BG-1126, 1875 California Fractional Gold $1, Indian Octagonal NGC MS64DPL R5

Here’s a rare variety from the German-born San Francisco jeweler, Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig, to add to your collection. On August 10, 1876, Mohrig was arrested by the Secret Service for breaking the 1864 law against private coinage. His stock and dies were confiscated and melted down, which explains the rarity of his varieties such as this one.

No doubt, there were numerous examples of the BG-1126 among the stock that was seized and melted, for NGC has graded only 11 examples in Mint State, Prooflike and Deep Prooflike combined. NGC has graded two pieces as MS64PL with one finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $4,000.00 in MS64PL. CU does not have a price for DPL examples of BG-1126.

The Palace Hotel in San Francisco in 1876. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

The obverse features a beautiful Indian Head design crafted by Mohrig that is different from the ever-present Indian Head cents that were being struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the 1870s. The main device is surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1875 is found below. The reverse presents an attractive, well-fashioned wreath with berries, within which is found “1 DOLLAR.” Above the wreath near the rim is “CALIFORNIA GOLD.”