1880 25C BG-799X, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1880 25C BG-799X is a fascinating product of the second period of California Fractional Gold production (1859-1882). Unlike the 'Period One' issues, which were struck out of necessity to alleviate a shortage of small change during the initial Gold Rush, these later pieces were created long after the San Francisco Mint had begun supplying the region with ample federal coinage. By the 1880s, the motivation for producing these miniature gold tokens had shifted entirely from commerce to nostalgia and souvenirs. Research by Robert Leonard Jr., Bob Lande, and Ken Glickman, documented in the second edition of 'California Pioneer Fractional Gold' by Breen and Gillio, definitively traced the origin of the BG-799X dies, along with several other varieties, to F.H. Noble & Company, a jewelry and findings firm based not in California, but in Chicago, Illinois. This discovery is crucial, as it reframes these pieces not as local Californian products, but as commercially manufactured keepsakes designed to capitalize on the enduring romance of the Gold Rush. A Secret Service investigation in 1881 revealed that F.H. Noble & Co. was actively producing these 1880-dated tokens. These pieces were marketed to tourists and easterners as mementos of a bygone era. They were intentionally anachronistic, bearing a date from the late Gold Rush period but produced years after the true need for such coinage had vanished. Their composition was typically of a lower fineness than the earlier issues, and their weight was not standardized to their face value, rendering them purely tokens. Despite their non-monetary purpose, their production ceased around 1882-1883 when the U.S. Secret Service began to strictly enforce the Coinage Act of 1864, which prohibited all forms of private coinage. Today, the BG-799X is a highly collectible artifact, representing the commercialization of Gold Rush history and a distinct chapter in the story of U.S. private tokens.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush Nostalgia & Souvenir Trade
Reason For MintingPrimarily minted as souvenirs for the tourist trade, capitalizing on the romanticism of the California Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryF.H. Noble & Company was a Chicago-based manufacturer of jewelry, badges, emblems, and other metal goods, founded in the 19th century. Their business was not in monetary coining but in producing commercial metal products. Numismatic research uncovered their role in creating several varieties of late-date California Fractional Gold tokens, which they likely saw as a profitable novelty item. They supplied these tokens to jewelers and merchants, including those in San Francisco, for resale as souvenirs.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-799X is significant for what it is not: a coin for circulation. It represents the transition of California Fractional Gold from a necessary form of currency to a commercial souvenir. Its manufacture in Chicago highlights a national fascination with the Gold Rush and demonstrates the mass-marketing of historical memorabilia in the late 19th century. It is a key piece in understanding the 'Period Two' issues of this series.
BG-799X
Denomination25C
Minting Period1880
Assayer/MinterF.H. Noble & Company
Geographic OriginChicago, Illinois
Obverse DescriptionFeatures a stylized Indian Head facing left. The portrait is adorned with a feathered headdress. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait along the octagonal border.
Obverse InscriptionNo inscriptions are present on the obverse.
Reverse DescriptionA wreath of two branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom encircles the denomination. The date is located inside the wreath, just below the denomination.
Reverse Inscription1/4 CENTS 1880
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVariable, generally lower than Period One issues, often around 14 to 18 carats (.585 to .750 fine).
Weight0.25 grams
Diameter9.60 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown, but likely several thousand.
Survival Estimate300-500
Rarity ScaleR-3
The BG-799X appeals to collectors for its affordability relative to earlier issues, its distinct octagonal shape and Indian Head design, and its interesting backstory as a souvenir produced in Chicago. Its status as a 'Period Two' token makes it an accessible entry point into the complex California Fractional Gold series. The 'PL' (Proof-Like) designation is particularly sought after for its visual appeal.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the regular business strike. No original proof strikings are known. However, due to the manufacturing process which often involved polished dies, many examples exist with reflective, Proof-Like (PL) or Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) surfaces, which are designated by third-party grading services and command premiums. There are no known major die variations from the original minting period, nor are there any known official restrikes.
Authentication TipsGenuine BG-799X pieces have a characteristic strike style that is often sharp in the center but may show softness at the periphery. The surfaces should not appear cast or porous. The numerals in the date are crisply defined. Counterfeits are common and often made of brass or thinly plated base metal; they may feel lighter than a genuine gold piece and often have a soapy, indistinct look to the devices. Look for characteristic die markers if available in advanced references. Any piece with a bear on the reverse is a modern fantasy piece.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example for its grade will possess sharply struck central details, particularly on the Indian's hair and the wreath leaves. For 'PL' designated coins, the reflectivity of the fields should be deep and consistent across both sides, with minimal chatter or slide marks. Original, undisturbed surfaces with a light, coppery-gold toning are highly desirable and command a premium over examples that have been cleaned or polished. Check the high points for rub, but also inspect the fields for hairline scratches, as these small pieces were easily mishandled. Avoid examples that are bent, holed, or have been mounted in jewelry, as this severely impacts their 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 period issues were business strikes intended for sale as souvenirs, not for circulation, but they are graded on the same scale. They are found in Circulated (1-58, though uncommon as they didn't circulate widely) and Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs were struck. However, many were produced with polished dies, resulting in Proof-Like (PL) and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) surfaces. These are not a different type of coin but a desirable surface characteristic of a business strike.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples are defined by their luster. The highest quality pieces exhibit a vibrant, reflective luster, often earning a PL or DMPL designation. The strike on the BG-799X is typically sharp on the central devices like the portrait and the denomination, but can be weaker on the stars at the periphery. Due to the manufacturing process, it's common to see minor planchet flaws or striations, which should not be confused with post-strike damage. Contact marks, even small ones, can be very distracting on such a small coin and will greatly affect the grade.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough not intended for circulation, some pieces saw handling as pocket pieces. Wear first appears on the high points of the Indian's cheek, the feathers in the headdress, and the leaves of the wreath. In lower grades (e.g., AU/XF), the luster in the fields will be broken, and the finest details of the hair and feathers will begin to merge. On heavily worn examples, the stars and legends will become weak.
Key Factors For ValueThe single most important factor is surface quality. A coin with original, mark-free, reflective fields will be far more valuable than a cleaned or abraded one of the same numerical grade. A sharp strike is a major plus. Eye appeal is paramount; pieces with deep, clean mirrors and frosty devices (a 'cameo' look) are prized. A CAC sticker for this issue indicates premium quality for the grade and will add a significant premium, as it confirms the coin's quality and originality.