THIS HAS BEEN REPOSTED WITH A DIFFERENT NAME, BUT IT WONT LET ME DELETE THIS THREAD. IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY, PLEASE DELETE THIS ONE, NOT THE MORE RECENT ONE. CHEERS. Hello everyone, haven’t been on here recently but now is the perfect time to come back. I am looking at an 1854 California Gold piece and am wondering the value. I know that there are a lot of reproductions that were created around the 1950’s, and I am honestly not sure anything about the coin, even whether it is genuinely from the time listed. I KNOW THE PHOTOS SUCK. The coin is so dang small that it’s hard for the camera to focus WHATSOEVER. A few things I definitely do know: -There was a shortage in cash during the California gold rush, so people created their own money to use as currency. This is either, (I’m not saying it’s 100% ginuine), an 1854 California gold piece #2 or #3, as the wreath doesn’t end above the “I” on the back. First of all: opinions on when it was made. Is it genuine? Second: price guess. A fairly good range would be very helpful, as I have NO idea about this coin. Is it $5 or is it $1200? Also, if possible, how do you differentiate between the ones from 1850 to 1950? Thank you so much!
I did a little searching for auction prices on PCGS, but there are many fractional golds. I gave up do you have some references? These are highly reproduced and faked. One thing that I like about it is the patina. I am not saying it is legit, just looks original..
I did some searching, and see no examples that look like yours. My best guess is a fake, but I am not an expert on these, even though I have a few (like my avatar!)
This does not look like a real California Gold coin, but it may be an early reproduction, which still have some value. The coins will have denominations on them. From what I can see, it looks turn of the last century. There are specialists in these. Repost it as a "California Fractional Gold Token" and see if you get more inquiries. An 1854 California Gold coin with the 'S' mintmark would be a very valuable coin pushing $1million or above.
Since this piece has no designers initials and no value I believe it to be a token. Probably produced by a private Mint in the 1880's and dated 1854. It was a common practice to date them in the '50's and '60's. Some are just gold plated. If I were you I'd pass on this coin and look for something more valuable.
Fractional Gold is a very interesting and wide encompassing area of numismatics. I am by for not an expert but I have been exposed to them over the years. My opinion is just that. Only an opinion. I have not seen a fractional gold piece that did not include a designers initials. They were privately struck and the designers were proud of their work and wanted to be recognized for it. Secondly, I have seen crude engravings, but not quite this crude. Primarily on the Indian portrait. That screams token or replica to me. Again, I may be all wet. These pieces were not overseen by the mint and many many varied designs are out there. This looks more like a later period crude copy to me. Personally, I would pass on the piece in your photos.
That's what I said Randy. You just said it better. And I agree wholeheartedly with you about this piece.
