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 Replies: 21 / Views: 660 |
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Valued Member
Canada
72 Posts |
I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this post but I'm sure it will get migrated if appropriate. I'd like to know what anyone thinks about the authenticity of this coin/token. I've done a little reading online (site hosted by a fella named Mike Locke on fractional gold) but I'd like to know what more experienced people think. [Edit: Weight is 0.62g Width 10.11mm (Flat-Flat) 10.89mm (Point-Point)] [Edit: Better pictures I hope]   Edited by lahave56
05/16/2026 3:17 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2829 Posts |
I'm not an expert by any means but it does not appear authentic to me.... hopefully I'm wrong.
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
21580 Posts |
It is a crud copy, either gold plated or brass.
Edited by JimmyD
05/16/2026 6:46 pm
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Valued Member
 Canada
72 Posts |
Quote:
It is a crud copy, either gold plated or brass. It may be... but as I continue to investigate the following are interesting. I couldn't find much on the expected weight of a pinch (and composition would be key). The only reference I've found so far is which could be apples and oranges indicated a pinch is about 1.5g so 1/2 of that is not too far off from what I measured. https://www.apmex.com/product/68968...5-grams-pcgsThere is also a close example of a real token/coin at the following page (search from the top for 1900 Indian) whose color looks consistent but some of the design details differ somewhat (headband relationship to nearby star) http://www.calgoldcoin.com/oldhtml/alaska.htm |
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Moderator
 United States
94636 Posts |
yeah, it has to be a copy - as mentioned the feathers don't line up with the stars properly and the wreath leaves are too broad and it is missing the wide rim. It looks like the design of this one is a composite of 2 different coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6498 Posts |
Edited by Keith67
05/17/2026 06:52 am
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8724 Posts |
Were there different designs of this? The PCSG link Keith provided shows an AU58 example and an AU55 example but they are totally different designs, the AU55 being like the OP's that Keith is showing.
-makecents-
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Valued Member
Canada
72 Posts |
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Work on better pics please. @Keith67 that's my plan today. Stay tuned. Also, I didn't see a straightforward way to navigate to the PCGS page you found. I don't see a Miscellaneous category listed at the top level. But if I use it as a search term I can get there. Quote:
Were there different designs of this? @-makecents- From what I've read on Mike Locke's calgoldcoin.com web site it seems like it was the wild wild west of coinage for these pieces in those days so it doesn't surprise me that there would be different designs with slight differences as well as copies made for souvenirs and such |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6498 Posts |
The PCGS link I posted was just to show a coin, that looks a lot like yours. Die cracks and all  |
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Valued Member
Canada
72 Posts |
Hopefully these pictures will make the grade   @Keith67 Any idea what the metal composition should be? I don't have XRF access but it would be nice to know in case I did get access. Also, is the weight about right for the real thing? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6498 Posts |
I know nothing about these these things. But it looks genuine to me......  |
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Valued Member
Canada
72 Posts |
Quote:
But it looks genuine to me Thanks for checking it out Keith67 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
877 Posts |
The new pictures are much better for analyzing the details. I think it is genuine.
What's the back story on how you came into possession of this coin?
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Valued Member
Canada
72 Posts |
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What's the back story on how you came into possession of this coin? Part of a collection I acquired from a friend whose Dad had passed. I don't know how he came to have it. I keep a picture of the two of them with the collection as a reminder of where it came from. He was a railroad engineer. |
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Interesting. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2330 Posts |
Quote:
The PCGS link I posted was just to show a coin, that looks a lot like yours. Die cracks and all I have to agree! The die crack from the star to the rim below the 1on the obverse, as well as the tip of the L in ALASKA look like the same die pairings Interesting that there is an obvious difference in the 2 die designs. Your coin is in much better condition than the AU-55 PCGS plate coin! Quote:
Part of a collection I acquired from a friend whose Dad had passed. Quote:
He was a railroad engineer. A well paying job. Have you asked your friend if his Dad did routes to Alaska or near by? I would be inclined to send this in to a TPG...most likely PCGS because they recognize this die pairing. Very cool! Let us know what you do. Thanks for sharing! smat |
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Replies: 21 / Views: 660 |
Posted 05/16/2026 6:38 pm
