BG- 435, 1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold 50C, Round 'Arms of California,' NGC MS65 R5-

Save $6,750 over the Collector’s Universe price!

This variety is a true classic in the extensive California Fractional Gold series. It is one of the most beautiful and original designs found on these small golden treasures. NGC has graded only 13 examples of the BG-435. Of those, there are 2 in MS65 with 1 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this variety at $18,000.00 in MS65. As discussed above, you will save $6,750 over that price! 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.

A 49er panning for gold 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.