BG- 435, 1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold 50C, Round 'Arms of California' NGC MS63 R5-

If you would like to acquire one of the most famous and desired varieties of circulating California Fractional Gold, then this may be the piece for you. Yes, there is definitely comfort in the familiar, the tried and true. However, numismatists also enjoy pursuing specimens that are different, that offer a totally new look. Such is the case with this "Arms of California" variety; it makes one sit up and take notice. While not as rare as some other issues, there is consistently strong demand for BG-435 due to its being the California Fractional Gold coin to utilize two uncommon design elements. This distinctive piece has attractive reddish-gold toning on both sides. NGC has graded 3 in MS63, with 4 finer. Overall, PCGS has graded 53 of this issue and NGC has graded 11 of them. This is a circulating issue from Period One: 1852-1856.

California gold miners with long tom during the Gold Rush, circa 1850–1852. This piece was struck with gold from the California Gold Rush.

The obverse offers the "Arms of California": a seated Columbia (dressed as Minerva) holding shield and spear, with a grizzly bear eating grapes at her feet, with mountains and river in the background. That motif is within a circle, around which are 13 stars with '1853' centered below. The design is a bit simplistic, with the 'grizzly bear' appearing more like a Chihuahua. 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. The motif includes an eagle, banner, and shield. That design is surrounded by "CALIFORNIA GOLD -- HALF DOLLAR." Again, this design is also crude, for it looks like the eagle is dancing. We don't know who crafted this famous issue, but Breen and Gillio suggest Braverman & Levy. However, Totheroh suggest it may be Joseph Brothers. If you want one of the most unusual varieties of the California Fractional Gold series, then this fascinating piece may be just what you are looking for.