Is This California Gold A Coin Or A Token?

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 11 / Views: 2,249
Dcnw1983 Valued Member United States 264 Posts	Posted 04/11/2016 6:03 pm This is part of an inherited collection. When I try to locate similar coins, some are labeled coins and some tokens. Since this one has a date but no denomination, I am thinking some kind of gold token? Report this Post to the Staff

paralyse Bedrock of the Community United States 12057 Posts	Posted 04/11/2016 7:07 pm It is a token, but that does not mean that it is not real gold. You should have it examined by a reputable jeweler to determine its gold content. Some of the tokens are worthless brass trinkets sold as souvenirs (usually in sets) and some are real gold ranging from 10kt to 24kt. Yours does not have a bear on it which is actually a good sign and it certainly looks gold. This is not my specialty, but that should get you headed in the right direction. Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Report this Post to the Staff
ExoGuy Pillar of the Community United States 4415 Posts	Posted 04/11/2016 9:02 pm Dcnw1983 ... If you have a Red Book, Yeoman's "Guide Book of U.S. Coins", look up California gold tokens in the index. It's a brief, informative read on this subject. Sadly, many collectors are fooled by these modern fantasy pieces. I've seen them sell in multiples at auction for more than $200 apiece at times. Report this Post to the Staff
paralyse Bedrock of the Community United States 12057 Posts	Posted 04/11/2016 9:19 pm authentication by a TPG or expert in the field is strongly advised. There are tons of souvenir replicas & "jeweler's copies" out there all over the Bay & at flea markets etc. You can still buy them at CA gold rush tourist traps as well. Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Report this Post to the Staff
ExoGuy Pillar of the Community United States 4415 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 09:15 am IMHO, this one's not worth the expense of certification. It has no denomination, as the originals do. Report this Post to the Staff
Dcnw1983 Valued Member United States 264 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 09:29 am I sent the photos to an expert.Mike Locke. His response was "You have a token that was made by Herman Kroll of New York City or his successor(s) sometime after 1903. It is most likely gold. I buy these for $25 each." Report this Post to the Staff
Dipper Valued Member 146 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 10:02 am Mike is an authority on these BUT DON'T sell it for $25. That piece is considered a "Charm token" and I believe two TPGS's will slab them. Take a look on ebay at the prices they bring! There are plenty of "worthless" replicas around. Take a look at Mike's website. Report this Post to the Staff
Dcnw1983 Valued Member United States 264 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 10:54 am Thanks for the advice. I will definitely check it out. Report this Post to the Staff
ExoGuy Pillar of the Community United States 4415 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 12:16 pm One problem with these is that if there is gold, it may be but a small amount, mixed. Another issue is that the dies were used to strike replicas. If/when sold, it seems that the best prices realized can be had from folks with little or no numismatic knowledge who buy antiques. If this one gets slabbed, I'd welcome seeing pics. There are collectors for everything numismatic. Report this Post to the Staff
Dipper Valued Member 146 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 1:03 pm Quote: One problem with these is that if there is gold, it may be but a small amount, mixed. Another issue is that the dies were used to strike replicas. If/when sold, it seems that the best prices realized can be had from folks with little or no numismatic knowledge who buy antiques. If this one gets slabbed, I'd welcome seeing pics. There are collectors for everything numismatic. In my experience, the extremely thin one's made of gold that were struck in the early 20th century are slabbed as charms, the others are called replicas in the CA style. Report this Post to the Staff
johntookit Pillar of the Community United States 589 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 6:26 pm . Quote: Pieces without a denomination in dollars or cents, called "tokens" by collectors Quote: Walter Breen's plan for California pioneer Fractional Gold called for dividing the series into three periods based on intended use: Period one, for circulation. Period Two, for jewelry and souvenirs, and Period Three, for collections(i.e., often fraudulent sale to coin collectors). Report this Post to the Staff
Dcnw1983 Valued Member United States 264 Posts	Posted 04/12/2016 7:35 pm Found another one. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 11 / Views: 2,249

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Coins

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.36 seconds to rattle this change.