BG-1207, 1872 California Fractional Gold $1, Indian Round PCGS MS65 Prooflike R4 - Tied for Finest Known!

This stunning prooflike example was produced by Christopher Ferdinand Mohrig, a German-born San Francisco jeweler. BG-1207 is the penultimate Period Two variety and in the Breen-Gillio reference book it is identified by a centered date and the lack of TOKEN in the reverse legend. It shares a reverse die with BG-1206 and an obverse die with BG-1208, the final California Fractional Gold variety of Period Two. 

PCGS has graded 1 as MS65PL with none finer. This piece is tied for finest known along with PCGS MS65 and NGC MS65PL and NGC MS65DPL. Collectors Universe gives this prooflike variety a price of $8,000.00 in MS65PL.

It was on August 10, 1876, that Mohrig was arrested by the Secret Service for violating the 1864 law against private coinage. His stock and dies were seized and melted, which may explain the rarity of his varieties such as this one.

Historic view of California and Sansome Streets in 1872 San Francisco, the year this piece was struck. Photo: Library of Congress.

The obverse presents an attractive, well-crafted Indian Head facing to the left, surrounded by 13 stars. The date 1872 is below. The reverse carries a well-designed wreath, within which is 1 DOLLAR. Above the wreath at the top near the rim is CALIFORNIA GOLD. Both sides of this Gem have flashy, deeply mirrored fields and frosty yellow devices.