BG- 879 G25C 1876 California Fractional, Indian Round PCGS MS64 R4

A more affordable variety in PCGS’s Old Green Holder!

This attractive variety was produced by C.F. Mohrig, a San Francisco-based jeweler. The obverse exhibits an attractive, well-fashioned Indian head design. Inspired by, but not an unoriginal copy of the ubiquitous Indian head cent, this specimen is a splendid tiny treasure. Thirteen stars surround the Indian head and the 1876 date is below. The reverse offers an intricate wreath with berries, within which is found 1/4 DOLLAR CAL.

It was on August 10, 1876, that Mohrig was arrested by the Secret Service for violating the 1864 law against private coinage. His stock and dies were seized and melted, which may explain the rarity of some of his earlier varieties. Perhaps this variety was produced after that time, for it is a more affordable option for the California Fractional Gold collector. PCGS has graded 26 of the BG-879 as MS64 with 15 finer. This piece is housed in the popular PCGS Old Green Holder.

Construction of the Second San Francisco Mint in 1876, the year this variety was struck. Photo: Wikipedia.