United States of America 1851 Philadelphia California Fractional Gold $10 (Ten Dollars)

Coin / United States of America / 1851 / Philadelphia / California Fractional Gold / $10 (Ten Dollars)

The coin in question is a California Fractional Gold piece, specifically a $10 denomination, minted in 1851 at the Philadelphia Mint. California Fractional Gold coins were created during the California Gold Rush to address the need for smaller denominations of currency, as traditional U.S. coins were limited in availability. This particular coin, classified under the series of California Fractional Gold, signifies an important era in American numismatic history when gold was abundant, yet smaller denominations were necessary for daily transactions. The coin does not have a specified designer, mint mark, or edge type, which is common for fractional gold pieces of this time. The properties of the coin indicate it was produced using a mint strike method, suggesting a quality finish associated with coins that were struck in an official capacity. Although specific measurements for diameter, weight, and height are not provided (shown as 0.00000000), the absence of this information does not detract from the coin's historical significance. It’s also worth noting that the mintage is recorded as 0, which could imply that this coin is either exceedingly rare or perhaps not officially recorded within typical mintage records. In terms of material, it is categorized under “Other,” signifying it may not conform to the standard specifications of modern coinage. Overall, this $10 California Fractional Gold coin from 1851 represents a fascinating intersection of history, economics, and the evolution of currency in the United States, particularly during the transformative period of the California Gold Rush. Its rarity and historical context could make it a valuable collectible for numismatists and enthusiasts alike.