BG- 758, 1870 California Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Octagonal PCGS MS65 DMPL R8 - Tied Finest Known/Finest DMPL!

This specimen is among a handful of great rarities in the quite extensive California Fractional Gold series.

There have been only 8 total pieces graded by both grading services. PCGS has graded 5 in Mint State, 1 in PL, and 1 in DMPL (this pristine example).  NGC has graded a sole piece as MS65DPL. Therefore this piece is both the finest known and finest known in DMPL (tied with the one NGC piece for both).  This rarity was crafted and produced by Robert B. Gray and Company of San Francisco in 1870. Note the distinctive 'G' mintmark for Gray on the obverse.

Writing about this coin for its Heritage Auction sale of May 29, 2009, when it sold for $13,800.00, the Heritage cataloger wrote,

For those collectors in pursuit of a high-end set of fractional gold pieces, the present coin could very well represent a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is a splendid, deeply prooflike example that has frosted devices which provide strong cameo contrast. A bit weakly struck. The reverse shows a distinguishing arc that appears to be some sort of striking imperfection which will easily identify this piece in the future.

Here's the photo of the piece currently offered by AUCM, taken by PCGS. Note the unique planchet cracks found on the reverse. (courtesy PCGS Coin Facts website).