BG- 229, 1856 California Gold Rush Circulating Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Round NGC MS64

Here’s a more affordable piece to add to your collection of California Fractional Gold varieties. Imagine owning it, having it to hold in your hand. NGC has graded 5 as MS64 with just 3 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this variety at $800.00 in MS64.

Gold miners during the California Gold Rush. This coin was struck using Gold Rush gold. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

This variety was designed and produced by Antoine Louis Nouizillet, a San Francisco jeweler who was a leading maker of California Fractional Gold from 1852-1858. The obverse has the popular Liberty head design that was based upon the federally issued gold coins of the 1850s. Miss Liberty is surrounded by ten stars. The reverse presents an open wreath with berries, within which is found "1/4 DOLLAR 1856." Overall, this piece has a very dramatic look.