1873 G25C BG-793, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1873 G25C BG-793 is a quintessential example of a 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold piece. The era of these small-denomination gold coins began in 1852 to alleviate a severe shortage of circulating small change during the initial chaos of the Gold Rush. These 'Period One' (1852-1857) issues were struck by private jewelers and metallurgists and, though often underweight, served a genuine commercial need. By the 1870s, however, the economic landscape of California had matured. The San Francisco Mint was in full operation, and an adequate supply of federal coinage had rendered the fractional gold pieces functionally obsolete. Despite this, production not only continued but flourished, entering what numismatists classify as 'Period Two' (1858-1882). These later issues were not created to facilitate commerce but to satisfy a burgeoning market for souvenirs and keepsakes of the romanticized Gold Rush era. Jewelers, many of them based in San Francisco, recognized the commercial potential in selling these miniature gold coins to tourists, collectors, and locals alike. The BG-793, struck by Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig, a prominent San Francisco jeweler, fits perfectly within this context. The Coinage Act of April 22, 1864, had technically outlawed private coinage, but enforcement by the Secret Service was lax and inconsistent for nearly two decades. This legal gray area allowed minters like Mohrig to continue producing denominated 'coins' without immediate consequence. These 'jeweler's issues' were often struck with a higher aesthetic quality than the utilitarian Period One pieces, frequently featuring polished or prooflike planchets to enhance their eye appeal for collectors. Mohrig himself was a significant figure in this trade until August 10, 1876, when he was arrested, and his dies and stock were confiscated and destroyed, making his later issues particularly scarce. The production of all such pieces ceased by 1883 when federal authorities finally cracked down on the practice. Today, the BG-793 is not just a relic of the Gold Rush, but a tangible link to the subsequent era of its commercial mythologizing, representing a fascinating transition from necessity to nostalgia.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush California Economy
Reason For MintingStruck primarily as a collectible souvenir for the tourist and jewelry trade rather than for monetary circulation.
Minter HistoryChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig was a notable German-born jeweler and private minter operating in San Francisco. He was a prolific producer of Period Two California Fractional Gold, responsible for the series of varieties cataloged from BG-790 through BG-799V. His pieces are known for their distinctive designs and quality of manufacture. Mohrig's minting operations came to an abrupt end on August 10, 1876, when he was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service for violating the private coinage laws of 1864. His equipment and remaining coin inventory were seized, contributing to the relative rarity of many of his issues.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-793 is significant as a 'jeweler's issue' or 'souvenir piece,' illustrating the commodification of the Gold Rush experience. Unlike its 'Period One' predecessors minted out of necessity, this coin was created for a collector and tourist market, marking a key phase in the numismatic history of the West Coast. Its existence highlights a period of lax federal enforcement of private coinage laws and the entrepreneurial spirit of San Francisco craftsmen.
Not Applicable
Denomination25 Cents
Minting Period1873
Assayer/MinterChristopher Ferdinand Mohrig
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionAn Indian Head portrait facing left, wearing a feathered headdress. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies. The date '1873' is below the bust.
Obverse Inscription1873
Reverse DescriptionThe denomination '1/4' appears in the center, enclosed within a continuous, ornate wreath of leaves and berries. The legend 'CALIFORNIA GOLD' is inscribed above the wreath, following the octagonal curvature. Some sources note a small 'G' for 'Gold' may be present.
Reverse InscriptionCALIFORNIA GOLD 1/4
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessTypically varied, ranging from .500 to .900, and generally underweight for their face value.
Weight0.24 grams
Diameter9.60 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival EstimateFewer than 75 known examples, based on combined NGC and PCGS population reports and auction appearances.
Rarity ScaleR-5 to R-6
The BG-793 is highly sought after for its octagonal shape, attractive Indian Head design, and status as a Period Two issue. The frequent prooflike (PL) surfaces offer exceptional eye appeal, and its connection to the arrested minter C.F. Mohrig adds a layer of historical intrigue. It represents a more affordable entry point into the scarce world of octagonal California fractionals compared to Period One issues.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the regular business strike, which itself is often found with prooflike surfaces due to being struck on polished planchets. There are no known major varieties, patterns, or official restrikes for BG-793. Die states may exist, with later strikes potentially showing minor cracks or bulging fields, but these are not typically collected as distinct varieties.
Authentication TipsAuthentic pieces must have a denomination ('1/4'). Be wary of replicas, which often feature a bear on the reverse—no genuine 19th-century fractional gold pieces have bears. Genuine examples are thin and often have a slightly crude, handmade feel. The strike can be uneven, but the details should be consistent with known examples. Replicas are often thicker, have a soapy or cast-like appearance, and may be made of brass or thinly plated gold. Reference the photographs in the Breen-Gillio guide or major auction archives for die diagnostics.
Shopping ConsiderationsA premium quality example for its grade will exhibit sharply struck details, particularly on the feathers of the headdress and the leaves of the reverse wreath. Seek out pieces with deeply reflective, prooflike fields, as these are most desirable. The soft gold is prone to contact marks and scratches; a 'clean' coin with minimal distracting marks is paramount. Original, undisturbed surfaces with a hint of reddish-gold or greenish-gold toning command significant premiums. Avoid examples that have been harshly cleaned, polished, or show evidence of being mounted in jewelry, such as solder marks or rim damage. A CAC sticker for this issue is a strong indicator of superior quality and eye appeal.
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 issues were business strikes, although made for collectors rather than circulation. They are found in both Circulated (1-58) and, more commonly, Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. Due to their souvenir nature, many were preserved in high grade. The term 'Prooflike' (PL) is a surface designation frequently applied to high-grade examples struck on polished planchets, and it is not a separate grade type. No true Proofs were struck during the original period of issue.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples are defined by their luster and strike. For BG-793, the luster is typically bright and satiny, often with deep, mirror-like fields that earn a 'PL' designation. The strike can be inconsistent; some examples are sharp, while others may show weakness on the highest points of the Indian's cheek or the center of the wreath. Small, flyspeck-sized planchet flaws or contact marks are common due to the softness of the gold and rudimentary production methods. A truly choice MS example will have a strong strike and minimal marks.
Circulated Wear PatternsFor the few examples that may have seen minor handling, wear first appears on the highest points of the design. On the obverse, check the cheekbone, the eyebrow, and the tips of the feathers in the headdress. On the reverse, the highest leaves and berries in the wreath will show the first signs of friction. In lower grades (VF and below), the stars and peripheral lettering will begin to lose their sharpness.
Key Factors For ValueThe primary value drivers for BG-793 are grade and surface quality. A high Mint State grade (MS-64 or better) with a Prooflike (PL) designation is the most desirable combination. Eye appeal is critical; examples with clean, reflective fields and original, attractive toning sell for significant premiums. Strike sharpness is also a key factor, with well-struck coins being preferred over those with central weakness. Finally, a CAC sticker adds a considerable premium, as it confirms both the accuracy of the grade and the superior quality of the coin for that grade.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | N/A | 1 |