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 Replies: 29 / Views: 4,845 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
I found this 1/2 Cal. Gold coin in my backyard. I have absolutely no knowledge of these coins, and was just wondering if it is real or counterfeit. My bet is counterfeit, but is this my lucky day?  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
671 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1424 Posts |
Details man we need details.....was this a metal detecting find or did you just see it laying there?
Sorry but I'm no help on these, I don't know anything about them. I just want to know how you found it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
I was planting a baby tree in my backyard, I saw something shiny in the hole, I picked it up, and here we are.
I just can't imagine a fake coin being buried in the ground, but you never know...
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Valued Member
United States
156 Posts |
The Red Book includes a brief discussion of California small-denomination gold in the chapter on Private and Territorial Gold. There are three general categories mentioned: coins, tokens, and modern replicas. The coins have denominations on the reverse expressed as CENTS, DOL., DOLL., or DOLLAR, and have listed values based on design and condition. Tokens are "much less valuable." Modern replicas "have little numismatic value." I have seen a few of the modern replicas, and they are cruder in design than what you have. I would say that this could be a 19th century souvenir token, however. Perhaps this is your semi-lucky day? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
This will require more research, but based on ones I have seen in the past I am going to go out on a limb--it looks like those tokens I have seen that were made on or around the date on the coin/token. Some of these can actually be rather rare/valuable/collectible. Definitely worth seeking out a true expert. Check out Mike Locke's website at calgoldonline. Might be worth shooting him an email to see what he recommends. Keeps us posted!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Hi Ferrari If you do not find any info on the coin try contacting this guy . http://www.calgoldcoin.com/He is the one who helped me authenticate my Cal gold . I think it is a souvenir token but I'm far from an authority on these little coins . |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
I've seen the typical modern replicas done for Cal. tourists, and this one looks different. Maybe an older copy? The relief on the Indian is pretty flat. You could do a density test if you have the equipment. Or a dealer could probably tell you.  Whatever it turns out to be, it's a very cool to find in your backyard!  |
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
1361 Posts |
Just bring it to a jeweler he can tell you if it is real gold or just plated gold
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
Great find! Mike Locke is an expert. I'd go with metalmans recommendation. These later cal. gold's were plated not solid gold. Yours looks to be wearing off. It looks like the real deal but I'd send him some pics. These little guys have BG reference designations ie. BG-415 to help with research and cataloging.
swcoin.ecrater.com
Edited by vermontensium
11/26/2008 11:37 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
Quote:
Or a dealer could probably tell you. There are no dealers around me (sad, I know), but I will definitely email this expert and see what he says. |
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
Those pictures should be more than sufficient for authentication purposes.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
Your token is listed on the Mike Locke website (the link was provided by Metalman) in the California Gold Token section. It is in the last grouping and almost the last token listed.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
Quote:
Your token is listed on the Mike Locke website (the link was provided by Metalman) in the California Gold Token section. It is in the last grouping and almost the last token listed. I searched and searched but I couldn't find this page. Could you link me to it? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Look in the left hand side bar on the home page that I linked to , click the link that says Cal gold token guide.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
671 Posts |
I still can't find it.  Must be something really obvious I'm missing... Once at the cal. token guide, where are these groupings? Edited by Sir Ferrari
11/27/2008 2:35 pm
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Replies: 29 / Views: 4,845 |
Posted 11/26/2008 10:35 pm
