1851 State of California $5 Copper NGC PF64 BN

Rare, Finest Known 1851 State of California $5 Copper Proof

In 1850, California officially became the 31st state in the Union. But it still had its own money. And what’s more, that money wasn’t struck by the United States Mint — it was struck in Birmingham, England!

The mint in Birmingham struck the $2.50, $5, $10, and $20 pieces for the State of California, including this rare $5 Liberty design. How rare is it? The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has graded none of these coins, and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has graded a total of ONE — and you’re looking at it! That makes this coin incredibly unique, but certainly the finest known in the world!

This is the first time we’ve ever been able to offer this rare piece, and not only does is come certified as being in amazing proof condition, but NGC has also graded it as being in gorgeous Proof-64 Brown (PF64 BN) condition with amazing overall quality and attractive eye appeal. The Brown grade refers to the coin’s natural oxidation, a chemical reaction between a coin’s copper and its environment.

Natural oxidation affects all copper coins over time, transforming their original orange/red color to a dark tone. To accurately grade copper coins, one needs to describe the color of the copper. In this coin’s case, its surface has reacted with the atmosphere to the extent that it is almost entirely a chocolate brown color, thus it is considered to be “Brown” and has been giving a “BN” designation.

The original mintage of this piece is unknown, but as a Proof coin one could assume it to be quite limited. In fact, the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian® in Washington, D.C. doesn’t even have an example of this coin!

This incredible find is sure to become the cornerstone of an elite collection. Will it be yours?