BG- 603, 1854 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold $1, Liberty Round PCGS AU Details R6+

This is an extremely rare Frontier-Deviercy variety in the California Fractional Gold series. PCGS has graded 14 original examples, while NGC has only graded 2. The broad bust obverse die was used only to create the BG-602 and BG-603. Therefore, both varieties have a rating of High R.6. With its ‘Details’ grade, this is a more affordable option for the specialist. For example, a piece graded NGC AU50 sold for $7,637.50 via Heritage Auctions in January of 2016. This variety is rarely available in either a direct sale or auction appearance.

San Francisco  in 1851. Photo: Wikipedia.

The obverse has an attractive, well-crafted version of the Coroneted Liberty head. Smaller than many other California Fractional Gold Liberty heads, it is also a more original and creative version of Liberty. Surrounding her are 13 stars, with the 1st star to left of the bust. One of the 13 stars divides the F ★ D mintmark (for Frontier-Deviercy). The reverse presents CALIFORNIA GOLD near the rim outside of a wreath with berries. Within the wreath, which has a triple bow, is 1 DOLLAR 1854. A leaf of the wreath touches D in GOLD. There is weakness in the strike of the reverse. Same as BG-602. References: Lee 3B; D 505A.