1871 G25C BG-813, PL (Regular Strike)

Comprehensive History

The 1871 BG-813 25 Cents is a quintessential example of a 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold piece. The initial wave of fractional gold, struck from 1852 to roughly 1858, arose from a genuine and pressing economic need. The massive influx of population during the Gold Rush created a vibrant economy, but a severe shortage of circulating small-denomination coinage hampered daily commerce. Privately minted gold quarters, halves, and dollars filled this void. However, by the time the BG-813 was struck in 1871, the economic landscape had changed. The San Francisco Mint, opened in 1854, was producing ample federal coinage, obviating the original need for private issues. Consequently, the 'Period Two' pieces, including this one, were primarily produced not as currency, but as souvenirs and keepsakes for tourists, merchants, and sentimental forty-niners. These miniature gold pieces captured the romanticism of the Gold Rush era and were popular items sold by jewelers and merchants in San Francisco. While the Coinage Act of 1864 had made private coinage illegal, enforcement was lax in California, allowing production of these denominated 'tokens' to continue until the Secret Service finally cracked down in the early 1880s. The BG-813, with its classic Liberty Head motif mimicking federal coinage, was designed to be an attractive memento. These pieces were often crudely struck by hand-operated presses in jewelers' workshops, leading to significant variation in strike quality. Their gold content was typically less than their face value, reinforcing their status as tokens rather than true coinage. Today, the BG-813 is a tangible link to the post-Gold Rush commercial and cultural life of San Francisco, representing a mature industry that had transitioned from necessity to nostalgia.

Associated Event

California Gold Rush (Later Souvenir Period)

Reason For Minting

Primarily created as a souvenir or curio for the tourist and merchant trade in post-Gold Rush San Francisco.

Minter History

While most Period Two fractional gold minters remain anonymous, production is broadly attributed to the manufacturing jewelers of San Francisco. Research by Breen, Gillio, and other specialists suggests that firms like Robert B. Gray & Co. were significant producers. Gray was active from the late 1850s and is known to have sold his coining interests to the prominent California Jewelry Co. (owned by the Levison Brothers) in 1871, the very year this piece is dated. It is therefore highly probable that the dies for BG-813 were created by and struck at the facilities of one of these two interconnected firms, which were equipped with the necessary machinery and skilled craftsmen for such work.

Historical Significance

The BG-813 represents the evolution of California Fractional Gold from a necessary circulating medium to a commercial souvenir. It stands as a testament to the lax enforcement of federal coinage laws on the West Coast and the enduring romantic appeal of the Gold Rush. For numismatists, it is a key artifact of a fascinating and complex chapter in American monetary history, showcasing private enterprise continuing long after its original purpose had ceased.

Kagin Reference

N/A

Denomination

25 Cents

Minting Period

1871

Assayer/Minter

Attributed to Robert B. Gray & Co. or successors

Geographic Origin

San Francisco, California

Obverse Description

A representation of the Liberty Head, facing left, modeled after the contemporary federal gold coinage designed by Christian Gobrecht. Her hair is tied in a bun secured by beads. She wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY (though often not fully legible). Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies. The date, 1871, appears below the truncation of the neck.

Obverse Inscription

LIBERTY (on coronet), 1871

Reverse Description

The denomination '1/4 DOLLAR' and 'CAL.' are enclosed within a laurel wreath. The wreath is composed of two branches tied with a bow at the bottom. This variety is noted for having four berries on the wreath, two on each side.

Reverse Inscription

1/4 DOLLAR CAL.

Composition

Gold

Stated Fineness

Actual Fineness

Varies by specimen, typically 14 to 22 carats (.585 to .917 fine)

Weight

0.25 grams

Diameter

10.00 mm

Edge

Plain

Estimated Mintage

Unknown

Survival Estimate

76-200 (Consistent with R-3 Rarity)

Rarity Scale

R-3 (Scarce)

Collector Appeal

This variety appeals to collectors due to its direct connection to the famous California Gold Rush era, its miniature size, and its affordability relative to Period One issues. The classic Liberty Head design makes it a popular type coin for those building a representative set of fractional gold. Its defined Breen-Gillio (BG) number allows for precise attribution, which is a major draw for specialized collectors.

Key Varieties

The BG-813 itself is a specific die marriage. Within the broader 1871 25C series, numerous other BG varieties exist, differing in date placement, the number of stars, reverse wreath details, and the use of octagonal vs. round planchets. No official, later-date restrikes or Proofs of BG-813 are known. Collectors should be aware that the term 'PL' (Prooflike) refers to a regular business strike with reflective surfaces and is not a separate issue.

Authentication Tips

Authentic BG-813 specimens often exhibit a somewhat crude, hand-struck appearance. The strike can be uneven, with weakness in the centers or peripheries. The surfaces may show die rust or other imperfections, which are actually good signs of originality. Counterfeits are common in this series; they are often brassy in color, have a soapy or cast-like texture, incorrect weight, and mushy details. Comparison to high-resolution images of certified examples is essential. Any piece lacking a clear denomination (e.g., 'DOLLAR' or 'CENTS') is likely a later, non-numismatic charm.

Shopping Considerations

A premium quality example for its grade will possess a sharp, well-centered strike, especially on the Liberty portrait and the reverse denomination. Original, uncleaned surfaces with some remaining mint luster command significant premiums. Look for attractive, original reddish-gold or greenish-gold toning. Avoid coins that have been harshly cleaned, polished, or show evidence of having been mounted in jewelry (solder marks, edge filing, or removed mounts). Weakness on the date and 'LIBERTY' on the coronet is common and should be expected, but examples with unusual sharpness in these areas are highly desirable.

Grading Overview

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 Types

Original 1871 BG-813 issues were business strikes intended for sale as souvenirs, not circulation. They are found in Circulated grades (AU-58 and below, from minor handling) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs were struck during the original period. The 'PL' (Prooflike) designation is an attribute applied to business strikes that exhibit mirror-like fields, created by polished dies. These are not a different type of coin but are highly prized for their appearance.

Mint State Characteristics

In uncirculated grades, the BG-813 typically displays a soft, satiny luster. Strike quality varies significantly; many are weakly struck on the stars or the word 'LIBERTY' on the coronet. Due to the softness of the gold and the manufacturing process, it is common to see minor planchet flaws or contact marks, even on high-grade specimens. A truly choice MS example will have a strong strike for the variety, minimal distracting marks, and vibrant luster.

Circulated Wear Patterns

Although not intended for heavy circulation, wear from handling first appears on the highest points of the design. On the obverse, this includes Liberty's cheek, the hair above the eye, and the beads in the hair bun. On the reverse, the highest points of the wreath's leaves and the numerals of the fraction '1/4' will show the first signs of friction and flattening.

Key Factors For Value

The primary drivers of value for an 1871 BG-813 are grade and surface quality. An example with original, uncleaned 'skin' is vastly preferred over a cleaned or polished one, even if the latter is technically in a higher grade. Sharpness of strike is a major factor; a well-struck MS-63 can be more valuable than a weakly struck MS-64. Eye appeal, encompassing attractive toning and minimal distracting marks, plays a crucial role. For this series, a CAC sticker, indicating premium quality for the grade, adds a significant price premium.

PCGS Price Guide

Grade	Price	Population
63	N/A	N/A
64	N/A	N/A
65	$900.00	1