BG- 204, c.1853 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Round NGC MS62 R5

Here’s an attractive and historic piece struck by the Joseph Brothers of San Francisco to add to your collection. NGC has graded 4 as MS62 with 6 finer. Collector’s Universe gives this variety a price of $850.00 in MS62.

The Joseph Brothers emerged in numismatic history as pioneers of California Fractional Gold. They were third generation British Jews who arrived in America during the Gold Rush. The two older brothers returned to England in the late 1860s, while Nathan Joseph remained a lifelong resident of San Francisco. Nathan was born the seventh of fourteen children in Liverpool, England. He is best known for having minted early Period 1 California Fractional Gold coins.

Gold miners in 1850 California. This variety was produced with Gold Rush gold. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Nathan was what we would call a colorful character. He was struck by automobiles twice and survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. He also survived two fires at his Old Curiosity Shop, another one at his property on Stockton Street, and was the victim of at least four burglaries at his establishments. He sold a mélange of items that included anthropological relics, natural history artifacts, razor blades, coins, gold, costumes, musical instruments, stereopticon and magic lantern slides, curios, medals, badges and decorations.