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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,769 |
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Valued Member
United States
143 Posts |
Hi everyone, I was just looking at some coins in my parents' safety deposit box and came across what appears to be (per my googling) a California fractional gold coin. But I read elsewhere on this site that if the back of the coin has the California bear on it, the coin is replica. Would someone mind checking out the images I took, and letting me know what this is? I collected coins as a kid, and still have my collection in another safety deposit box, so I'm not sure I'd sell this coin in any case, as it is kind of neat -- but am still curious what it is, what it's worth, etc. Thanks everyone.   |
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Valued Member
469 Posts |
Unfortunately yes, anything with a bear is a replica struck in the 20s I believe.
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Valued Member
 United States
143 Posts |
LOL oh well. It's funny because I'm pretty sure my grandparents got this from somewhere a long time ago. Probably some guy who cheated them.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
If it's a replica or a souvenir token, does that mean it isn't gold? Or was real gold used to make replicas?
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Valued Member
469 Posts |
I have seen some 12kt examples, but I'm not sure about this one.
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Keepsake value only unfortunately. Plated with a very thin layer.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1796 Posts |
Aye if there's a bear on it, it's highly unlikely to be authentic and could honestly be made of anything.
Apologies!
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Valued Member
United States
143 Posts |
Oh well, thanks everyone for the prompt feedback.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
589 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
143 Posts |
Yep, just read that, the bear is definitely there. Well, before I throw it out, I'll have someone look at it, along with the other coins (eventually). But it does pretty much seem to be a fake. Thanks again.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
589 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
Gold used to be $35 an ounce when replica gold coins were made so there is always a possibility
that real gold was used.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
Many of these tokens or jewelers charms were made out of 22kt gold. They were usually made as souvenirs and had little mining scenes or "Cal-Gold" on them. They were made as jewelry or to be incorporated into jewelry. Most, however, were made of polished brass or thinly plated 10kt gold over brass. (Think genuine American Gold Buffalo replica coin, plated in REAL 22kt GOLD. Yours for only $19.95)
Unfortunately the bear reverse was used almost exclusively on the brass or plated tokens. So more than likely it is just a souvenir.
Before you write it off, every coin in my collection doesn't have monetary value. Ask around in your family, your grandparents kept it for a reason. And it doesn't necessarily have to be because they thought it was real.
Edited by denco7
01/10/2015 5:12 pm
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Valued Member
United States
143 Posts |
That's a good point, Denco. It would be interesting to see if anyone knows why we even have that coin. Generally speaking, my family didn't collect coins (though they have a decent number of old silver dollars and the like). And for some reason they have 3 gold coins - well, two gold coins and this one.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
don't toss it, it is still a fun collectible.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,769 |
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Posted 01/09/2015 8:57 pm
