1881 G25C BG-799O, DMPL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1881 BG-799O octagonal 25-cent piece represents the twilight of the fascinating and often tumultuous era of California Fractional Gold. Born from the acute shortage of small denomination coinage during the initial frenzy of the Gold Rush, these privately issued gold pieces transitioned from a practical necessity to popular souvenirs and jewelry items by the time this example was struck. This particular variety is attributed to Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig, a San Francisco jeweler and one of the most prolific producers of fractional gold in the 1870s and early 1880s. The socio-economic landscape had changed dramatically from the 1850s; the United States Mint in San Francisco was in full operation, and federal silver coinage was plentiful. The continued production of fractional gold was therefore driven by commercial demand for keepsakes that evoked the romance of the Gold Rush. However, this production existed in a legal gray area. The Coinage Act of 1864 had outlawed private coinage, but enforcement was lax for many years. This changed in the mid-1870s when the Secret Service began to crack down on private minters. Mohrig himself was arrested on August 10, 1876, and his dies and stock were confiscated. This event explains why many of his later issues, including pieces dated after his arrest, are often found backdated to earlier years to circumvent the law. While this piece is dated 1881, it was likely produced in that year, representing a final, defiant act of private enterprise before federal pressure completely halted production around 1883. The BG-799O is known as a 'No Cal' variety, as the inscription 'CALIFORNIA' is absent from the reverse, a common characteristic of later-period jeweler's issues. The existence of high-grade, Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) specimens suggests they were struck with polished dies and intended for collectors and tourists from the outset, rather than for circulation.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush (Later Period Souvenir Issue)
Reason For MintingPrimarily struck as a souvenir or collectible item for the tourist and jewelry trade, long after the initial need for circulating small change had passed.
Minter HistoryChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig was a German immigrant jeweler who operated in San Francisco. He became one of the most significant and productive minters of 'Period Two' (1859-1882) California Fractional Gold. His pieces are cataloged in the Breen-Gillio reference under numbers BG-790 through BG-799V. Mohrig's operations came under federal scrutiny, culminating in his arrest by the Secret Service in 1876 for violating the Private Coinage Act of 1864. His dies were confiscated, leading to the rarity of many of his varieties. Despite this, he continued to produce pieces afterward, often backdating them to avoid further legal trouble, until production ceased entirely.
Historical SignificanceThis coin is significant as a product of the final phase of private fractional gold minting in the United States. It embodies the transition of these pieces from quasi-currency to commercial souvenirs and reflects the legal pressures that ultimately extinguished a unique chapter in American numismatic history. The high quality of DMPL examples also points to a sophisticated understanding of the nascent collector market.
BG-799O
Denomination25 Cents
Minting Period1881
Assayer/MinterChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionFeatures a stylized Indian Head facing left, wearing a feathered headdress. The portrait is surrounded by 13 six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies. The date, 1881, is positioned below the bust truncation.
Obverse Inscription1881
Reverse DescriptionA simple wreath composed of two branches tied with a bow at the bottom encircles the denomination. This is a 'No Cal' variety, meaning the word 'CALIFORNIA' is not present.
Reverse Inscription1/4 DOLLAR
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVariable, typical of Period Two issues, often between 14 to 22 karats (.583 to .917 fine), and generally containing less than face value in gold weight.
Weight0.25 grams
Diameter9.60 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival Estimate150-200 known
Rarity ScaleLow R-4
The BG-799O is sought after for its connection to the final, legally-challenged years of fractional gold production, its octagonal shape, and its association with the prolific minter C. F. Mohrig. The appeal is magnified for DMPL specimens, which are rare and exhibit exceptional cameo contrast and eye appeal, representing the pinnacle of quality for these privately struck issues.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the regular strike as described (BG-799O). While there are no major contemporary varieties of this specific catalog number, the broader Mohrig series (BG-790s) contains numerous die variations. The most significant distinction for collectors of BG-799O is the surface characteristic: standard business strikes, Proof-Like (PL) strikes, and the highly desirable Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) strikes. No contemporary proof restrikes are known.
Authentication TipsAuthentic examples often show a somewhat crude, handmade quality despite their artistry. Look for die characteristics consistent with known examples, such as the specific star and letter punches. The fields on DMPL examples should show deep reflectivity, not from polishing, but from being struck by polished dies. Counterfeits are common and may be gold-plated brass; they often have a soapy, indistinct look, incorrect weight, or design details (like bears) not found on genuine denominated issues. Edges should be plain and show no signs of a casting seam.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor a premium quality example, seek out a certified piece from PCGS or NGC, as this guarantees authenticity. For a DMPL coin, the key is the intensity and clarity of the mirrored fields and the degree of frost on the devices. A 'premium quality' specimen will have minimal contact marks, as the reflective surfaces make even the smallest imperfections highly visible. Strike weakness is common, particularly on the stars or the details of the wreath, so a well-struck example commands a significant premium. Avoid coins that have been harshly cleaned, which destroys the original luster, or tooled, where surfaces have been altered to hide imperfections. Look for original, undisturbed surfaces and attractive reddish-gold toning.
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 of BG-799O were business strikes, technically intended for commercial souvenir purposes rather than circulation. They are found in Circulated (1-58) grades, though this is uncommon, and more frequently in Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs (PR/PF) were struck during the original period. However, special strikings on polished planchets with polished dies resulted in Proof-Like (PL) and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL or DPL) examples, which are business strikes with special surface characteristics and are designated as such by grading services (e.g., 'MS66 DMPL'). These are highly sought after but are distinct from true Proof coinage.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of BG-799O are defined by their luster and strike. Luster on typical strikes is satiny. On PL and DMPL examples, the fields are highly reflective. Due to the private minting process, strikes can be inconsistent; many show weakness on the stars or the fine details of the headdress. The soft gold is prone to minute contact marks, which are especially distracting on DMPL surfaces. A top-tier MS example will have a sharp strike, clean surfaces, and booming luster or deep mirrors.
Circulated Wear PatternsThough most surviving examples are uncirculated, any wear would first appear on the highest points of the design. On the obverse, this would be the cheek, the brow, and the feathers of the headdress. On the reverse, wear would first show on the high points of the wreath's leaves and the bow. In lower grades (VF and below), the stars would begin to merge with the field and the finer details of the denomination would soften.
Key Factors For ValueThe single most important factor for this coin is the surface designation; a DMPL coin is worth many multiples of a standard business strike in the same numerical grade. Beyond that, value is driven by surface preservation (original skin versus cleaned or polished), sharpness of the strike, and overall eye appeal. Coins with minimal, well-hidden contact marks and a strong visual contrast between the devices and fields are prized. A CAC sticker, indicating premium quality for the grade, adds a significant premium, especially for high-grade DMPL examples.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | N/A | N/A |
| 68 | N/A | N/A |