1851 G50C BG-1319 (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The item designated BG-1319 is not a product of the California Gold Rush era (1852-1882), but rather falls into a category numismatists classify as 'Period Three' or, more directly, counterfeit issues. The standard reference for the series, 'California Pioneer Fractional Gold' by Walter Breen and Ronald J. Gillio, definitively categorizes all varieties with BG numbers from 1300 and higher as non-contemporary counterfeits or fantasy pieces. The date '1851' is itself a primary diagnostic of its spurious nature, as the first genuine, privately issued California fractional gold coins (Period One) appeared in 1852 to alleviate a severe shortage of small change in the booming Gold Rush economy. These authentic early issues were struck by jewelers and assayers in San Francisco and were intended to, and did, circulate as money. They were of high gold content and generally mimicked the designs of federal coinage. A second period of issue (1859-1882) saw the production of more varied, often underweight pieces intended more as souvenirs as the initial shortage of coinage had been resolved by the San Francisco Mint. The Coinage Act of 1864 made private coinage illegal, and federal enforcement largely ended the practice by 1883. BG-1319 and similar pieces were created much later, often in the 20th century, to sell to tourists or unsuspecting collectors. They are typically made of brass or thinly gold-plated base metal and often feature crude or imaginative designs that do not match known genuine dies. The existence of these pieces speaks to the enduring romance of the Gold Rush and the desire for souvenirs of that era, but they hold no legitimate numismatic or historical value as circulating currency of the period.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush (as a theme for modern copies)
Reason For MintingTo be sold as a souvenir or imitation of genuine, historical California Fractional Gold pieces.
Minter HistoryThe manufacturers of BG-1300 series counterfeits are not documented historical assayers. These pieces were produced by various unknown modern sources, often jewelers or token makers, long after the historical period of private coinage had ended.
Historical SignificanceThis piece has no direct historical significance to the California Gold Rush. Its significance is primarily as a numismatic cautionary tale, representing a widespread class of copies and fantasy pieces that collectors must learn to distinguish from genuine, historically important territorial coins.
N/A
Denomination50 Cents (Spurious)
Minting PeriodModern (Post-1882)
Assayer/MinterUnknown Modern Manufacturer
Geographic OriginUnited States (Likely)
Obverse DescriptionDesigns vary on modern counterfeits. Typically, a crude representation of a Liberty head or an Indian head, often with misaligned or misshapen stars and a fictitious date like '1851'. The style does not match the engraving quality of known Period One or Period Two minters.
Obverse InscriptionTypically includes a date such as '1851' and sometimes stars.
Reverse DescriptionOften features a wreath and the denomination. Some fantasy pieces use a bear motif, which is a tell-tale sign of a non-contemporary souvenir piece (the 'if you see a bear, then beware' rule).
Reverse InscriptionMay include 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' and a denomination like '1/2' or '50 CENTS'. The lettering is often crude and uneven.
CompositionTypically brass, copper, or other base metal, sometimes thinly plated with gold. Not solid gold.
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessExtremely low to none.
EdgePlain
Unknown and extensive; produced over many years by various sources.
Survival EstimateVery high; these items are common.
Rarity ScaleNot applicable. Considered a common counterfeit.
This item has no appeal to collectors of genuine United States territorial gold. Its only value is as a curiosity, a placeholder in a collection of counterfeits, or as a teaching tool for authentication. It is not considered a collectible numismatic coin.
Key VarietiesAs per the Breen-Gillio reference, all pieces cataloged from BG-1300 and higher are considered non-contemporary counterfeits. There are no legitimate varieties of this item.
Authentication TipsThe BG-1319 designation itself classifies this as a counterfeit. Key diagnostics include the 1851 date (pre-dating genuine issues), crude design and strike quality, lack of genuine gold content (often brassy in color), and a soapy or greasy luster unlike the sharpness of a genuine gold coin. Authentic fractional gold pieces are cataloged in the Breen-Gillio reference with numbers below 1300. Any piece with a bear on the reverse is almost certainly a modern souvenir.
Shopping ConsiderationsCollectors should avoid purchasing this item under the impression that it is a genuine historical artifact. It should only be acquired if clearly represented as a modern copy or token, with a value of only a few dollars at most. Do not pay a premium for 'graded' examples unless the holder explicitly states 'Counterfeit' or 'Not Genuine.' Any representation of this as a 'regular strike' from the 1850s is false.
The numerical 1-70 grading scale is not applied to counterfeit items like BG-1319, as the system is designed to assess the preservation of genuine historical coins. The concept of 'grade' for this piece is irrelevant to its value.
Relevant Grade TypesThis item is not a business strike, proof, or special striking in the numismatic sense. It is a modern copy. Grading services will not assign a numerical grade; if encapsulated, they will return it labeled as 'Counterfeit,' 'Not Genuine,' or 'Spurious.'
Mint State CharacteristicsNot applicable. The manufacturing quality is typically poor, with crude details, uneven surfaces, and a lack of proper metallic luster. These are not characteristics of a 'Mint State' coin but rather indicators of its inauthentic nature.
Circulated Wear PatternsNot applicable. These pieces were not intended for circulation and do not exhibit wear patterns consistent with genuine coins. Any surface marks are post-manufacturing damage to a modern novelty item.
Key Factors For ValueThe sole factor determining value for this item is its identification as a modern copy or souvenir token. It has no numismatic value. There is no premium for 'condition' or 'eye appeal.' Its value is minimal, often just a dollar or two.