1880 G50C BG-1068, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1880 50 Cents, cataloged as Breen-Gillio 1068, is a product of the second great phase of California Fractional Gold production, known as 'Period Two' (1859-1882). Unlike the 'Period One' issues (1852-1857), which were struck out of genuine necessity to alleviate a shortage of small change during the initial Gold Rush boom, Period Two pieces were created primarily as souvenirs. By the 1870s and 1880s, the United States Mint in San Francisco was producing ample federal coinage for commerce. However, the allure of the Gold Rush and the romance of California had created a robust tourist and mail-order trade for mementos. Unidentified jewelers in San Francisco and other locales stepped in to meet this demand by striking vast quantities of these charming, miniature gold coins. These pieces were not intended to and did not circulate as money. Their production was a commercial enterprise aimed at visitors and collectors back East. The Coinage Act of 1864 had made private coinage illegal, but the law was not actively enforced against these small, denominated tokens until the Secret Service finally cracked down in 1883, bringing Period Two to a close. The BG-1068, with its generic Indian Head design and late date, is a quintessential example of this souvenir trade. Struck with hand-cut dies and often by rudimentary hammer presses, the quality could vary, but the intent was to evoke the federal gold coinage of the era in a tiny, affordable format. The 'PL' (Prooflike) designation requested by the user indicates an example with mirror-like fields, a desirable characteristic that resulted from polished dies and planchets, further cementing its status as a special presentation piece rather than a utilitarian coin.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush Tourist & Souvenir Trade
Reason For MintingTo be sold as souvenirs and curiosities to tourists and collectors, capitalizing on the fame of the California Gold Rush.
Minter HistoryThe minters of most Period Two California Fractional Gold pieces are anonymous. They are generally believed to have been various jewelers operating in San Francisco who had the skills and equipment to work with gold and cut dies. Unlike the earlier, more organized private minters who often placed their names or initials on their products, these later manufacturers operated in a quasi-legal gray area, producing what were technically illegal coins but were tolerated as long as they were sold as keepsakes. No specific records or identifying marks exist to attribute BG-1068 to a particular maker.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-1068 represents the commercialization of the Gold Rush legacy. It is not significant as a medium of exchange, but rather as a historical artifact of 19th-century tourism and the burgeoning field of numismatics. These pieces document a transition from necessity-driven private coinage to privately-made collectibles, a trend that would grow significantly in the following century. They are a tangible link to how the Gold Rush was remembered and marketed decades after its peak.
BG-1068
Denomination50 Cents
Minting Period1880
Assayer/MinterUnknown Jeweler
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionA small Indian Head, facing left, wearing a feathered headdress. The portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The date '1880' is below the bust.
Obverse Inscription1880
Reverse DescriptionThe denomination '50 CENTS' is enclosed within a wreath of two olive branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom.
Reverse Inscription50 CENTS
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessVariable, but generally lower than the .900 fineness of federal coinage; the gold content was often whatever local jewelers had on hand and was intentionally less than face value.
Diameter11.00 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown, as production records were not kept.
Survival Estimate76-200 (based on R-5+ rarity). The NGC census reports having graded 11 examples as of late 2025.
Rarity ScaleR-5+
This variety appeals to collectors of California Fractional Gold for its late date and classic Indian Head design. High-grade and Prooflike (PL) examples are particularly sought after, as they showcase the full detail and artistry of the dies. As a Period Two issue, it is more affordable than its Period One counterparts, making it an accessible entry point into this fascinating series.
Key VarietiesNo major varieties are noted for the BG-1068 die marriage in standard references. The primary collectible variations for this issue relate to quality, such as examples with Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) surfaces, which command significant premiums. No official restrikes or patterns are known, as these were unofficial items to begin with. Collectors should be aware of contemporary counterfeits and modern replicas, which are plentiful.
Authentication TipsAuthentic Period Two pieces must have a denomination (e.g., 'CENTS' or 'DOLLAR'). Replicas often lack a denomination or use phrases like 'CAL GOLD' in its place. Genuine pieces often exhibit a somewhat crude, hand-made quality, with imperfect centering or strike weakness. The luster on original, high-grade examples should be vibrant and frosty or deeply reflective (Prooflike), not the dull, lifeless, or soapy surfaces seen on many cast copies. Any piece featuring a bear on the reverse is a 20th-century fantasy piece, not an original fractional gold coin.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor a premium quality example, a buyer should prioritize a sharp strike, especially on the fine details of the headdress feathers and the lettering. Given that the user specified 'PL', look for uninterrupted, highly reflective fields with strong cartwheel luster on the devices. Avoid examples that have been cleaned, which will appear hazy or covered in hairlines, destroying the delicate original surfaces. Toning can range from a bright yellow-gold to a deeper reddish-orange, with attractive, original color being a major component of eye appeal. Given their small size, these coins are often found ex-jewelry; check rims carefully for any evidence of soldering or mounting.
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 struck as business strikes, but since they were intended as souvenirs and not for commerce, many survive in high grades. They are found in Circulated grades (1-58), though this is less common, and Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No true 'Proofs' were struck during the original period. However, because they were made for collectors, some were produced using highly polished dies and planchets, resulting in Prooflike (PL) and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL/DPL) surfaces. These are not a different type of issue but rather a special manufacturing quality of the business strike, and they are highly prized.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples of BG-1068 are defined by their luster. A typical MS example will have frosty luster, while premium PL examples will have reflective, mirror-like fields. The strike can be inconsistent; look for sharpness in the word 'CENTS' and the feathers of the headdress. Due to the softness of the gold and the rudimentary production methods, even Mint State coins may have small planchet flaws or die polishing lines, which are considered characteristic for the issue and should not be confused with damage.
Circulated Wear PatternsAlthough most examples are uncirculated, any wear would first appear on the highest points: the cheek and feathers of the Indian Head on the obverse, and the central letters of 'CENTS' on the reverse. In lower grades, the stars on the obverse would begin to merge with the field, and the finer details of the wreath would become indistinct.
Key Factors For ValueThe primary value driver for this coin is its grade and surface quality. An MS-64 is worth significantly more than an MS-62. The presence of a Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DPL) designation dramatically increases value. Eye appeal is crucial; coins with a sharp strike, clean surfaces free of distracting marks, and attractive original reddish-gold toning are highly sought after. Certification by a major service like PCGS or NGC is essential for authenticity and market liquidity, and a CAC sticker for this issue would denote premium quality for the grade and add a substantial premium.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | $1,250.00 | 1 |
| 65 | N/A | N/A |