http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130534428997#ht_831wt_1135 Is it real, and if it is whats it worth. Thanks in advance.
It looks pretty fishy, it is not made by the US mint, or the San Francisco mint, since it has no dollar value on it. You cannot tell from the picture if it is real gold, but the dirt on it turns me off about it being gold. Libertys head also looks like a mans, so I am pretty sure it is not real. Ok, so I did some research on it, I am pretty sure it is copper, but still has some value to it.
It is not a coin it is a token. It is not even gold, they were produced in copper and brass. As for value, it basically has none other than as a curiosity. You can read for yourself about these at the following link, scroll down about half way - http://www.calgoldcoin.com/big.htm
As a collector of gaming counters, your above post made me feel bad, GDJMSP. Gaming counters were made and used for a purpose, unlike fantasy tokens that are essentially novelty or souvenir items. Gaming counters have been researched, are cataloged, have id numbers, there are multiple reference books, rarity ratings, and yes, even price guides. If you like, I can send you a copy to show that these pieces do indeed have legitimate collector value.
All I know is those 1849 Tokens are really nice and they have become highly collectible. Not gold by any means but certainly worth more than they ever have been. The whole trick to collecting tokens is to be able to pick out the next one that's gonna become a hot ticket item. Even if they don't ever sell for more than $50 or $100 dollars it's fun and profitable.
