1876 25C BG-799GG, DMPL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1876 BG-799GG 25 Cent piece is a quintessential example of a 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold coin. By the mid-1870s, the initial, desperate need for small denomination coinage that characterized the Gold Rush of the early 1850s had largely subsided. The establishment of the San Francisco Mint in 1854 had supplied the region with ample federal coinage for daily commerce. However, the romance of the Gold Rush and the novelty of the tiny gold coins had created a new and lasting market: souvenirs. Private jewelers, many of whom were highly skilled but remain anonymous to history, continued to produce these miniature gold pieces to satisfy the tourist trade and demand for keepsakes that could be easily mailed or incorporated into jewelry. Unlike the earlier 'Period One' issues, which were struck with the primary intent to circulate, these later pieces were often made with lower gold content relative to their face value and were struck with more fanciful designs, such as the popular Indian Head motif. The Coinage Act of 1864 had made private coinage illegal, but enforcement was lax, and production of denominated pieces continued until the Secret Service cracked down in the early 1880s. These jewelers' issues, therefore, exist in a numismatically fascinating gray area between utilitarian currency and decorative token. The BG-799GG is a product of this era, a small, tangible link to the Centennial year of the United States, crafted in the city that gold built. Its existence as a Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) specimen is a testament to the skill of its maker; struck from freshly polished dies, its mirrored fields were intended to dazzle the buyer, enhancing its appeal as a precious memento of California's golden heritage. Today, these pieces are not just collected for their gold content but for their intricate history, rarity, and the story they tell of a maturing California economy.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Souvenir Market
Reason For MintingPrimarily produced as souvenirs and for use in jewelry, catering to tourists and locals fascinated by the legacy of the Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter of the BG-799 die pair is unknown, which is characteristic of most 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold. Production was dominated by numerous San Francisco-based jewelers and artisans who typically did not sign their work. These craftsmen used coin presses to strike pieces in their workshops, often with dies prepared by independent engravers, catering to a robust souvenir market.
Historical SignificanceThis coin represents the transition of California Fractional Gold from a necessary medium of exchange to a collectible souvenir, reflecting California's evolving identity and the romanticism of the Gold Rush era during America's Centennial year. It is a tangible artifact of the private manufacturing and commercial landscape of late 19th-century San Francisco.
N/A
Denomination25 Cents
Minting Period1876
Assayer/MinterUnknown Private Jeweler
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionFeatures a stylized female head facing left, commonly referred to as an Indian Head, wearing a feathered headdress. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The date, 1876, is positioned below the bust.
Obverse Inscription1876
Reverse DescriptionA wreath of two branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom encircles the denomination '25 CENTS' in the center. The legend 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' is inscribed outside of and following the curvature of the wreath at the top.
Reverse InscriptionCALIFORNIA GOLD 25 CENTS
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVariable, but typically lower than Period One issues, ranging from 9 to 21 karats.
Weight0.23 grams
Diameter9.00 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown, but certainly very small.
Survival EstimateFewer than 25 known
Rarity ScaleHigh R-6
The BG-799GG is highly sought after due to its extreme rarity, its desirable Indian Head design, octagonal shape, and the significant premium afforded to examples with the Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) designation. It combines historical allure with visual appeal.
Key VarietiesThe BG-799 die marriage is the primary variety. Within this, coins are collected by strike quality, with standard business strikes, Proof-Like (PL), and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) examples recognized by grading services. No official restrikes or patterns are known, but a multitude of contemporary counterfeits and modern replicas exist.
Authentication TipsGenuine BG-799 pieces are extremely thin and light. The strike is often uneven, with some softness in the high points, a characteristic rarely seen on thicker, modern replicas. The luster on a genuine DMPL should be watery and deep, not the hard, flashy glare of a modern machine-made copy. Look for sharp, albeit small, details in the wreath and feathers that are often mushy on fakes. Any piece with a bear on the reverse is a modern fantasy piece. Given the prevalence of counterfeits, third-party certification from a reputable service like PCGS or NGC is virtually mandatory for a confident purchase.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor a DMPL example, the quality of the mirrors is paramount. A premium quality coin will exhibit deep, clear, watery reflectivity in the fields on both sides, with readable text reflected from at least six inches away. The contrast between the mirrored fields and any frosted devices (cameo) dramatically increases eye appeal and value. Look for a specimen with a sharp strike on the date and central design elements. As these coins are very soft and tiny, they are prone to handling marks; a 'clean' example with minimal distracting lines or nicks, even within the grade, is highly desirable. Avoid coins that have been harshly cleaned, which destroys the original surfaces and imparts a dull or hairlined appearance, or any pieces showing evidence of being removed from jewelry.
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 1876 BG-799GG pieces are business strikes, produced for commercial sale. They are found in Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly for this souvenir issue, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs were struck during the original period of issue. The 'DMPL' (Deep Mirror Proof-Like) designation is a modifier applied to high-grade business strikes that were among the first struck from freshly polished dies, resulting in highly reflective, mirror-like surfaces. This is not a separate issue but a desirable characteristic of a business strike.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn uncirculated BG-799 will typically exhibit a soft, satiny luster. Strike quality is variable; many show some softness on the high points of the Indian's hair and the wreath. A DMPL example is distinguished by intensely reflective, watery fields. Due to the small size and production method, even high-grade specimens can have minor planchet flaws or striations that do not necessarily detract from the grade but should be noted for eye appeal.
Circulated Wear PatternsWear first appears on the highest points of the design: the cheek and feathers of the Indian Head on the obverse, and the high points of the wreath's leaves and the numerals of the denomination on the reverse. In lower grades (VF and below), the stars on the obverse and the letters in the legends will begin to weaken and merge with the fields.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-799GG, value is driven by several key factors. Rarity is paramount, as it is a High R-6 variety. The grade is the next critical element. The presence and quality of a DMPL designation creates a massive price premium over a standard Mint State coin. Eye appeal is crucial; examples with clean, mark-free surfaces and strong cameo contrast command the highest prices. Certification by a top-tier grading service (PCGS or NGC) is essential for market acceptance and value realization. A CAC sticker on a certified coin indicates premium quality for the grade and will add a further substantial premium.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | $10,750.00 | 1 |