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 […]

Large Date. C-1. A highly attractive near-Gem with bold, well-defined detail throughout both sides. Surfaces display rich, original chocolate-brown coloration with subtle lighter brown and olive highlights, indicative of originality and careful preservation. Luster remains visible beneath the patina and only minor, unobtrusive marks are present, fully consistent with the assigned grade.      

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.