1864 50C BG-917a Silver Die Trial (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1864 50 Cents BG-917a is an artifact of immense rarity from the second period of California's private fractional 'gold' coinage (1858-1882). This specific piece is not a gold issue intended for commerce or as a souvenir, but rather a die trial struck in silver. Its creation provides a fascinating glimpse into the production methods of San Francisco jeweler Robert B. Gray & Co. By 1864, the initial impetus for fractional gold—a severe shortage of small change during the Gold Rush—had largely subsided with the establishment and output of the San Francisco Mint. The nature of fractional issues had transitioned from quasi-circulating currency to keepsakes and souvenirs. This shift occurred against a significant legal backdrop: the Coinage Act of April 22, 1864, which expressly forbade private coinage. While this law was not rigorously enforced in California until the 1880s, it cast a legal shadow over operations like Gray's. Die trials, such as this silver specimen, were a critical part of the minting process. Before commencing a production run in expensive gold, a minter would strike test pieces in a softer, cheaper metal like silver, lead, or copper. These trials served to verify the quality and alignment of the dies, check for defects, and ensure the desired sharpness and relief of the design. The fact that this piece was struck from the same dies as the regular gold issue (BG-917) confirms its role as a preparatory tool. As a 'regular strike' die trial, it was likely produced with the same force and method—a sledgehammer blow to the top die—as the intended gold pieces. Its existence is a testament to the meticulous, albeit clandestine, nature of these private mints. Silver die trials from this series are exceptionally rare, far more so than their gold counterparts, as they were never intended for public distribution and were typically destroyed or melted down after serving their purpose. The survival of BG-917a offers numismatists a direct, tangible link to the workshop floor of a mid-19th century San Francisco jeweler navigating a complex economic and legal landscape.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush Aftermath & Private Souvenir Coinage Period
Reason For MintingThis piece was a technical die trial struck in silver to test and prove the dies before commencing the regular production run in gold.
Minter HistoryRobert B. Gray & Co. was a prominent San Francisco jeweler active in producing Period Two California Fractional Gold from approximately 1858 until 1871. Around 1859, Gray acquired the business of another fractional minter, Antoine Louis Nouzillet, including his dies and tools. Gray's own issues are typically identified by a hallmark 'G' on the obverse, as seen on the BG-917 die pair. His products were known for being of relatively high quality and weight for the era, even as many fractional issues became progressively debased.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-917a is significant not as a monetary instrument, but as a rare survivor of the minting process. It provides concrete evidence of the technical procedures used by private minters in 19th-century California and represents a class of numismatic material—die trials—that is almost never encountered by collectors of this series.
BG-917a
Denomination50 Cents
Minting Period1864
Assayer/MinterRobert B. Gray & Co.
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionA Liberty Head motif facing left, reminiscent of the designs on contemporary federal gold coinage. The portrait is encircled by 13 six-pointed stars. A small letter 'G', the hallmark for Robert B. Gray & Co., is located below the bust truncation.
Obverse InscriptionNo textual inscription; features a Liberty head, 13 stars, and the 'G' hallmark.
Reverse DescriptionAn octagonal planchet with the denomination and date centrally located within a beaded circle. The inscription is arranged in three lines.
Reverse InscriptionHALF / DOLLAR / 1864
CompositionSilver
Stated Fineness Actual Fineness Diameter11.10 mm
EdgePlain
Likely only a handful struck; not intended for circulation.
Survival Estimate1 to 3 known
Rarity ScaleR-8 (Unique or Nearly Unique)
This piece holds immense appeal for advanced specialists in California Fractional Gold. Its allure lies in its extreme rarity as a silver die trial, its direct connection to the minting process of a known gold issue (BG-917), and its status as a unique or near-unique artifact that illuminates the technical side of this popular series.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the gold issue struck from these same dies, cataloged as BG-917. The BG-917a itself is a special collector item, being a die trial. Other die trials in different metals (e.g., copper, lead) from this or other fractional gold minters would be of similar numismatic importance, but are seldom, if ever, available.
Authentication TipsAuthentication requires expert analysis. Key diagnostics include an exact die match to a known genuine BG-917 gold specimen (checking for die markers, cracks, or rust pits). The piece should exhibit characteristics of a genuine hammer strike, which can include slight unevenness in striking depth. The weight and specific gravity should be consistent with silver, not gold or a base metal. Unlike modern copies, which are often cast or perfectly struck with uniform surfaces, this piece should show the character of a mid-19th-century artifact. The surfaces should not be prooflike or have tool marks associated with modern fakes.
Shopping ConsiderationsAcquiring a BG-917a is a major numismatic event. A potential buyer must insist on certification by a top-tier grading service (PCGS or NGC) that specifically identifies it as the BG-917a silver die trial. Given its nature as a test piece, the strike quality is a key value determinant; a sharp, well-centered strike revealing the full detail of the dies is most desirable. Surface preservation is critical. Look for original, undisturbed surfaces without harsh cleaning, scratches, or tooling. Any planchet flaws or adjustments made by the minter during the trial process would be of great interest and should be noted. The provenance, if any, would add significantly to its desirability.
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 TypesAs a die trial, this piece was not intended for circulation. Therefore, it would not be found in standard Circulated (1-58) grades showing wear from commerce. It would be graded as a Mint State (MS, 60-70) or Specimen (SP) piece, reflecting its state of preservation since the moment it was struck to test the dies. No original-period Proofs are known. The 'Regular Strike' designation indicates it was likely made with the same force and setup as the intended business-strike gold coins, not specially prepared as a presentation piece.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn ideal example would exhibit a full, sharp strike, with crisp details on Liberty's hair and the stars. The luster would be typical of a 19th-century silver striking, likely satiny rather than deeply prooflike. Because it is a test piece, minor planchet imperfections or striking anomalies might be present and are considered part of its character. The surfaces should be clean of distracting contact marks, although some light handling evidence from its time in the minter's workshop might be acceptable and should be noted by the grading service.
Circulated Wear PatternsAs a non-circulating die trial, wear patterns are not applicable. Any evidence of friction or circulation would be considered post-minting damage and would drastically reduce its desirability and value. The key is its state of preservation from the moment of striking.
Key Factors For ValueThe single most important factor is its confirmed authenticity as the BG-917a silver die trial. After that, value is driven by its state of preservation (grade), sharpness of the strike, and overall eye appeal. Original, untoned or attractively toned silver surfaces are highly prized. Any negative comments from the grading service, such as 'Cleaned,' 'Scratched,' or 'Damaged,' would severely impair its value. Given its rarity, a CAC sticker would provide an additional layer of confirmation regarding quality for the assigned grade and would command a significant premium.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | $14,000.00 | 1 |