This rarity is one of the most historically significant coins in American Numismatics. 1,389 pieces were struck from the first shipment of gold received from California after James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill on January 24, 1848. “CAL.” was counterstamped on the reverse to signify this fact. They are considered by many numismatists to […]

Similar in design to the regular $5 Liberty except Moffat & Co appears on the coronet instead of LIBERTY and the reverse has the legend S.M.V. California Gold replacing UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This nearly mint state example, of this relatively crude coin, has nice detail and plenty of light yellow-gold luster remaining.

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. Well struck with glossy chocolate brown surfaces that display a tiny trace of red.

Well detailed with a well defined head, stars, and wreath. The surfaces are lustrous and mostly white with light toning mainly at the borders.

Overdate, FS-301. Well struck and nearly mint state with attractive green, gold, and blue toning.

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 […]

Small Date. Far rarer than the Large Date variant of this date.

The first regular issue U.S. Double Eagle. The unique 1849 in the Smithsonian Museum is technically a pattern. This is a pleasing example with sharp detail and bright lustrous surfaces.