My uncle gave this to me 15 years ago or better and I would like opinions as to condition and thoughts. I know he said it had been in his family long before him and he got it from his father and so on. Please any information on this is greatly appreciated!!
Man, that looks amazing. If I'm not mistaken its a colonial token that predates the start of regular mintages of US coins. At first I thought it was part of the 1830's hard times tokens but its much earlier than that. Wish I had my references with me at work, I can get you more info on it. How I know its old and a real gem is that I remember that design eagle on the reverse.
Any information is greatly appreciated. How would I get something like this authenticated or even find out what it is worth?!?! I have had them in plastic sleeves since I was barely becoming a teenager....
It's really awesome looking! Unfortunately, it appears to be stored in a PVC-rich plastic flip. If you can safely remove it from the flip, I would move it to a PVC-free storage flip (like a Saflip or something). Congrats on a gorgeous piece!
In helping identify it, if you include in the picture a nickel or dime for size reference that would help people. Also, if you can weigh it, that is one of the first steps in the right direction to getting a positive identification on the item. I'll do a little digging...
I have this and another both in these flips... Each is inside a plastic bag inside them to protect from the carrier. It was done completely by accident though.... I can upload pictures next to other coins when I get off work in a few hours... Where may I go to get this weighed?? The pictures can be enlarged in their original state much bigger in order to see the specific detail of the coin and I can provide them if needed through another means.
This appears to be similar to yours (though probably not real): http://www.cointalk.com/t5535/ If yours is real, it appears you may have something quite valuable and historic.
Brg is right, the pvc component in these flips will kill a nice piece such as yours. As soon as you get the information you need in regards to the identity and rarity of your coin, I would highly recommend sending it to a third party grader. I only trust companies like PCGS or NGC. Check out their website and even watch their videos on YouTube to get an idea of how the grading process works. Whatever the fee, it will be the best money you have ever spent. And I would suspect, another forum member will identify that coin for you long before I would. I'm one of the few working on a thanksgiving eve.
The design is similar to this (http://uspatterns.com/p5005.html). But, the bust of Washington is different. I have exhausted my "knowledge" by scouring the web. But, I'm sure someone will come along who actually collects or has seen these pieces before. Good luck! -Brandon
OK, I'm going to add just a bit more. IF your item is real, it seems to match the Getz Pattern coins of 1792. You would of course want to have it authenticated, as there are MANY copies of this piece. I wouldn't get too excited about it's authenticity or value until you can get a knowledgable set of eyes to look at it. Here is a listing to a recent Heritage Auction (http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1102&lotNo=138&type=prte-pr031008a&short=1102*138#Photo) and here is a link to another site with an example of a copy (http://www.coins.nd.edu/WashToken/WashTokenText/1792b.html). Yours unfortunately seems to match the copy better (look at the spacing between "President" and "I."). If it is real, it's worth a lot. If it's fake, at least you'll know. Best of luck, -Brandon
