1872 California Gold G25c Washington Head PCGS MS-63 (BG-818)

This sharply preserved 1872 California Fractional Gold Quarter Dollar, attributed as BG-818 (Washington Head), is a beautiful Mint State survivor from one of the most collectible series in American gold. Graded MS-63 by PCGS, it offers exceptional detail for the type and strong visual appeal despite its tiny size. California fractional gold pieces continue to see increased demand from collectors seeking genuinely historic Western-era gold. Premium Mint State examples like this one are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

Privately struck during the post–Gold Rush era, California fractional gold served as small-change currency in a booming but under-supplied economy. These pieces circulated widely in the West, produced by jewelers and private firms rather than the U.S. Mint, and were later cataloged in the famous “BG” (Breen-Gillio) reference. By 1872, production had shifted largely toward souvenir and jewelry purposes, making well-preserved authenticated pieces especially desirable today.

The obverse features the distinctive Washington Head portrait—one of the most popular designs in the fractional gold series—showing bold curls, clean facial detail, and strong peripheral lettering for the tiny planchet.

The reverse displays the classic eagle motif with shield, wings spread, and surrounding legend, all well-defined for the issue. Lettering remains crisp, and the fields exhibit pleasing texture typical of genuine period pieces.

PCGS has graded this example MS-63, placing it firmly in Mint State with no wear and only light contact visible under magnification. The surfaces are original, the strike unusually bold, and the coin exhibits excellent overall eye appeal for a California fractional gold piece. Encapsulation by PCGS ensures full authentication, crucial given the prevalence of replicas in this series.

BG-818 Washington Head fractionals are sought after due to their iconic design and connection to Gold Rush–era commerce. Genuine pieces certified in Mint State are considerably scarce, with collector demand outpacing supply in recent years. Small-format historic gold, especially PCGS-certified, remains one of the most resilient areas of the collectibles market.

A strong Mint State fractional gold piece with broad collector appeal, ideal for enthusiasts of Western Americana, private-mint gold, or the BG series.

The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.