BG- 435, 1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold 50C, Round 'Arms of California' PCGS AU Details R5-

This is one of the most famous and desired varieties of the entire vast California Fractional Gold series. This is a distinctive variety, one that displays engaging devices and designs. Please take a look at the images provided. The "Arms of California" definitely makes one sit up and take notice. There is strong demand for BG-435 because it is the only California Fractional Gold coin that employs two uncommon designs. And you will save a great deal of money when you purchase this specimen over an original one. 

Gold miners in California in 1850. This piece was minted with Gold Rush gold. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The obverse offers the "Arms of California": a seated Columbia (dressed as Minerva) holding both a shield and spear, with a grizzly bear eating grapes near her feet, with mountains and a river in the background. That motif is presented within a circle, around which are 13 stars with the year '1853' centered below.

The reverse presents a miniature version of the Humbert eagle design from the octagonal $50 gold ingots issued by the U.S. Assay Office in San Francisco in 1851-52. The design includes an eagle, banner, and shield, and is surrounded by "CALIFORNIA GOLD -- HALF DOLLAR." We don't know who crafted this famous issue, but Breen and Gillio suggest Braverman & Levy. Totheroh suggests Joseph Brothers (J.B. & L.B.), 175 Clay St. etc. If you would like to include one of the most unique California Fractional Gold varieties in your collection, then perhaps this is the coin for you.