1849 $2.50 Mormon PCGS XF40 - Mormon Gold (Utah)

The first $2.50 gold pieces minted west of the Continental Divide was the private coinage in Utah, made from gold brought to the area by Mormon soldiers-turned-miners. The Mormons had returned from their fighting in the Mexican War by way of northern California in 1848, just prior to the "Gold Rush" of 1849. These coins were struck for the benefit of the Mormon community that had recently settled in the Great Salt Lake Valley after traveling from the East, and represented the first signs of wealth for the followers of Brigham Young. A lovely XF example that still shows mostly full details throughout and soft luster around the devices. Even honey-gold coloration is seen across both sides of this fascinating rarity! An unknown, but assuredly minuscule, mintage and immense historical significance makes this piece a profoundly rare offering. - Mormon Gold (Utah)