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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,221 |
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
I was thinking on getting some gold fractionals due to their lower costs. However I haven't found much in the way of advice concerning them so I'm seeking out the finest minds in the land to guide my attempt. I'll be buying them already TPG so are there fractionals I should avoid like the plague? Are they worth collecting for simply the gold content as compared with Gaudens or Eagles? Finally, are they just a niche gold piece to collect or are they respected as a gold coin?  |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
What little I know about gold fractionals has been learned at Susan's (Forum Mom's) knee. Watch pricing very carefully, as they occasionally get driven up by bespoke collectors who want/need that specific piece. I'll drop her a note to have a look here.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
Edited by dsfreeworld
06/01/2013 7:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
I believe Fatman want info for the California type fractional gold and other territorial gold, not the modern Mint product.
This is a specialize area of collecting, which required special knowledge.
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
I have a few however, my knowledge is limited.
There are many different types (BG #'s) with some being very rare.
Some are solid gold, the type 1's, and some are gold plated base
metal. I think some are also dated later than actually made but mom would definitely be the one to ask ;-)
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
From what I have read, you have to be very careful when buying gold fractionals. It seems that they have been faked, in good gold, over many decades.
Go to a dealer who knows his subject, when it comes to these issues.
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Valued Member
 United States
362 Posts |
Whew, apparently there is far more to collecting these than I realized ! So far if I'm understanding you guys, buy verified TPG type 1 early 1852 - 1856. Also be extraordinarily cautious as I'm likely to get burned if not, and be prepared to pay a premium price for these types of coins. Another question, overall, is it worth it to collect fractionals (given their unique status) and do hey keep their value (in relation to gold spot)? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
TPG is the only way to go unless you have extensive knowledge of what you are buying. It almost seems like there is more modern and contemporary fakes than there are real " California gold Fractionals Breen-Gillio is a great place to start.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
I you want to collect fractionals, don't bother thinking what their value may be in relation to the spot gold price.
In all seriousness, these little guys are for the collector or numismatist, not the bullion investor.
The genuine ones have a numismatic value way in excess of their bullion value, and should be valued in relation to the numismatic market, not the bullion market.
Be careful! If you take up a genuine interest in these, and build up a personal knowledge base on them, you may be even more conscious of your American heritage than you are now! BE WARNED!
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Forum Mom
United States
5877 Posts |
Sorry it took so long to respond. My son just graduated on Saturday and preparations for that took up all my time last week. Obviously, all of the time and effort was well worth it!  As far as being able to collect fractionals at a low cost; the only way to do that is to be able to make good choices purchasing them raw (ungraded) and then getting them graded. You would need to be able to identify coins that are problem-free or very rare in order to purchase these under market value. I collect these, and after playing with them for a while, I resell them. I usually purchase them on ebay since this is the best place to find them raw. It is imperative that you are able to identify the BG (Breen-Gillio) number of the coin by photographs. This will require to get the California Pioneer Fractional Gold (Historic Gold Rush Small Change 1852-1857 and Suppressed Jewelers' Issues 1858-1882) book by Walter Breen and Ronald J. Gillio, second edition. Especially in the beginning, I do not recommend attempting to purchase any raw fractionals. As you learn more about them, you will find that you will be able to recognize genuine coins without a reference. Generally, you will not find raw fractionals at coin shows, as it is not permitted to sell anything counterfeit or fake and grading is the easiest way to ensure authenticity. I hope this helps.  |
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
I appreciate all of the feedback, and given what I've been told it's a certainty that this requires some schloolin' as my neighbors would say. So it's time for me to start a plat (stock market account) or in this case a fractional account to hone my skills. I especially thank forum mom for the heads up on how to get value out of these coins, because I've twisted my noggin a bit on that angle. Thanks to all !  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,221 |
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Posted 06/01/2013 6:26 pm
