1871 G50C BG-910, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1871 BG-910 50 Cents represents the second great era of California Fractional Gold, a period numismatically distinct from the initial coinage of necessity. By 1871, the acute shortage of small change that spurred the creation of 'Period One' (1852-1857) pieces had long been resolved by the output of the U.S. Mint in San Francisco. The impetus for 'Period Two' (1859-1882) issues, to which this coin belongs, was commercial enterprise of a different sort: tourism and nostalgia. As California matured and the memories of the Gold Rush became romanticized, local jewelers recognized a burgeoning market for souvenirs. These diminutive gold pieces, often exquisitely crafted, served as keepsakes for tourists and affordable gold items for use in jewelry. Despite the Private Coinage Act of 1864, which prohibited such issues, federal enforcement was inconsistent and largely ignored by San Francisco's artisans until Secret Service crackdowns finally halted production in 1882. The BG-910 was struck within this environment. Its maker is lost to history, one of several anonymous jewelers who produced these pieces without a specific identifying mintmark. These artisans, using native California gold, operated small-scale presses, often employing polished dies to impart a brilliant, prooflike finish that would appeal to buyers. Unlike their circulating predecessors, these tokens saw little to no commercial use, being preserved as mementos. Their existence today is a testament to this souvenir trade, and their high rarity reflects the limited, on-demand production runs typical of small, private workshops of the era.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Tourism
Reason For MintingPrimarily produced as souvenirs and for use in jewelry, capitalizing on the romanticism of the California Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter for the BG-910 variety is unknown. During 'Period Two' of California Fractional Gold, numerous San Francisco jewelers and artisans produced these small-denomination pieces, often without distinctive maker's marks. Unlike contemporaries such as Robert B. Gray & Co. ('G') or the Levison Brothers ('L'), the creator of this die pairing left no initial. The style and quality are consistent with other known San Francisco producers of the period who catered to the robust souvenir market.
Historical SignificanceThis coin is significant not as a medium of exchange, but as a tangible artifact of California's economic and cultural transition. It represents the shift from a frontier society of necessity to a more established state with a tourist economy, where the Gold Rush itself had become a marketable commodity. It also highlights a period of ambiguous federal oversight regarding private coinage, existing in a legal grey area for nearly two decades.
BG-910
Denomination50 Cents
Minting Period1871
Assayer/MinterUnknown San Francisco Jeweler
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionA classic Liberty Head portrait facing left, reminiscent of the contemporary federal gold coinage but often cruder in execution. The hair is tied in a bun at the back. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, typically unevenly spaced. The date '1871' is positioned below the bust.
Obverse Inscription1871
Reverse DescriptionThe denomination '50 CENTS' is enclosed within a wreath. The wreath is composed of two branches tied with a bow at the bottom. At the top, breaking the wreath, is the inscription 'CALIFORNIA GOLD'. The specific diagnostics for BG-910, such as the exact number of berries in the wreath and the position of leaves relative to the letters, are key to its attribution but require specialized texts for precise identification.
Reverse InscriptionCALIFORNIA GOLD 50 CENTS
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVaries by maker, but typically between .500 and .850 fine.
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival Estimate13-30 pieces known
Rarity ScaleR-5+
The BG-910 is highly prized for its rarity, octagonal shape, and connection to the romantic era of post-Gold Rush San Francisco. The frequent prooflike surfaces provide exceptional eye appeal for such a small coin, making high-grade examples particularly desirable for type collectors and specialists in California gold.
Key VarietiesThe BG-910 is itself a specific die marriage variety as cataloged in the Breen-Gillio reference. No major sub-varieties, patterns, or official restrikes are known to exist for this specific variety. The 'PL' (Prooflike) designation is a manufacturing characteristic, not a separate variety, but it is a key attribute sought by collectors.
Authentication TipsAuthentic pieces must have a denomination ('50 CENTS'). Be wary of any piece featuring a bear on the reverse, as these are characteristic of modern replicas. The strike is often somewhat soft on the high points, particularly on Liberty's hair, and the planchets can be thin. The ultimate authentication requires comparison with known genuine examples or the die characteristics published in the Breen-Gillio reference. Third-party grading is highly recommended.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example for its grade will exhibit sharply struck legends and stars, even if the central devices show some characteristic softness. For a PL-designated coin, look for deeply mirrored fields with strong cameo contrast against the devices. Original, undisturbed luster is paramount. Common problems include cleaning, which dulls the mirrored fields and imparts hairline scratches, and previous mounting in jewelry, which can result in rim damage or solder marks. An example with original, coppery-gold toning and minimal contact marks will command a significant premium.
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 period issues were business strikes, although primarily intended for collectors and jewelers rather than circulation. They are found in both Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs were struck in 1871. The 'PL' (Prooflike) designation refers to Mint State coins struck from highly polished dies, giving them mirror-like surfaces. This is a desirable manufacturing characteristic, not a separate issue type.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of BG-910 are defined by their luster, which is frequently prooflike with deep, watery mirrors. The strike is often weak on the highest points of Liberty's hair and the central part of the wreath bow due to the hardness of the gold alloy and low-tonnage presses. Planchets are typically thin. Small, intrinsic planchet flaws or adjustment marks are not uncommon and should be distinguished from post-strike damage. The most desirable MS examples have clean, reflective fields and a sharp strike on the peripheral details.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough most examples are uncirculated, any wear would first appear on the high points of Liberty's hair above the ear and on the cheek. On the reverse, friction would first dull the surfaces of the highest leaves and berries in the wreath and the bow knot. In lower grades (VF and below), the finer details of the hair would merge and the legends would begin to soften.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-910, value is driven by three main factors: 1) Grade and surface quality – an example with original, uncleaned prooflike surfaces will command a massive premium over a cleaned or circulated piece. 2) Strike sharpness – well-struck specimens that show detail in the hair and central wreath are highly sought after. 3) Eye appeal – coins with deep mirrors, strong cameo contrast, and attractive original toning are prized. A CAC sticker for this issue confirms premium quality for the grade and adds significant value.