1872 G50C BG-1013, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1872 G50C BG-1013 is a fascinating product of its time, representing the second major phase of California's private gold coinage. By the 1870s, the initial, desperate need for circulating small change that characterized the Gold Rush (Period One, 1852-1856) had largely subsided. The establishment and robust production of the San Francisco Mint in 1854 had supplied the region with ample federal silver and gold coinage. However, the allure of California gold remained potent, and a new market emerged. San Francisco had transformed from a chaotic boomtown into a sophisticated, wealthy metropolis, a hub of finance and trade for the American West and a burgeoning tourist destination. This environment gave rise to 'Period Two' (1859-1882) California Fractional Gold, often termed 'jeweler's issues.' These pieces were not primarily intended to fill a commercial void but to be sold as souvenirs, keepsakes, and novelty items to tourists and locals captivated by the romance of the Gold Rush. Struck by jewelers and private minters like Frontier & Bellemere, these coins were typically underweight and of inconsistent fineness compared to their Period One predecessors, as their value was in their novelty rather than their bullion content. The BG-1013, with its distinctive 'pert-nosed Liberty' design, is a prime example of this commercial artistry. These small, intricate gold pieces were tangible mementos of the Golden State's unique heritage, produced legally until the U.S. government began to enforce the Private Coinage Act of 1864 more strictly in the early 1880s, bringing an end to this vibrant chapter of private minting.
Associated EventPost-Gold Rush Economic Boom
Reason For MintingPrimarily struck for sale as souvenirs and keepsakes to tourists and residents in a prosperous, post-Gold Rush San Francisco.
Minter HistoryFrontier & Bellemere was a San Francisco-based jewelry company known to have produced California fractional gold tokens between 1871 and 1875. Like other jewelers of the era, they capitalized on the public's fascination with gold by creating miniature, privately issued coins. Their products are characteristic of 'Period Two' issues, which were designed more for their novelty and artistic appeal than for their intrinsic monetary value. The firm's work is distinguished by specific design elements, such as the unique Liberty Head portrait seen on the BG-1013 variety.
Historical SignificanceThe coin is significant not as a medium of exchange, but as a cultural and economic artifact of 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold. It represents the transition of private gold coinage from a necessity of commerce to a product of tourism and nostalgia, reflecting San Francisco's maturation into a major American city with a market for luxury goods and mementos.
N/A
Denomination50 Cents
Minting Period1872
Assayer/MinterFrontier & Bellemere
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionFeatures a distinctive bust of Liberty facing left, notable for its 'pert-nosed' profile and a taller-than-usual head. The portrait is encircled by thirteen stars.
Obverse Inscription1872
Reverse DescriptionA wreath, composed of two branches without berries, surrounds the denomination. A single five-pointed star is centered above the word HALF.
Reverse InscriptionHALF DOL
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVariable; Period Two issues are known to be of lower and less consistent fineness than federal coinage or Period One issues.
Diameter10.70 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival Estimate13-30 (The Sheldon Scale definition for an R-6 rarity)
Rarity ScaleR-6 (Very Rare)
This variety is highly sought after for its extreme rarity (R-6), its attribution to the known minter Frontier & Bellemere, and its distinctive obverse portrait. As a 'Period Two' issue, it is a key component for collectors specializing in the fascinating 'jeweler's issues' of California Fractional Gold.
Key VarietiesThe BG-1013 is a singular variety from original dies. No major variations, patterns, or official restrikes are known to exist for this specific issue. Collectors should be aware of contemporary counterfeits and modern replicas that are not made of gold.
Authentication TipsAuthentic examples must match the known die characteristics of BG-1013. Key diagnostics include the unique 'pert-nosed' Liberty profile with a tall head. The reverse is defined by the wreath having no berries and a single star above 'HALF'. The strike quality can be uneven, but the design elements should be sharp in protected areas. All genuine examples are made of gold, so pieces made of brass or that are gold-plated are counterfeit. Comparison with high-resolution images of certified examples is essential.
Shopping ConsiderationsWhen acquiring an 1872 BG-1013, third-party certification from PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended to guarantee authenticity and grade. A premium quality example will exhibit a sharp strike, particularly on Liberty's hair details and the reverse wreath. Because the user input specified 'PL' (Prooflike), a prospective buyer should look for reflective, mirror-like fields, which are sometimes seen on this issue and command a significant premium. Check for common problems such as harsh cleaning, which dulls the fragile surfaces, or evidence of having been mounted in jewelry, such as rim damage or solder marks. Original, undisturbed surfaces with a hint of reddish-gold toning are highly desirable.
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 examples of BG-1013 were produced as business strikes, although their intended purpose was for souvenir sales rather than circulation. They are found in both Circulated (1-58) and Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true Proofs were struck during the original period of issue. The 'PL' (Prooflike) designation is an important qualifier for business strikes that exhibit mirrored surfaces from polished dies, and these are highly valued.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples are judged on the quality of their strike, luster, and surface preservation. A high-grade BG-1013 will show sharp details on the high points of Liberty's hair and the leaves of the wreath. Luster on this issue can range from satiny to semi-prooflike. Due to their small size and the minting process, even Mint State examples may show minor planchet imperfections or a slightly uneven strike. Contact marks, even small ones, can be distracting on the tiny fields and will significantly impact the grade.
Circulated Wear PatternsWear first appears on the highest points of the design. On the obverse, friction will first flatten the details of Liberty's hair, especially the strands above her ear and at the top of her head, as well as her cheekbone. On the reverse, the high points of the wreath's leaves and the central star will show initial wear. In lower grades (VF and below), the finer hair details and leaf veins will be completely worn away, and the legends will begin to soften.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-1013, rarity is paramount. Beyond that, the primary value drivers are grade and surface quality. A Mint State example is worth multiples of a circulated one. The presence of Prooflike (PL) surfaces adds a substantial premium. Eye appeal is critical; collectors favor well-struck coins with clean, original surfaces over those that have been cleaned or show distracting marks. A CAC sticker, indicating premium quality for the grade, will also add significant value to this rare issue.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | $500.00 | N/A |