This issue had a mintage of 580,000 but true Mint State examples are notably scarce, with most pieces encountered today showing considerable circulation. This is a boldly struck example with an attractive silver-gray patina and light gold accents. Well-struck, original, and appealing with just a few coins grading finer at PCGS.

Plain Edge. The first coiner’s name to appear in California newspapers was Norris, Gregg & Norris and they were very probably the first private company to issue gold in California. These half eagles were struck from 100% California Gold in May of 1849. The present example is sharply struck with semi proof-like fields and has […]

Open Wreath. Well struck and lustrous with satiny smooth surfaces and just a few trivial marks.

Well struck and lustrous with semi proof-like surfaces and a faint golden hue.

Over 2 million minted but very few have survived in mint state. This is a nice brilliant example with vibrant mint luster and a very sharp strike. The surfaces are quite attractive with fewer abrasions than typically encountered for the grade.

Moffat & Co. of San Francisco struck rectangular gold ingots and gold coins. They produced $5 pieces in 1849 and 1850 and $10 pieces in 1849. The words MOFFAT & CO appear on Liberty’s coronet instead of LIBERTY as seen on regular U.S. Mint issues. This is one of the few mint state survivors of […]

Low R-7. The obverse displays CENT at the top, the date at the bottom, and one star on each side of the center. The center is setup to be a ring planchet but remains unperforated. The reverse is blank except for dentils around the border. Struck in nickel with a plain edge. A light dusting […]

Small Date. Far rarer than the Large Date variant of this date. This is a well struck example with original antique-gold surfaces and substantial underlying luster.

The scarcest Braided Hair Half Cent in mint state. This is a very attractive spot free example, with glossy choice chocolate brown surfaces.