BG- 930, 1874 California Fractional Gold 50C, Liberty Octagonal PCGS MS64

This example is the popular Redbook “Baby Head” Liberty type, crafted by German-American Herman J. Brand (1837-1914) of San Francisco. The obverse features the small Liberty head surrounded by 13 stars, with the date 1874 below. This octagonal 50c gold piece was produced during Period 2 (1859-1882) of the vast California Fractional Gold series. The reverse displays a wreath with berries. Within the wreath is found ‘1/2 DOLLAR CAL.’

PCGS has graded 9 as MS64 with one finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $1,650.00 in MS64.

The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, circa. 1870s-1880s. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

In addition to being a jeweler, Brand was also an artist-sculptor and member of the San Francisco Art Association. He had an exhibition of his artwork at the Mark Hopkins Art Institute (San Francisco) in April of 1906. It must have been early that month, for the massive earthquake of April 18 destroyed much of the City by the Bay.