BG- 530, 1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold $1, Liberty Octagonal PCGS MS62 R3

Here’s a reasonably priced variety in the vast circulating California Fractional Gold series to add to your numismatic holdings.

The obverse presents a well-crafted Liberty head, one inspired by the U.S. gold issues of the 1850s, facing left. The reverse has ‘1 DOLLAR 1853’ within a beaded circle. Around the rim is found ‘CALIFORNIA GOLD.’ Below at the center is the letter ‘N’, the mintmark for jeweler Nouizillet. PCGS has graded 49 as MS62 with 19 finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $1,200.00 in MS62.

Engraving of San Francisco by Charles A. Dana, 1855. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

This issue was designed and struck by Antoine Louis Nouizillet, a San Francisco-based jeweler and significant producer of California Fractional Gold coins from 1852-1858. He is first found in the San Francisco city directory of September 8, 1852, when he partnered with Isodore Routhier in a jewelry business. Just a few months later, in the December 1852 directory, there are a few separate listings. He is shown as Nouizillet & Co, Jewelers, as well as by himself, with Routhier having a separate listing. Another business partner of his during this time was the die-sinker M. Deriberpie.