California Gold Quartz Canes

The art of fashioning gold quartz into objects is unique to the western United States, primarily California. Gold quartz canes appeared at the time of the California Gold Rush. Most gold quartz canes were presentation pieces. Never mass produced, gold quartz canes were created as an expression of pride by individuals of status.

This California Gold Quartz cane presented by Carleton E. Watkins to his father, J.M. Watkins, in 1869 sold for an impressive $6,545 in 2011.

One of the most famous coins to come out of this era is the Horseman (Vacquero) design by Baldwin and Company of San Francisco. Genuine, original Baldwin Horsemen are valuable. A publicized example in uncirculated condition realized $195,000 at a Goldberg Auction.