BG-1016A, 1864 California Fractional Gold 50C, Liberty Round NGC MS63 R8 - Tied for Finest Known!

This is a rare variety of California Fractional Gold

This round gold 50 cent piece would be the perfect addition to the collection of the Fractional Gold specialist who simply wants the finest examples. In its grade of NGC MS63 this is indeed the "Finest Known" of its surviving population. Examining population reports of both NGC and PCGS, we see that NGC has graded three and PCGS has graded four examples. However, PCGS says “3 known?” which suggests that a few resubmissions took place at both services. NGC has graded 1 as MS63 with none finer. PCGS also reports a MS63 example as their finest.

View of San Francisco in 1864, the year this rare specimen was struck. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

This attractive piece was produced by the jewelry firm of Robert B. Gray and Company of San Francisco. It was in either 1858 or 1859 that Gray purchased the business of another jeweler and fractional gold producer, Antoine Louis Nouzillet, including all of his dies, hubs, and punches.

The obverse of this piece presents the Liberty head that many Fractional Gold pieces carry, which is imitative of the Federal issues of its day. Liberty is encircled by 13 stars around the rim. The reverse presents a laurel wreath with a bow at the bottom, while above there is a space within which sits a single star. Within the wreath is "HALF DOLLAR 1864." For the California Fractional Gold specialist this is a rare opportunity to own one of two of the "Finest Known" of this issue.