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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,330 |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
1852 1/2 California coin. inherited some coins from my great uncle. Wondering if this one was worth anything.   Edited by Dwags 01/07/2021 11:09 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
I had something similar happen about a year ago. A pouch of coins that came down from through my grandmother from her parents when they pioneered to CA had an octagonal California. I learned that some in this series were reproduced as tourist pieces later on, but are still gold. When I asked here, I was advised that mine was more likely one of these reproductions, but I haven't taken the chance yet to research it to the detail I would need too.
Maybe look through Heritage's archives for a match. That would give you a decent idea of value.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
717 Posts |
I am NOT an expert on California fractional gold! I did , however, have a friend show me some inherited coins, and one was very similar to yours. After doing some inquiries here, It ended up being a tourist copy. If I recall, there is no genuine California fractional with a bear on it. Please do your own research, but I believe that to be a true statement. Some of the "tourist" coins were gold, some were gold plated...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
561 Posts |
Found this on CoinWorld: Quote: If you spot a bear on the reverse, or any other symbol or text without an indication of denomination, such as "dollar," "dol." or even "d," my advice is not to bid more than $1. My local coin dealer sells them for that much, and he has a box of them. Sounds like it's either plated or brass.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3343 Posts |
Here's what the real ones look like. This one is octagonal, but round ones are common.   Compare the Liberty head. The word dol. or dollar is always seen. None of the real ones have dates earlier than 1852. There is never a bear.
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
Edited by thq 01/08/2021 07:45 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I'm pretty sure the OP's coin is a fake.  to the CCF!
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Moderator
 United States
187875 Posts |
 to the Community!
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
Thanks for the welcome responses and replies. This coin is so small I had to blow it up with my phone camera just to see it. It's about the size of a pencil eraser in diameter. I also received quite a few silver dollars. Dates on them are from 1898 to 1920's. A couple are in really good condition and barely worn at all. Some you can tell have been in a lot of pockets and worn. Maybe I'll take some pics and post on here and get some info.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
If it has a bear on the back, or if it doesn't have a denomination expressed as D. Dol, or Dollar, it is a fake. There ARE fakes that do have denominations but no genuine will be missing it.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
Well, fake or not it is different. Guess if I had paid for the coins I might be disappointed. Can't be too upset with free I guess. & 
Edited by Dwags 01/08/2021 2:49 pm
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Moderator
 United States
187875 Posts |
Quote: Can't be too upset with free I guess Truth! 
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
@Jbuc...this is what I received in my gifted collection. 6 Morgans, 8 Peace, 17 '64 Halves, 18 '65-'69 halves, stack of Liberty dimes, and others. 
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Moderator
 United States
187875 Posts |
Very nice! 
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,330 |
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