got on teletrade, this 1/4 dollar coin is tiny! can't see how people back then could use these without losing them?? anyone know a good book on these coins??
Territorial Gold There are several books written about these unique coins?/tokens?, but I believe that the following links might provide an interesting overview, pictorial representation of these unique means of monetary exchange. http://www.coinsite.com/content/Articles/TerritorialCalifornia.asp http://issuu.com/goldbergcoins/docs/calcat?mode=a_p
There is still some debate over whether or not the token ever did actually circulate, although the finding of several pieces on the SS Central America does give some weight to the argument that at least some of them did circulate.
They are tiny, but cool items! So many fractional gold items on the 'bay that aren't authentic, it's sickening. I guess, in this case, it's buy the holder FIRST, just for authentications sake.
By 1857, there was no more need for fractional gold, thanks to the exploits of the new San Francisco mint - established 1854. For that reason, the vast majority of California Fractionals after 1857 were not intended as circulating coinage, but rather as souvenirs. Small wonder we often find 'em in jewelry. California Gold Fractionals 1852-1857 are known as Period One, while 1858-1882 are Period Two. I suppose some Period Two "coins" circulated, but they were impractical as you mentioned - and necessary, since silver 10c, 25c, and 50c were now freely available.
I gots good news, and I gots bad news. Yes, I know a great book : "California Pioneer Fractional Gold: Historic Gold Rush Small Change 1852-1856 and Suppressed Jewelers' Issues 1859-1882" by Ron Gillio and Walter Breen. Now, the bad news - it can be a little tricky to find, and sometimes expensive. Here's one on Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/California-Pi...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264561193&sr=8-1 Keep an eye out on Amazon, E-Bay, and at coin shows. I paid $75 for mine. Also... if you work by "want list" with a trusted dealer, put this book on your want list ! That's how I scored.
Yep ! Total boycott on raw Cali Fractionals on E-Bay. Two things make these really, really dangerous : Genuine specimens are crudely made, so crude counterfeits aren't so obvious. Very few people have expertise in this area. Buy the book ! It's fascinating.
This recent thread might also interest you: Fractional Gold with denomination? Regarding the links and reading materials mentioned therein. :thumb:
Can anyone here speak to regards to this eBay Seller, oldwestgold's Gold Rush, Territorial, Alaska Gold and California Gold? They have decent feedback and surprisingly appear to have a regular supply of such items, which seems odd/difficult to maintain provided they are selling them. I've found some of their (non-gold) items occassionally come from TT auctions, with a huge markup on eBay. Just curious. Not buying anything. I just watch the auctions regularly and wondered about this persons listings. Thanks.
This one certainly looks bogus : http://cgi.ebay.com/1850-EUREKA-CAL...ryZ39473QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem The Breen / Gillio reference indicates no Cali Fractionals were made before 1852. It might be a legit token, but I doubt it. At best, it was made later and pre-dated. More likely, it's a modern fake.
