| Description: |
Deep prooflike yellow gold with splashes of bright sky blue iridescence on the devices and
legends. The famous "Peacock” reverse, a name given long ago by Art Kagin. The rays
behind the eagle are no doubt an effort to imitate federal quarters and half dollars with
arrows at date and rays on the reverse, a few of which made it to San Francisco by late
1853, with the rays feature then becoming part of the design of this issue. Definitely one
of the "Peacock” varieties; of late, PCGS has a penchant for calling any California
Small Denomination gold piece with an eagle reverse a "Peacock.” Somewhat prooflike
and extremely attractive for the grade.PCGS Population: 11; 2 finer (MS-65 finest).Maker:
Frontier, Deviercy & Co., 1853-64. Obverse: Broad head of Liberty to left, 13
six-pointed stars around, date below bust, F. D. behind bust in field. Point of
Liberty’s bust points to first star, tip of coronet points to star seven. 1 in date
heavy and thick, 8 5 close and smaller than the 1 and 3, the 3 broadly Repunched,
resembling an 8. Reverse: CALIFORNIA GOLD. arches above the central eagle motif, with 50.
CENTS. curving below. Central eagle perched on a single arrow, its head turned left and
wings spread. A radiant spray appears behind the eagle’s head and shoulders, resembling
a Peacock’s tail, hence the colorful nickname of this popular variety.Edge: Reeded.Die
State I: Perfect dies. Clear repunching on 50 T in denomination, which gradually fades
from die use; here the repunching is faintly noticeable. |
