BG- 524, 1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold G$1, Liberty Octagonal PCGS AU58 R6+

Here’s a reasonably priced specimen of an interesting variety in the extensive circulating California Fractional Gold series. PCGS has graded 8 as AU58 with 4 finer. In total, PCGS has only graded 19 specimens of the BG-524, and the finest is MS64. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $1,750.00 in AU58.

The obverse exhibits the Liberty head facing left, encompassed by 8 stars. The reverse presents ‘1 DOLLAR 1853’ within a beaded circle. Around the beaded circle at the rim is ‘CALIFORNIA GOLD - DERI.’ 'DERI' is short for M. Deriberpie, a private engraver who had a shop at 58 Kearny Street in San Francisco. He also cut dies for the jewelers Nouzillet & Routhier.

Corner of Kearny and Green Streets in San Francisco in 1866. The engraver M. Deriberpie had his shop down the street at 58 Kearny Street. Photo: Library of Congress.