Quarter Dollar Octagonal, Period 2 (BG-701 to BG-799)

About This Coin

Spanning BG numbers 701 through 799 in the Breen-Gillio catalog, these Period 2 octagonal gold quarter dollars represent the later production phase of California's most distinctive numismatic tradition, manufactured primarily during the 1870s and early 1880s. By this period, octagonal quarter dollars had evolved from functional small change into collectible novelties and souvenir items, though their gold content maintained genuine intrinsic value. The octagonal format, originally adopted to differentiate private issues from federal coinage, had become synonymous with California's unique numismatic identity. A notable auction result of $21,000 in MS64+ grade at Heritage Auctions demonstrates the collector demand for gem-quality examples from this later production era. The BG-701 to BG-799 range is one of the more densely populated segments of the Breen-Gillio catalog, reflecting the proliferation of die varieties during the later period when multiple San Francisco workshops produced competing designs. Period 2 octagonal quarter dollars typically feature Liberty head, Indian head, or wreath motifs rendered in miniature on these charming gold pieces. While generally more accessible than the scarcer Period 1 issues, specific BG numbers within this range vary significantly in rarity, from relatively common types to genuinely scarce varieties that challenge even advanced specialists. The series offers both accessible entry points for beginning collectors and sufficient depth for dedicated researchers pursuing complete die variety documentation.