BG- 789, 1870 California Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Octagonal PCGS MS66 R4

TIED FOR FINEST at PCGS...population of 3 with none finer. Collectors Universe priced at $3,500. Dramatic piece with the 'Goofy Head' obverse design that is unique to this BG-789 issue.

The jeweler-minter of this issue is unknown, but the new owner of this beauty will have a decidedly different example within the California Fractional Gold series. The obverse has the well-crafted 'Goofy Head' version of the Coroneted Liberty head that was ever-present on coin designs of its day. However, this one has a large pointy nose that overwhelms Liberty's lips. Liberty also appears to looking to the heavens in this unique design. She is surrounded by 13 stars. The reverse reads 1/4 DOLLAR 1870 and has dramatic die cracks as well as a prominent die cud in the NE portion at the rim.

The Bank of California, established in 1863, was the first commercial bank in the Western United States. Image: Wikipedia.