BG- 855, 1876 California Fractional Gold 25C, Liberty Round NGC MS65 - Tied FINEST

Here’s a very rare variety in the vast California Fractional Gold series to add to your collection. PCGS reports that there are only 8 to 10 examples of the BG-855 known today. NGC has graded 2 as MS65 with none finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $5,750.00 in MS65.

The Redbook type is the “Baby Head” Liberty, made by German-American Herman J. Brand (1837-1914) of San Francisco. The obverse features a small Liberty head encircled by 13 stars. This round 25c gold piece was produced during Period 2 (1859-1882) of the extensive California Fractional Gold series. The reverse presents an attractive wreath with berries. Inside the wreath is found ‘1/4 DOLLAR CAL.’

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.

The City of San Francisco, panorama by Currier & Ives, 1878. Image: Wikimedia Commons.