BG- 722, 1872 California Fractional Gold 25C, Washington Head Octagonal NGC MS65 R4-

Frontier & Bellemere Gold 25c Washington Head Octagonal. What makes this variety different from most other California Fractional Gold coins is that it features the visage of George Washington upon it. The vast majority of Fractional Gold varieties have the image of Lady Liberty or an Indian Head. There are only three varieties in the entire series (BG-722 through BG-724) with the Washington head. Numismatists who collect California Fractional Gold by Red Book varieties generally choose the BG-722, for the other two are quite rare. This is an enduringly popular variety.

Only three California Fractional Gold varieties carry the image of George Washington. This offering from AUCM, the BG-722, is the most affordable option for collectors. Image: wikimedia.org.

NGC has graded 7 as MS65 with 9 finer. The obverse has a large head of George Washington facing left, within a circle of 13 well-formed stars. The large date 1872 is below. The reverse has a wreath with no berries open at the top and tied below with a ribbon. Above is ‘1/4’ with ‘DOLLAR’ and ‘CAL’ below. This is an attractive piece with a dramatic look, with its frosty devices and reflective fields.