^Lot 366 Lee: California Gold

Lee, Kenneth W. CALIFORNIA GOLD. George Frederick Kolbe Publications, Santa Ana. 1979. 4to. xx, 120, (8) pages. original blue leatherette, gilt. First printing. Frontispiece, author portrait. b&w coin photos throughout. valuations sheet laid in. English text. Fine. This book is a foundational reference guide for attributing and verifying "fractional" gold coins - the tiny, privately minted 25-cent, 50-cent, and 1-dollar gold pieces issued in California during the mid-19th century. Kenneth W. Lee's work is essential because it provides a systematic, descriptive catalog of the different die varieties, shapes (round vs. octagonal), and designs used by private assayers when official U.S. currency was scarce. Rather than just historical narrative, the book serves as a technical tool used to identify authentic period pieces versus later souvenir tokens, making it a staple for anyone serious about collecting or dealing in California Pioneer gold. Lot weight: 1 lbs 12oz. Subject(s): United States Coinage.