Here’s another one I picked so many years ago I can’t remember. Not much hold but there is something and some is better than none.
I have heard if it has a bear, then it is not likely a period peice but something from later on. I could be wrong. Gold if you had it tested, just not contemporary to 1855, maybe...
This a California fractional gold replica. Woolworths used to sell these for $2 in the 1960s. It’s gold plated, but almost certainly not solid gold. The real thing has “Dol” or “cents” on it, not just a fraction. None of the real ones have a bear or the word “eureka” in the design. The old saying among collectors was, “If you see a bear, beware.”
Count me in! I like Octagon coins / medals, it's a neat shape for coins - I have this details Fractional California gold one (it's very small) and a few larger silver ones.
Here is a certified, genuine California golf fractional piece. It's the only one in my collection. I am not big on these, but they do have a historical place ... at least the ones from the 1850s.
Does this look familiar? https://www.pristineauction.com/a1138790-1855-12-Dollar-Bear-California-Gold-Piece-Coin PCGS shows 5 different known "period" 1855 1/2 pieces. None have a bear on the reverse. However, some replica or fantasy pieces were struck in solid gold, so likely you have one of those. Here's a good resource on these: http://www.calgoldcoin.com/
