BG- 755, 1870 California Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Octagonal NGC MS66PL R4+ - Top Pop!

This is a "Top-Pop" coin according to the NGC Census. The next highest grade is an NGC MS64PL and a PCGS MS64. This stunner is destined for the collection of a sophisticated  numismatist who desires only the finest pieces! There have been 56 of this issue graded by PCGS in mint state--plus a single example in Prooflike. NGC has graded 18 of the BG-755, with eight of those carrying the Prooflike designation.

San Francisco Theater, c. 1870. Photo: Wikipedia.

This dramatic octagonal specimen was crafted and produced in 1870 by the jewelry firm of Robert B. Gray and Company of San Francisco. Their shop was located at 616 Merchant Street. It was either the year 1858 or 1859 that Gray purchased the business of another San Francisco jeweler and fractional gold manufacturer, Antoine Louis Nouzillet, including all of his dies, hubs, and punches. The year after this variety was struck, in 1871, Gray sold his business interests to the Levinson Brothers/California Jewelry Company.  According to Breen-Gillio, except for a few issues, Gray’s fractional pieces “are the heaviest and more intrinsically valuable of the Period Two issues, some of his quarters even outweighing most from Period I [1852-1857].”

Prooflike examples of California Fractionals are greatly desired by collectors. Look at the images of this Pop Topper, with its watery fields and frosty devices. Thirteen stars surround the Liberty head. The distinctive 'G' mintmark for Gray is found under the Liberty. What sets this piece apart from others is that those 13 stars are rounded instead of pointed. The reverse is the same as BG-754, while die lapping has removed parts of the wreath.