1850 Moffat Gold Half Eagle ($5)

The 1850 $5 Moffat & Co. gold piece is a remarkable artifact of the California Gold Rush era. This privately minted coin was an essential part of commerce in the rapidly growing economy of the West, filling the gap before the establishment of a formal U.S. Mint in the region in 1854. Moffat & Co.'s coins were highly esteemed for their quality, and as such they were produced in (relatively) large numbers and circulated widely in the region.

As such, they're relatively "common" (as far as Pioneer gold goes) and, dare we say, "affordable" (at least compared to a slug!). This example is a perfect mid-grade VF35 and fully approved by CAC. The coin exhibits honest wear typical of this well-circulated gold piece that served its due in commerce, yet it retains clear and defined design elements. Its surfaces show a rich, warm golden hue with smooth fields and no major alterations or distracting marks. A perfect example of circulated type Pioneer.