Hi all...one more for today. I came across this one and we tested it and it is definitely gold. I just know a lot of these California gold pieces have been replicated. Is anyone here knowledgeable with California gold pieces? How to spot the real from the fake? I was looking for a "round" 1881 1/2 dollar but only came across octagonal versions. Basically is this a legit piece if it tests as gold? Did they in fact make rounds in 1881?
I'm no expert but I found this: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=1709634 You will see the first coin is similar. My thought is that it is a fantasy piece but I'm sure an expert or 2 will weigh in.
Looks good to me. I found a photo of one that is a match for the one you pictured here, in the Red book under California small-denomination gold.
Wow thanks. When you determine a value for this....do you estimate half of the red book catalog value typically? This question pertains to any coin I guess.
The Redbook is the primary resource for US collectors. The price guide though is better used to determine desirable dates/mints. I couldn’t really say there is any arithmetic that would bring the Redbook price guide in line. Particularly with something like your piece. You would do better evaluating a piece like yours using the PCGS price guide and auction records.
