Whitman Expo
1849 Norris, Gregg, & Norris 5 Dollar Gold MS Plain Edge, Period, K-2 Values
Details
Unlike many of the private issues that would follow them, the Norris, Gregg & Norris $5’s design was radically different from federal coinage. The obverse featured a stylized heraldic eagle holding a shield emblazoned with the numeral 5, surrounded by the legend “CALIFORNIA GOLD. WITHOUT ALLOY.” The reverse advertised that it was the “FULL WEIGHT OF HALF EAGLE.” The 1849 issues from the firm are found with both plain and reeded edges, and, based upon die state evidence and the early report of an example with a plain edge in New Orleans, it appears that the plain edge variety was struck first. Plain Edge Norris Gregg Norris $5s often come with prooflike or semi-prooflike surfaces. Any original, uncirculated example would qualify for inclusion in the condition census.
Obverse: $5 on Federal Eagle.CALIFORNIA GOLD. WITHOUT ALLOY.
Reverse: N.G&N. SAN FRANCISCO 1849 22 stars around. FULL WEIGHT OF. HALF EAGLE
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Coinage Type:
Private & Pioneer Gold
Coinage Years:
1849
Composition:
Gold
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Norris, Gregg, & Norris
Variety 2:
Plain Edge, Period, K-2
Rarity:
R-L5
Physical Characteristics
Strike Type:
Business
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Obverse Lettering:
$5, CALIFORNIA GOLD. WITHOUT ALLOY.
Reverse Lettering:
N.G&N. SAN FRANCISCO 1849. FULL WEIGHT OF. HALF EAGLE
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