1876 25C BG-799GG, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1876 25C BG-799GG is a numismatic ghost, a recently discovered and exceedingly rare artifact from the twilight of California's fractional gold era. Its story is deeply intertwined with the peculiar economic conditions of post-Gold Rush California and the legal perils faced by private minters. By the 1870s, the initial, desperate shortage of small change that spurred the creation of 'Period One' (1852-1857) fractional gold had largely been resolved by the output of the San Francisco Mint. However, a robust market for the charming, miniature gold pieces persisted, fueled by tourism and a local fondness for using gold in transactions. This demand gave rise to the 'Period Two' or 'Jeweler's Issues' (circa 1859-1882), which were produced not as essential currency, but as novelties, souvenirs, and perhaps for use in private transactions where gold was still preferred. These later pieces were often underweight and of inconsistent fineness, effectively functioning as tokens. The BG-799GG emerged from this environment, a product of jeweler and private minter Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig. What elevates this specific variety from a mere curiosity to a significant rarity is its direct connection to Mohrig's downfall. On August 10, 1876, Mohrig was arrested by the United States Secret Service for his coining activities, which were deemed to be in violation of federal law. It is widely theorized that the production of the BG-799GG was abruptly halted by this arrest, transforming the coin into an unintentional time capsule of the event. The variety itself was unknown to the numismatic community for over a century, escaping mention in early editions of the authoritative Breen-Gillio reference. It was not until 2009 that the variety was formally identified, pairing a known obverse die with a previously unrecorded reverse die. This discovery sent a ripple through the specialized world of Cal Gold collectors, establishing a new, high-rarity issue. Its modern significance lies in its extreme rarity and its compelling backstory, representing the final, legally-perilous gasps of private coining in the American West.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush 'Jeweler's Period' of private coinage.
Reason For MintingPrimarily created for use as souvenirs and in private commerce during a period when federally issued small change was available but local demand for gold novelties persisted.
Minter HistoryChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig was a San Francisco-based jeweler and die sinker active in the 1870s. He was one of several craftsmen who continued the practice of striking small-denomination gold pieces after the initial gold rush coinage shortage had passed. His work is characteristic of the 'Period Two' issues, which were often lighter than their stated face value suggested. Mohrig's numismatic legacy is defined by his arrest on August 10, 1876, by the U.S. Secret Service for illegal coining. This event, while ending his career, created several significant rarities, as it is believed that the minting of coins like the BG-799GG was abruptly terminated, resulting in a minuscule output.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-799GG is a major numismatic rarity whose existence is directly tied to the federal government's crackdown on private minting in the 1870s. Its discovery in 2009 added a new and important variety to the known California Fractional Gold series, and its story provides a tangible link to the arrest of its maker, C. F. Mohrig.
N/A
Denomination25C
Minting Period1876
Assayer/MinterChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionAn Indian Head portrait facing left, a common motif for the series. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies.
Obverse Inscription Reverse DescriptionA wreath of leaves surrounds the denomination. This reverse die is unique to the BG-799GG variety and is what distinguishes it from other BG-799 issues.
Reverse Inscription1/4 DOLLAR 1876
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVaries, typical for Period Two issues (approx. 14-22 Karats).
EdgePlain
Exceedingly small; production was likely halted by the minter's arrest.
Survival EstimateFewer than 5 known
Rarity ScaleHigh R-7
This is a pinnacle rarity for the advanced California Fractional Gold specialist. Its appeal is driven by its minuscule known population, its status as a recent discovery (2009), and its direct historical link to the arrest of minter C. F. Mohrig.
Key VarietiesThe BG-799GG is itself a key variety. It is defined by the unique pairing of the obverse die used for varieties BG-799A through BG-799D with a reverse die unique to BG-799GG. No later restrikes or patterns are known to exist.
Authentication TipsAuthentication requires specialist knowledge. Key diagnostics include precise die markers on both the known obverse and the unique reverse. Comparison with high-resolution images from major auction archives or grading services is essential. Genuine Period Two pieces often exhibit a somewhat crude, handmade quality, and weak strikes in certain areas are common. Modern fakes or replicas are often too sharp, have incorrect luster, or may feature a bear, a motif never used on genuine circulating fractional gold.
Shopping ConsiderationsAcquisition is an exceedingly rare event, likely only possible through a major auction of a specialized collection. Any potential buyer must prioritize certification by a top-tier grading service (PCGS or NGC). For a coin of this rarity, any example would be a major prize. A 'premium quality' specimen would be one that is well-centered and possesses sharp details for the issue, particularly on the date and the high points of the Indian's portrait and the wreath. Mirrored or prooflike (PL) surfaces, as seen on some known examples, command a significant premium, as they suggest an early strike from fresh dies. Given the method of manufacture, minor planchet flaws or strike weakness on the periphery opposite a sharply struck area can be expected and may not detract significantly.
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 TypesAll original examples of BG-799GG are considered business strikes, though they were not intended for widespread circulation like federal coinage. They are found in both Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly for surviving examples of rarities, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No proofs were struck during the original period of issue. The designation 'Prooflike' (PL) or 'Deep Mirror Prooflike' (DMPL) is sometimes assigned to business strikes with highly reflective, mirrored surfaces, and a few of the known BG-799GG examples have received this coveted designation.
Mint State CharacteristicsAn uncirculated BG-799GG is defined by the presence of original mint luster. The quality of this luster can range from satiny to deeply mirrored. Due to the primitive, often manual striking process, even high-grade Mint State examples can show weakness in the strike, particularly on the stars opposite the Indian's portrait or on the wreath. The fields are the most important area to examine for marks; the known examples are prized for their clean, unabraded surfaces, with some exhibiting stunning deep mirror fields.
Circulated Wear PatternsOn a circulated example, wear would first appear on the highest points of the design. For the obverse, this would be the cheek and the details in the headdress of the Indian portrait. On the reverse, the highest points of the wreath's leaves and the numerals of the date would show initial friction and loss of detail. In lower grades, the stars and legends would begin to soften and merge with the fields.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-799GG, rarity is the primary value driver. Given that all known examples are in high grades, value is determined by finer gradations of quality. The most significant factor is the surface quality; a specimen with deep, mirrored, prooflike fields is exponentially more valuable than one with a standard mint state finish. Sharpness of the strike, especially on the central devices and date, is critical. Eye appeal, encompassing attractive original gold toning and a lack of distracting marks, is paramount. Given its rarity, a CAC sticker would provide significant third-party endorsement of quality and would likely result in a substantial premium at auction.