1850 $5 California Gold Half Eagle - Moffat & Co. PCGS AU50
The specialist in Territorial gold should pay careful attention to this listing. Here’s a rare piece to add to your collection, one in the better grade of AU50. Produced with gold rush gold, this piece was struck in the early days of the California gold rush. PCGS has graded 14 as AU50 with 44 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $12,000.00 in AU50.
A 49er panning for gold in 1850 California. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
After arriving in California, Moffat and partners began an assaying and smelting enterprise. Since they had testaments from prominent individuals such as the Secretary of the Treasury, Moffat & Co. hit the ground running in California. At first, they produced rectangular gold ingots that, while impractical, provided greatly needed coinage.
Soon after setting up their shop, they engaged the services of talented die sinker Albrecht Ferdinand Kuner, who later engraved California's State Seal. Kuner modeled his work upon the federal Coronet gold coins of the period. While they were not the first private issues during the Gold Rush, they were considered to be of premium quality and sealed Moffat & Co.'s reputation as the leading private mint of the Gold Rush period.
John Moffat, after his significant involvement in the California Gold Rush through Moffat & Co., which played a crucial role in providing a form of currency during the gold rush era, transitioned into further notable endeavors. Here's what happened to him based on the information available:
Continued Involvement in Gold
John Little Moffat had already established himself as an expert in gold before moving to California. His experience from the Georgia and North Carolina gold fields, combined with his role as an assayer, positioned him well for the California Gold Rush.
Minting Operations
Moffat & Co. initially issued gold ingots due to the immediate need for a medium of exchange, which were impractical for everyday commerce but filled a critical gap. By 1850, they began minting their own gold coins, which were designed to closely mimic U.S. coinage, thereby gaining public trust and acceptance.
Government Recognition
The reliability and quality of Moffat & Co.'s operations led to them being contracted by the U.S. government to perform assay duties when the U.S. Assay Office was established in California. This semi-official status underscores Moffat's reputation and expertise in gold.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from Moffat & Co. in February 1852, the contract for the Assay Office was taken over by others, indicating that while Moffat moved on from direct involvement, his legacy in the gold industry continued through the operations he helped establish.
Impact on Numismatics
The coins issued by Moffat & Co., especially the 1850 $5 gold coin, have become collector's items, indicating Moffat's lasting impact on American numismatics. His coins are recognized for their historical significance and quality, making them desirable among collectors.
From the information provided, there isn't a detailed personal account of John Moffat's life post-1853, but his contributions during the Gold Rush era are well-documented. His transition from direct involvement in minting to retirement suggests a shift towards enjoying the fruits of his labor, possibly engaging in less strenuous activities or advisory roles given his expertise. However, specific details on his personal life, investments, or other ventures after retiring from Moffat & Co. are not covered in the provided excerpts, leaving his later years somewhat open to speculation based on the norms of the time for successful entrepreneurs. --Grok
PCGS # | 10243 |
---|---|
Grading Service | PCGS |
Year of Issue | 1850 |
Grade | AU50 |
Denom Type | California Gold |
Numeric Denomination | $5 |
Mint Location | Private Issue |
Designation | NONE |
Circ/UnCirc | Circulated |
Strike Type | Business |
Holder Variety | Moffat & Company |
Grade Add On | NONE |
Holder Type | N/A |