Templeton Reid (Georgia) Gold (1830-1849)

About This Series

Among the earliest private gold coiners in America, Templeton Reid struck gold coins in Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1830 using Appalachian gold deposits predating the California discovery by nearly two decades. Reid produced $2.50, $5, and $10 denominations bearing his name and gold purity designation. The Georgia $10 is unique — a single survivor ranking among the most valuable American coins in private hands. Negative publicity from assayers questioning his coins' gold content contributed to cessation of Georgia operations. Nearly two decades later, Reid resurfaced in San Francisco during the 1849 Gold Rush, producing $25 gold pieces that are themselves great rarities with fewer than ten known. The $25 denomination was among the largest private gold coins ever attempted, reflecting the enormous raw gold quantities from Sierra Nevada placers. Reid's two-phase career — Georgia Appalachian gold in 1830 and California Rush gold in 1849 — bookends the era of American gold discovery and private coinage response. Every surviving Reid coin is a significant rarity commanding extraordinary auction prices.