What is this thing?

What is this thing? 1852 "California gold" on the reverse with a wild animal of some sort, on the obverse an indian head with 13 stars and the date. Somehow, I dont think that this coin is that old.

 

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Private Califonia fractional gold of some kind, but I can't tell you more. The Red Book lists quite a few of the minters 'out West' during the CO and CA gold rushes, but I've never seen that one before.

 

Might wanna check this site out: http://www.calgoldcoin.com

He seems to have some pieces that look close to yours. There is the possibility that your coin is either a fake or repro, too.

 

thanks. I kinda think its a repro, it has nice feel to it, but it just doesnt seem genuine.

EDIT: The one in this guys home page bar looks similar, and i found one in his guide that looks similar, but isnt round in shape.

 

That looks like a token. Fractional gold would have the word DOLLAR or CENTS on it or some abbreviation. I think these came out in the 1950's and are brass with gold plating.

The "wild animal" of some sort would be the California Bear.

 

That is a conterfeit, 90% of them are and this one is.

 

Hamman, how can I tell wether its repro or not? The only thing that i can tell (since I dont have anything to compare it to) is that the color is off.

 

According to the Red Book, most Calfornia fractional Gold peices with the animal on the back are counterfeits.

 

You say "most". Do you know how I would tell the difference between something genuine and something counterfeit?

 

Look HERE: http://www.calgoldcoin.com/bears.htm

 

it appears fake to me. donald kagin has a website w/ more info and probably links to learn more about private gold issues. good luck!...steve

 

Thanks. I looked at the different bear designs, and mine seems closest to number 4 on Mike Lockes page. However, the portrait on my coin has a line drawn indian portrait, while the one pictured on Mike Lockes number 4 coin has a raised imprint indian portrait.

I am still pretty sure mines a repro, but I still cant find one that looks exactly like it.

EDIT: Mine looks like a combo of number 1 and number 4 on Lockes website.

 

It does appear to be a fake.
You can see some of the plating wearing off on the obverse.

 

I noticed that. I couldnt tell wether it was normal or not.

 

This is simple,

All real ones have the denomination on it. 1/2 Dollar, 1/2 Dol. etc.

This one just has 1/2...Its a fake made as a souvenir.

I hope this helps and makes identifying them easier.

 

Thanks.

BTW Found in rolls I love that penny in your avatar!

 

Thanks,

It's a fun one. I like off center struck stuff

have Fun,
Bill

 

All gebuine one have a denomination of some kind, and no genuine pieces have a bear on them