1864 Gold Half Dollar Die Trial - BG-917a, Silver

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,775 AU58 01-28-2004 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

This silver die trial carries the Breen-Gillio 917a designation, placing it within the extensive series of California fractional gold coinage. California fractional gold pieces — tiny gold coins in denominations of 25 cents, 50 cents, and one dollar — were privately produced beginning during the Gold Rush era and continuing through the 1870s to serve as convenient small-change substitutes in a state awash with gold but short on minor coinage. These diminutive coins, often barely larger than a modern dime, featured a variety of Liberty Head, Indian Head, and Washington Head designs. The BG-917a designation indicates this is a silver striking from dies normally used for gold, making it a die trial or off-metal pattern. Silver die trials of California fractional gold pieces are extraordinarily uncommon because the original production was almost exclusively in gold — the entire purpose of these tiny coins was to provide small denominations in the precious metal that dominated California commerce. This 1864-dated specimen falls during the Civil War period, when fractional gold production continued in California largely independent of the wartime disruptions affecting eastern coinage. For collectors of California fractional gold, die trials in silver represent some of the most elusive pieces in an already specialized and challenging series.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Silver die trials of California fractional gold pieces are among the rarest items in the series, with most varieties unique or known in only two to three specimens.

Cross References

BG-917a (Breen-Gillio)