1880 25C BG-799K, DMPL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1880 25C Octagonal Indian Head, cataloged as Breen-Gillio 799K, is a quintessential example of a 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold piece. By 1880, the frantic necessity for small denomination coinage that characterized the initial Gold Rush had long since passed. The San Francisco Mint, operating since 1854, adequately supplied the region with federal silver and minor coinage. The impetus for producing these minuscule gold tokens had shifted entirely from commerce tokeepsakes. These pieces, often termed 'jeweler's issues,' were manufactured by various, mostly anonymous, artisans and jewelers in San Francisco to be sold as souvenirs, charms for bracelets, and curiosities for tourists and locals nostalgic for the Gold Rush era. Unlike the 'Period One' issues (1852-1857), which were intended to and often did circulate, Period Two pieces were not meant to function as money. Consequently, their gold content was not beholden to their face value; they were consistently and intentionally underweight. The production methods were often crude, typically involving a hammer-striking process, which resulted in coins of varying strike quality. Despite the Coinage Act of 1864 making private coinage illegal, the law was not strictly enforced against these small tokens until the Secret Service cracked down in 1883, effectively ending their production. The BG-799K, with its Indian Head motif—a popular and romanticized American design—would have been a commercially successful design. The designation 'DMPL' (Deep Mirror Proof-Like) signifies a coin struck from highly polished dies, giving its surfaces a reflective, mirror-like quality that would have enhanced its appeal as a souvenir item. Today, these pieces are not just collected for their gold content but as tangible links to the romantic legacy of the California Gold Rush and the entrepreneurial spirit of the jewelers who created them.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Economy / Souvenir Coinage Era
Reason For MintingTo serve as a souvenir or keepsake of the California Gold Rush era for tourists and collectors, rather than to circulate as currency.
Minter HistoryThe minters of most 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold pieces, including the BG-799K, are unknown. They are generally attributed to various San Francisco jewelers who produced these items for the souvenir trade. Unlike the earlier 'Period One' issues where some minters like Antoine Louis Nouizillet or Frontier, Deviercy & Co. are known, the later period was characterized by a more fragmented and often anonymous manufacturing landscape. These artisans operated small-scale workshops, using hand-operated presses or simple hammer coinage techniques to create a wide variety of designs to appeal to the public.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-799K represents the evolution of private California coinage from a necessary medium of exchange to a commercialized nostalgic token. It encapsulates the enduring romanticism of the Gold Rush in the American consciousness, decades after the initial frenzy had subsided. Its existence highlights a period of lax federal oversight on private minting and demonstrates the creative entrepreneurship of California's jewelers. Numismatically, it is a key representative of the popular Indian Head octagonal type of the later 'souvenir' period.
Not Applicable
Denomination25C
Minting Period1880
Assayer/MinterUnknown San Francisco Jeweler
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionThe obverse features a stylized Indian Head facing left, adorned with a feathered headdress. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The date '1880' is positioned below the bust. The design is set within the eight sides of the octagonal planchet.
Obverse Inscription1880
Reverse DescriptionThe reverse displays the denomination '1/4' enclosed within a wreath. The wreath is composed of two branches tied together at the bottom with a bow. Along the upper periphery, outside the wreath, is the word 'CALIFORNIA'. The denomination is sometimes expressed as '1/4 DOLLAR' on similar issues, but on this variety, it is typically just the fraction. A small 'G' for gold may sometimes be present.
Reverse InscriptionCALIFORNIA 1/4
CompositionGold
Stated FinenessNot stated on coin.
Actual FinenessVariable, typically between .500 and .800 fine, and sometimes lower. These were unregulated jeweler's issues and fineness was not consistent.
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival EstimateScarce; Likely fewer than 100-200 known across all grades.
Rarity ScaleR-5 (Very Scarce)
This coin is highly appealing due to its octagonal shape, popular Indian Head design, and direct connection to the romantic legacy of the California Gold Rush. The DMPL designation adds significant allure, as the deeply reflective surfaces create a jewel-like appearance that stands out from typical business strikes. It is a key representative of the fascinating 'souvenir' period of fractional gold production.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the regular strike. Within this, coins can be found with varying surface characteristics, leading to designations like Proof-Like (PL) and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL), with DMPL being the most desirable and rare. The BG-799 design was struck with several different dies, resulting in minor sub-varieties cataloged in the Breen-Gillio reference (e.g., BG-799, BG-799A, BG-799K, BG-799X), each with subtle differences in the placement of stars, date, or other elements. No later-date restrikes or special collector issues are known for this specific variety.
Authentication TipsGenuine Period Two fractionals are characteristically very thin. Replicas and modern fakes are often thicker and have a more uniform, modern appearance. Look for a somewhat crude but sharp strike; mushy or cast-looking details are a red flag. The surfaces of authentic pieces, even DMPL examples, may show fine die polishing lines. Replicas often have incorrect design details, such as a bear on the reverse, which was never used on genuine 19th-century issues. The presence of the denomination ('1/4') is a key diagnostic, as many later charms and tokens omit it to circumvent anti-counterfeiting laws. Certification by a top-tier grading service (PCGS or NGC) is highly recommended.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor a premium quality example, a buyer should seek a sharp strike, particularly on the feathers of the headdress and the details of the wreath. On DMPL specimens, the contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices (if present, known as 'cameo') is highly desirable and commands a significant premium. Check for originality of the surfaces; many have been cleaned or polished over the years due to their use in jewelry. Look for smooth, reflective fields free of excessive marks or hairlines that would detract from the DMPL designation. Avoid examples that have been holed or show evidence of being mounted in jewelry, as this severely impacts the value.
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 issues were business strikes intended for the souvenir market and are found in both Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. Due to their nature as keepsakes, many were preserved in high grades. No true Proofs were struck during the original period. The DMPL (Deep Mirror Proof-Like) designation is not a grade but a descriptor for a business strike with exceptionally mirrored surfaces, created by striking the coin with highly polished dies.
Mint State CharacteristicsIn uncirculated grades, quality is determined by the sharpness of the strike, the depth of the mirror-like fields, and the presence of any cameo contrast. These pieces are often well-struck, but weakness can sometimes be seen on the high points of the Indian's cheek or the bow on the reverse wreath. Due to the soft gold and hand-striking process, minor planchet flaws or striations are common and may not detract significantly from the grade unless they are severe. Contact marks, though tiny, can be very apparent on the mirrored surfaces and will have a major impact on the assigned grade.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough most are uncirculated, on examples that did see handling, wear first appears on the high points of the design. For the obverse, this would be the cheekbone and the feathers in the headdress. On the reverse, the highest parts of the wreath's leaves and the bow would show the first signs of friction and loss of detail.
Key Factors For ValueThe single most important factor for this specific coin is the quality and preservation of the DMPL surfaces. A deep, clear, 'black-and-white' cameo contrast between the devices and fields will command a massive premium. Surface preservation is paramount; even minor hairlines are highly distracting on a mirrored field. A sharp, well-centered strike is also critical. Eye appeal is a major driver, with coins possessing a vibrant, original reddish-gold luster being the most sought-after. A CAC sticker for this issue is highly valued, as it confirms the quality and originality of the surfaces for the assigned grade.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | N/A | N/A |