BG-1104, 1871 California Fractional Gold $1, Liberty Octagonal NGC MS66 R4+

Here is a beautiful and delicate treasure from the extensive California Fractional Gold series, one that would be a wonderful addition to your collection. (Pierre) Frontier & (Eugene) Deviercy were associated with [Alexandre] Dubois & Co before becoming Frontier & Co. in 1864. They were still operational in 1871 when this BG-1104 variety was produced.

The obverse presents a left-facing Coronet Liberty head, one that was inspired by the federal gold coin issues of its day. Miss Liberty is surrounded by eleven stars. The reverse of this beauty has a well-crafted wreath with berries, within which is “1 DOLLAR 1871.” Above the wreath is “CAL” and below it is “GOLD.”

NGC has graded one example as MS66 with one finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $8,000.00 in MS66.

Vintage screw coin press once owned by Frontier, Deviercy & Co. that was sold at Stack’s New York 2011 Americana Sale in January 2011. Image: Stacks.