An Interesting California Fractional Gold Dollar
REALGATOR
Posts: 2,622 ✭✭✭✭✭
This rather scarce BG-1208 was graded over 30 years ago. My opinion is the graders back then decided the weak strike in the central reverse was circulation. Several more examples have been observed in the past 30+ years that show this diagnostic.
The possible "wear" aside, I have not seen a finer piece. Could perhaps be an MS65 Prooflike in a new holder. CAC doesn't sticker Cal fractionals. Feel free to share any thoughts...
Tried for some closer shots. There are some reflections that are not on the coin. The fields are completely reflective ie. prooflike.
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It appears to be Mint State to me, but then again, these coins are really small, and you need to a close-up of the piece to decide between the "classic AU-58" and Mint State.
Those are small. I enlarged them below. The first ones pixelated so I reduced some. The field do look like they have a chance at PL (I assume pcgs does PL for these also as now they do most all other) but would need to get the MS at pcgs for PL (I think that is still pcgs policy). I don't know these so more difficult to tell if all of the darkening on obverse hair curl and jaw device is due to strike and color change or a touch of wear also. But it does look nice.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wwmUMvhy-lY - Pink Me And Bobby McGee
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
I agree with @BillJones, an in hand evaluation would be required for an accurate evaluation. That being said, I agree with @REALGATOR that based on the pictures, it does appear to be a weak strike, more than wear. Cheers, RickO
Whatever an accurate grade might be, I can't tell from those images. However, I'm fairly confident that PCGS didn't mistake the diagnostic reverse weakness for wear.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The top gold expert once said there are maybe five people in the country who know how to grade territorials and fractionals and none work for PCGS.
Who is this "top gold expert"?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
@oreville Thoughts?
Do believe Mr. OREVILLE has some knowledge on Cal Fractionals.
His first name begins with a D and his last name ends with an R.
That is a well struck period 2 round dollar and 58 appears to be a very conservative grade compared to several other examples I own (1201-58, 1203-58, 1206-55 and 1202-xf45)
coinfacts 64 provided for comparison.
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1872-g-1-bg-1208/10953
OP example appears obverse face is mushy (could be the photo) and better struck on the reverse. Very nice example.
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
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Also agreed.
PCGS, in the pre-1996 era, was known for being quite conservative in their grading for California Fractional gold. It is my opinion that 90% of them would be acceptable to CAC for stickering if they were allowed to be submitted to CAC.