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Inventory:
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- Product ID: 50192
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/05/25 05:23:01 | ||
Gold
 17.10
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$3,257.47 | $3,271.44 |
The California 1 oz. Gold 1995 .9999 Fine Great Seal–Grizzly coin represents a unique and distinguished collectible that commemorates the rich history and natural symbolism of the state of California. Issued in the mid-1990s, a period that saw increased interest in state-themed bullion and commemorative issues, this coin captures the essence of California's heritage through its use of powerful state imagery. The California Gold Series, of which the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly piece is a part, aimed to showcase important symbols and historical motifs tied to the state's identity, combining high-purity gold with artistic and historical significance. By 1995, the idea of state pride conveyed through precious metals was gaining ground, making the California Gold issues particularly appealing to collectors and investors alike.
The design of the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly gold coin is both bold and intricate, encapsulating two of the most important emblems of California: the Great Seal and the California grizzly bear. The obverse of the coin features a detailed interpretation of the state’s Great Seal, a symbol first adopted in 1849 during the California Constitutional Convention. The Great Seal includes Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, a grizzly bear feeding on grapevines, a sheaf of wheat, a miner working with his pan, and a sailing ship, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and San Francisco Bay. Above this detailed scene appears the state motto, “Eureka,” meaning “I have found it,” a reference to the discovery of gold. The reverse of the coin features a majestic grizzly bear, the official state animal, walking along the ground with a look of calm strength, the word "California" inscribed above, and specifications “1 OZ .9999 FINE GOLD” clearly marked beneath. The dual imagery perfectly balances historical grandeur and the wild spirit of California’s natural world.
The mint responsible for striking the California 1 oz. Gold 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly coin was SunWest Bullion, a private mint based in the United States known for producing high-quality bullion products during the 1990s. Unlike government mints that issue legal tender, private mints such as SunWest specialized in bullion that catered to collectors seeking both investment value and artistic design without official face values. SunWest took great care in producing their coins to very high standards, utilizing advanced minting techniques to ensure sharp details, proof-like fields, and a consistently fine gold content of .9999, among the highest levels of purity available in bullion production at the time. Each piece was struck with precision, resulting in crisp design elements and a beautiful finish that emphasized the coin’s artistic appeal.
The mintage of the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly gold coin was relatively limited, enhancing its desirability among collectors and investors. Although exact production numbers vary depending on sources, it is estimated that only a few thousand examples were struck. This low mintage was intentional, designed to preserve the coin's exclusivity and ensure that it would remain a scarce and valuable addition to any collection. During the 1990s, many privately minted bullion series intentionally kept their production figures low to appeal to a growing niche market of collectors who valued rarity as much as precious metal content. Today, the limited number of surviving examples, especially those preserved in pristine condition, adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and market value.
The condition of surviving California 1 oz. Gold 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly coins is generally outstanding, particularly for those that were carefully stored after purchase. Many examples are found in near-flawless to Mint State condition, exhibiting full original luster and no significant signs of wear, handling, or surface marks. Coins that have been kept in protective holders, such as capsules or original mint packaging, often display sharply struck design details, frosty devices, and deeply reflective fields. The quality of the gold itself, being .9999 fine, also contributes to the coin’s bright, vibrant appearance, with a rich, deep golden hue that has remained stable over time due to the metal's inherent resistance to tarnish and corrosion.
The artistic merits of the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly gold coin deserve particular attention. The obverse's busy and complex tableau of the Great Seal is reproduced with remarkable clarity for a privately minted issue, allowing the viewer to appreciate each element—from the figure of Minerva to the distant hills and ships. Such detailed engraving on a one-ounce gold planchet required careful die preparation and multiple strikes to achieve maximum clarity and depth. On the reverse, the grizzly bear, rendered in a naturalistic walking pose, captures the rugged spirit of California’s wilderness. The minimalist composition of the reverse stands in deliberate contrast to the ornate obverse, providing visual balance and emphasizing the bear’s symbolic power as a representation of strength, resilience, and independence.
The symbolism inherent in the coin's imagery adds layers of meaning that deepen its collectible value. The grizzly bear, once common throughout California but now extinct within the state, remains an enduring symbol of the state’s untamed past and continues to feature prominently on the state flag. The Great Seal’s depiction of the Gold Rush era evokes one of the most transformative periods in California’s history, when the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill triggered waves of migration, economic expansion, and ultimately statehood. Together, these elements make the coin not just a piece of bullion, but a historical and cultural artifact encapsulating key chapters of California’s identity.
Collectors are drawn to the California 1 oz. Gold 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly coin for several reasons beyond its aesthetic and symbolic qualities. Its .9999 fine purity makes it comparable to world-class bullion issues like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, while its low mintage and private-issue status confer an element of exclusivity not found in mass-produced government bullion coins. Additionally, because the coin is not considered legal tender, it is often priced more flexibly according to bullion market fluctuations and collector demand rather than face value constraints. This makes the Great Seal–Grizzly coin an attractive choice for those seeking to diversify precious metal holdings with a piece that offers both intrinsic and numismatic value.
Market values for the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly gold coin have remained strong, reflecting its combination of gold content, rarity, and collector interest. Well-preserved examples in original holders or certified by reputable grading services tend to command premium prices over their melt value. As the number of available coins continues to shrink over time due to loss, melting, or damage, the desirability of high-grade examples is only expected to increase. For many collectors, the coin represents a unique niche within the broader world of American private-mint bullion, offering a specialized connection to California's history and its iconic state symbols rendered in fine gold.
Overall, the California 1 oz. Gold 1995 .9999 Fine Great Seal–Grizzly coin stands as a tribute to the richness of California’s history, the beauty of its symbols, and the enduring appeal of high-quality gold bullion. Whether admired for its artistic excellence, its historical significance, or its investment potential, the coin occupies a distinct and highly respected place in the landscape of American numismatics. For collectors seeking a tangible connection to the Golden State’s proud legacy, few pieces offer as compelling a combination of artistry, precious metal purity, and exclusivity as the 1995 Great Seal–Grizzly gold coin.