1855 $3 gold coin

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is an authentic Indian princess three dollar gold coin, and what you might think of it. thanks.

 

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Sadly, that poor lady is captive in a bezel. Could you post some larger pics old fellow? The guys that know about these types of pieces are going to want to examine her more closely.

 

well its able to rotate freely, about the pics might take me some time, because my camera sucks

 

That looks like the type that can be removed without damaging the coin. Hopefully it is

 

I've indicated two areas of concern. Are these areas raised on the coin?

 

I dont have the coin with me right now, my dad just put it away, but he has looked at it many times, says its probably a scratch, but i will let you know tomorrow, hopefully with better pictures, any other areas i should be concerned or should be looking at?

 

And it probably is a scratch, ding or mark. You don't want to see any raised areas as these would tend to indicate a cast copy. These coins are heavily counterfeited. Larger pics are a must.....

 

yeah i will definitely get that for you, this coin has been in the family for a while, my dad says it was his great grandfathers

 

The only problem I see in the coin is where both wreath ends meet at the top.
They seem to be too close to eachother, I think better pictures will be needed of the reverse to assure that they aren't as close as they seem in the picture. It could just be wear or rub in that area, series of scratches, etc.
You are using the flash on your camera which is causing some overexposure and hot spots. It gives the coin a cleaned look, and even though I think the coin has been cleaned at one point in time, better pictures would be needed.

I'll try to help you out on the photos.
First off, try using Macro on your camera if you aren't already. If you are wondering what that it is, it is a setting on your camera that allows your camera to focus in to details better. It will look like a flower on most cameras.
Also, instead of using the flash, try using natural lighting or using two lighting sources on the coin, this will ensure maximum lighting without overexposing the coin.

Try that, and come back with your photos, also, weigh the coin if you can.

 

yeah sorry I was using my phones camera, and thanks for the picture taking advice, ill be sure to use that later today. My dad and I arent aware of it being cleaned to our knowledge but maybe before it got handed down it was, dont know how i could tell. I'm not going to bother weighing the coin at this time, because im afraid of damaging it, once everything else checks out ill do it; but ill have those pictures up by tonight guaranteed, thanks again to everyone. Also what kind of background should i use, dont know if that would help or not?

 

To most people who've been given a coin, it would be hard for them to tell if a coin had been cleaned, if they are just beginners.
It was never uncommon for people to clean their coins, even today it is done, but never recommended, it can diminish the value of your coins if done improperly, although even from these pictures, if your coin is authentic, the only thing that might affect value is the fact that it is a piece of jewelry and if removed and damaged, the value will go down, hopefully not by too much though.

 

Im pretty sure i can remove it with out causing damage to it because it spins freely and the gap is pretty wide, but then again who knows, thats why i'm waiting to see if everything else check out, because if it does i'll get a pro to do it

 

Okay, I just finished taking some new pictures of the coin, hope these are better. The last 2 pictures I tried to use a magnifying glass but i dont think it did anything.

 

Nice pics......

 

I hate to say this, but the left loop of the ribbon doesn't match any 1855 Princess I can find. Yours dives down to the wreath while all of the MS examples I saw on the Heritage Site have the ribbon continue in roughly the same 250 degree angle to the wreath. Now variation does occur, but that's a big difference. The top is not only too close, but the dots on your bud are more like branches on the Images on Heritage. It's either a copy or an uncommon variety. At the least, you would need a Princess specialist who is familiar with the varieties amd markers..

 

Hate to note this, but the coin looks counterfeit to me. Obverse & "Dollars" lettering (font) and hair detail on Liberty looks off (overzealous detail of locks down back of her neck). Dentils are separated from rims... just to name the issues that call out the most. I don't believe this coin to be authentic.

charlottedude

 

My original fears are confirmed by the pictures.

It could be a variety, which was stated by Marshall. Marshall also stated out the other problem with your coin.
I'm by no means a master of varieties of this particular series, so my guess would be counterfeit.
Take it to a local dealer and see what he says, and ask him about some of the things we've said.

 

the surface don't look quite right either, but i have little knowledge on the $3 gold coin.

i don't want the op to automatically assume that i think its a fake, but does anyone else see something not right with the surface? or is this normal with this series of coin?

 

The only thing the surface of the coin does for me is indicate that it has been cleaned.