California Fractional Gold coins were minted during the Gold Rush era in the mid-19th century to address the need for smaller denominations of currency. These coins, produced from 1851 onwards, include a variety of designs and denominations, often mimicking U.S. gold coins like the twenty-dollar piece. They were primarily made in response to the influx of gold from California and served as a means of facilitating trade in a time when official currency was scarce. The 1851 California Fractional Gold pieces typically feature intricate designs and are sought after by collectors for their historical significance and connection to the Gold Rush.