the reverse. Original, undisturbed luster is exceedingly rare and commands a significant premium. Avoid examples that have been holed or mounted for jewelry, a common fate for these pieces. Also, be wary of excessive cleaning which can strip the original surface and greatly diminish value. Due to their rarity, any example, even in lower grades, is considered significant.
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 examples of BG-1330 were struck as business strikes, though they were intended for souvenir sales rather than circulation. They are found in Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades, as many were saved as keepsakes. No original period Proof (PR/PF) strikes are known to exist for this variety.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of this issue often exhibit a soft, satiny luster rather than a hard, frosty one. The strike is a key determinant of quality; many are weakly struck on the high points of the design, such as the details of the headdress and the center of the wreath. Planchet quality can be irregular, with minor striations or adjustment marks from the manufacturing process considered normal. Contact marks, while common, will still affect the grade.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough not intended for heavy circulation, wear on circulated examples will first appear on the high points of the Indian's cheek, brow, and feathers. On the reverse, the leaves and bow of the wreath will show the first signs of friction. In lower grades (VF and below), the legend and date will begin to lose their sharpness.
Key Factors For ValueRarity is the primary driver of value. For a given grade, sharpness of the strike is the most important factor; a well-defined portrait and wreath can double the value of a weakly struck counterpart. Surface preservation is critical: original, uncleaned surfaces with some remaining luster are highly prized. Eye appeal, including attractive original gold toning, can add a significant premium. A CAC sticker for this issue would be a strong value enhancer, confirming quality within the assigned grade.