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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,381 |
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
I'm a complete newbie when it comes to coins, but for some reason, I was tasked with finding out what this strange gold coin is. It was found somewhere in Northern California, but to me, it doesn't look like anything American, Mexican, or Native American. It looks Asian, possibly Chinese, and I know there were a lot of Chinese immigrants in that area 100-150 years ago, and then later on as well. Any help would be appreciated!  |
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Moderator
 Australia
16842 Posts |
Hello and welcome.  It isn't a coin that was used as money anywhere in Asia, or anywhere else in the world. I have no idea what it might be or where or when it might be from, apart from agreeing the portrait "looks Asian". With no writing on it whatsoever, I think it will be nigh-on-impossible to track down. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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New Member
 United States
4 Posts |
Thanks, Sap.
I did do some previous research and had absolutely no luck, so your response isn't surprising. I'm not sure if there anyone who might know what it is, but I'll keep it out there, maybe I'll get lucky.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Quote:
It was found somewhere in Northern California The faces on the coin made me think of Totem pole carvings of the Native American in that area. Not sure but, just a thought. |
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New Member
Australia
31 Posts |
It reminds me of some temple tokens I once had. Not actual money but used in offerings at temples.
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
Thanks for the insight. Do you guys have any idea where I'd go about trying to identify that kind of token?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
You mean, besides here on the CCF? No.
bpoc1's idea that it might be related to Native Americans suggests a possible avenue to explore:
Internet sites which are devoted to education about the Native American history.
Worth a try.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
MIchelle Antonia: Welcome to the CCF!
I have a suspicion (that is all), that it was made by Chinese immigrants from unrefined California gold.
I hope THAT suggestion starts a few numismatic brains whirring!
How much does it weigh? My guess is that might be around the weight of a gold dollar or Quarter Eagle.
What is it's diameter?
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
All these ideas are great!
I don't have the coin my possession, but I can ask my dad, who's had it for at least five or six years. I believe it's larger in diameter than a penny, and it's thicker, so it weighs a bit more than one as well
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,381 |
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Posted 03/31/2013 04:10 am
