1855 $50 Wass Molitor Gold California Gold Rush VF-30 PCGS

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During the chaotic days of the California Gold Rush, private minters stepped in to solve the region's desperate need for circulating currency. Among the most remarkable creations of this era is the colossal 1855 fifty-dollar gold piece struck by Wass, Molitor and Company in San Francisco. This substantial coin contains over two and some tenths troy ounces of gold, representing a massive fortune for its time. The obverse features a classic portrait of Lady Liberty looking to the left, encircled by thirteen stars that represent the original colonies. On the reverse, a decorative laurel wreath frames the central denomination of 50 Dollars. The surrounding inscription clearly identifies the private makers and the location of origin, reading San Francisco California Wass Molitor and Company. This particular specimen has survived the decades with a certified grade of Very Fine 30 (VF-30). Because these heavy gold pieces were minted on an as-needed basis rather than in pre-determined quantities, their exact mintage figures remain a mystery, adding to the intrigue of this impressive Gold Rush artifact.