1871 G$1 BG-1109, PL (Regular Strike)
Obverse & Reverse
The 1871 G$1, cataloged as BG-1109, is a quintessential example of a 'Period Two' California Fractional Gold piece. The history of this series is inextricably linked to the California Gold Rush that began in 1848. The massive influx of population and gold dust created a chaotic economic environment with a severe shortage of small-denomination coinage for daily transactions. Initially, from 1852 to 1856 ('Period One'), private minters struck small gold coins that were intended to, and did, alleviate this shortage. These early issues were generally of good weight and circulated widely. However, by the late 1850s, the United States Mint in San Francisco was producing sufficient federal silver and gold coinage, diminishing the commercial need for private issues. A new market emerged, driven by tourism and the romanticism of the Gold Rush. Jewelers and novelty makers began producing a second generation of fractional gold pieces, from 1859 to 1882. These 'Period Two' coins, including the BG-1109, were not intended for circulation in the same way as their predecessors. Instead, they were created primarily as souvenirs, keepsakes, and jewelry items. They were often significantly underweight for their stated face value, functioning more as tokens than true coinage. Production quality varied, with many pieces made by the simple 'hammer method' of striking, leading to inconsistent strikes. The Coinage Act of 1864 officially prohibited private coinage, but enforcement was lax, allowing production of these popular tokens to flourish through the 1870s. The makers were often French immigrant jewelers in San Francisco, such as Nouizillet, Deriberpe, Frontier, and Deviercy. While the specific maker of BG-1109 is unknown, its style is consistent with the work of these artisans. By the early 1880s, increased pressure from the U.S. Secret Service, which viewed the pieces as a risk for fraud, finally brought an end to their production, closing a fascinating chapter of American numismatic history. Today, these pieces are highly collectible for their direct connection to the Gold Rush era and their wide variety of designs.
Associated EventCalifornia Gold Rush Aftermath
Reason For MintingPrimarily created as a souvenir and novelty item for the tourist trade, capitalizing on the romanticism of the Gold Rush, rather than for circulation.
Minter HistoryThe specific minter of BG-1109 is unknown, a common trait for many Period Two fractionals. Production during this era was dominated by a community of San Francisco jewelers, many of French origin. Prominent names associated with similar pieces include Deriberpe & Nouizillet (D.N.), Frontier & Deviercy (F.D.), and Antoine Nouizillet. These artisans often shared tools and dies, and sometimes sold their businesses to others who would continue using the existing equipment, making precise attribution difficult. Their primary business was jewelry, and these gold tokens were a profitable and popular sideline.
Historical SignificanceThe BG-1109 represents the transition of California fractional gold from a necessary circulating medium ('Period One') to a popular souvenir ('Period Two'). It illustrates a unique economic niche in post-Gold Rush California, where the mystique of gold was commodified for a growing tourist market. Its existence, despite the 1864 law against private coinage, highlights a period of limited federal enforcement and the persistent entrepreneurial spirit of the West.
BG-1109
DenominationG$1
Minting Period1871
Assayer/MinterUnknown private minter, likely a San Francisco jeweler.
Geographic OriginSan Francisco, California
Obverse DescriptionA beaded border encircles a Liberty Head facing left, her hair tied in a bun. She is surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies.
Obverse Inscription Reverse DescriptionA wreath composed of two branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom. The denomination '1' and 'DOLLAR' are in the center. The date '1871' is located within the wreath, just above the bow. The letter 'G' appears below the bow.
Reverse Inscription1 DOLLAR 1871 G
CompositionGold
Stated Fineness Actual FinenessFineness varied widely during this period, often ranging from 14 to 22 karats. These pieces were consistently underweight for their face value.
Weight0.49 grams
Diameter11.10 mm
EdgePlain
Unknown
Survival Estimate75-125
Rarity ScaleR-5 (Low R-4 to R-5 is often cited)
BG-1109 is popular among collectors for its classic Liberty Head design, octagonal shape, and connection to the vibrant history of San Francisco. It is one of the more available one-dollar varieties from Period Two, allowing collectors to acquire a representative piece of this fascinating series without the extreme rarity of other issues. Examples with Prooflike (PL) surfaces are particularly desirable.
Key VarietiesThe primary variety is the regular business strike. Within the population, examples are designated by grading services as 'Prooflike' (PL) or 'Deep Mirror Prooflike' (DMPL) when they exhibit mirrored fields from being struck with polished dies. These are not separate issues but rather represent early, sharp strikes from a fresh die state and carry a premium. No original-period Proofs or later restrikes are known to exist for this variety.
Authentication TipsAuthentic pieces often have a slightly soft or uneven strike, a result of the hammer-striking process. Look for characteristic die markers for the BG-1109 variety. Counterfeits are common in this series and may appear soapy or have incorrect design details. The weight and size can vary slightly, but should be close to the known specifications. Authentication by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended.
Shopping ConsiderationsWhen purchasing a BG-1109, seek out examples with a bold, well-centered strike, especially on the stars and the details within the wreath. Original, lustrous surfaces are paramount; many have been cleaned or used as jewelry. Look for coins with attractive, reddish-gold toning. A 'premium quality' example will be free of distracting marks, scratches, or evidence of having been mounted. The Prooflike (PL) designation adds significant value and eye appeal, confirming a sharp, early strike with mirrored fields. Given the prevalence of counterfeits, buying a certified coin provides crucial protection.
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 of BG-1109 were business strikes, though primarily intended as souvenirs rather than for heavy circulation. They are found in Circulated grades (AU-58 and below) and, more commonly, in Mint State (MS, 60-70) grades. No Proofs were struck during the original period of issue. However, coins struck from freshly polished dies may exhibit mirrored surfaces and can earn a 'Prooflike' (PL) or 'Deep Mirror Prooflike' (DMPL) designation from grading services; these are considered a desirable subset of the business strike issuance and not a separate striking.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated examples are defined by their luster. A typical BG-1109 often has a slightly reflective, almost Prooflike surface quality, particularly in higher grades. The strike can be inconsistent; look for sharpness on the highest points, such as Liberty's hair and the leaves in the wreath. Due to the rudimentary minting process, even high-grade examples may show some softness in peripheral areas. Small planchet flaws or adjustment marks are not uncommon.
Circulated Wear PatternsWear first appears on the high points of Liberty's cheek, hair above the ear, and the eyebrow. On the reverse, the highest points of the wreath's leaves and the bow will show initial friction and flattening. In lower grades (VF and below), the stars on the obverse will begin to lose their sharpness and the finer details of the wreath will merge.
Key Factors For ValueFor the BG-1109, the key value drivers are surface quality and strike. A coin with original, unimpaired, lustrous surfaces will always command a premium over one that has been cleaned or polished. A sharp strike that brings up all the design details is highly desirable. Eye appeal is crucial; coins with deep, flashy, Prooflike fields are the most sought-after and valuable. A CAC sticker for this issue indicates superior quality for the grade and will add a significant premium.
PCGS Price Guide
| Grade | Price | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | $1,350.00 | 1 |
| 62+ | $1,650.00 | N/A |
| 63 | $2,000.00 | N/A |
| 63+ | $2,500.00 | N/A |
| 64 | $3,250.00 | N/A |