1849 G$5 Norris, Gregg, & Norris Plain Edge, Period, K-2

Coin / United States of America / 1849 / San Francisco / Norris / G$5

Unlike many of the private issues that would follow them, the Norris, Gregg &amp; 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. <em>Plain Edge</em> Norris Gregg Norris $5s often come with prooflike or semi-prooflike surfaces. Any original, uncirculated example would qualify for inclusion in the condition census.