1872/1 BG-790 California Fractional Gold Quarter Dollar NGC MS-66 DPL

Finest known! This 1872/1 BG-790 California Fractional Gold Quarter Dollar represents one of the most distinctive private gold issues from the California Gold Rush era. Produced during the height of small denomination gold coin popularity in California, this octagonal quarter dollar served as legal tender when official small denomination silver coins were scarce on the West Coast. The BG-790 variety features a clear overdate, with the "2" struck over "1," making it a particularly sought-after variety among California fractional gold specialists.

The obverse displays a finely detailed Indian head facing left, wearing a feathered headdress with thirteen stars surrounding the portrait. The design exhibits sharp relief with bold definition in the headdress feathers and facial features. The reverse features the denomination "1/4 DOLLAR" within an ornate wreath of oak and laurel branches, with "CAL" below, all enclosed within a beaded border that matches the octagonal shape of the planchet.

Graded MS-66 DPL (Deep Prooflike) by NGC, this exceptional example displays mirror-like surfaces with deep reflectivity and cameo contrast between the devices and fields. This example is the finest known 1872/1 octagonal Indian design, making it an extraordinary opportunity for collectors of Gold Rush era coinage. The Deep Prooflike designation indicates superior surface quality with strong eye appeal and minimal contact marks. California fractional gold coins in this grade are highly prized by collectors of Western Americana and territorial gold issues. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.