Token - 1881-Dated California Bird & Butterfly Gold Charm NGC MS63
IN STOCK
SKU
3726748001-1
Tied for Finest Known!
Here’s a quite unique little gold charm to add to your collection, one that is the size of a California gold quarter dollar. On the obverse, a nesting bird reaches for a passing butterfly. The reverse features the date at center, with a wreath of what appears to be milkweed around. This is a realistic presentation, for Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed on the milkweed plant. An interesting type.
On his website, http://www.calgoldcoin.com/oldhtml/Wreath9.htm, Mike Locke states that the Bird & Butterfly token was struck in 1881 & 1883 as a round 1/4, and in 1881 as a round 1/2. According to Heritage Auctions, the maker is believed to be the San Francisco firm California Jewelry Co. NGC has graded 2 as MS63 with none finer! In total, NGC has graded only 5 examples of this dramatic issue.
Closeup images of the same issue—but not the same token—from a Stack’s Bowers auction listing from 2011. Photos: Stack’s Bowers.
The 1881 dated California gold bird and butterfly gold charm does not appear to be well-documented or widely recognized in the historical or numismatic records, but is was obvioulsy created with ample artistic merit in mind, as evidenced by the specimen offered here. From the details available:
1. California Gold Tokens: There is information about various California gold tokens from the late 19th century, but none explicitly mention a "bird and butterfly" design dated 1881. However, California was known for producing private gold coinage and tokens during the Gold Rush era, which often featured various symbolic imagery, including wreaths, eagles, and sometimes other motifs like birds or insects.
2. Design Variations: From general knowledge about California gold tokens, designs could vary widely, with some incorporating natural elements like birds or butterflies, possibly symbolizing freedom or transformation.
3. Historical Context: The use of gold for charms or tokens during this period, especially in California, could be linked to the abundance of gold and the culture of the Gold Rush. Such items might have been personal keepsakes, jewelry, or even used in local trade or as keepsakes from the era's prosperity.
Conclusion
The concept of the 1881 California gold bird and butterfly gold charm fits within the period's aesthetic and symbolic trends, suggesting that while not wholly confirmed in the written legend, such an item has existed in and out of private collections and is certainly a unique piece from that era.
| Grading Service | NGC |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 1881 |
| Grade | MS63 |
| Denom Type | Token |
| Numeric Denomination | Gold Charm |
| Mint Location | Private Issue |
| Designation | NONE |
| Circ/UnCirc | Uncirculated |
| Strike Type | Business |
| Holder Variety | Bird & Butterfly Wreath |
| Grade Add On | NONE |
| Holder Type | N/A |
