2017-03-30 Thu

An MS-63 1853 California gold half dollar featuring the Great Seal of California was sold for $12,925 at Kagin’s ANA auction in Orlando.

Struck in early 1852, these small round and octagonal coins were released to overcome the shortage of quarter dollar, half dollar and dollar coins in the area. Though they were not used for transactions, they became popular souvenirs. Many of these coins featured Indian or Liberty Head portraits. Coins with obverses featuring Arms of California are rarer and sought after.

Researchers believe that they were made at San Francisco jewellers Braverman & Levy. The coin offered at the auction features a beautiful blue circular toning on the obverse.