HELP: Calling All CA Fractional Gold/Token Experts...What Are These?
RichR
Posts: 3,864 ✭✭✭✭✭
Hi everyone:
I don't pretend to know California fractional gold...and I know many are also fakes...but if anyone knows what the two pictured items might be...I'd appreciate it.
At first glance I'm assuming half dollars...but as I said, they might be counterfeit.
Thanks,
Rich
0
Comments
I've always heard, "If there's a bear...BEWARE!"
I think these are your typical fakes, though I do not study California fractional gold.
My guess is modern day souvenirs
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
There are these that are similar , they were made as souvenirs but are real gold
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1915-25c-x-tn10-california-gold/685853
I have this one
Mr_Spud
See here for more info on them https://www.filmsgraded.com/mehart/bruce.htm
Mr_Spud
Also see https://www.so-calleddollar.com/scd/harts-gold-coins-of-the-west-1915-octagonal-minerva/ and also google “Harts Gold Coins of the West”
Mr_Spud
Go to the PCGS Coin Facts web site and check out the section for California Fractional Gold. They list every genuine California Fractional Gold coin by BG number (Breen-Gillio) and include pics, populations, pricing, etc. for each coin. If you don't see your coin here, it's a replica, fantasy coin, souvenir coin, or token and they are normally back dated. Also, they normally don't have a denomination such as D., DOL., CENTS, etc. I am unaware of any actual counterfeits that have the same exact design as one of the originals.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
you can look up in coinfacts as PerryHall correctly says but they are tokens. They aren't considered Calfracs from the BG sense.
OK then, there are real CA gold coins, souvenir CA gold coins, plus replicas (fake), and fantasy pieces (fake). Are there any of the fakes made of gold (besides the Kroll pieces in the BG book) like the souvenirs?
Most are brass either with or without a thin gold plating.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I wonder if it is real gold plating. It looks too shiny.
These California frictional coins were made by several manufacturers many of whom were manufacturing jewelers. They look shiny since many of the Period 2 coins were struck with polished dies which gave them proof-like surfaces since many were used in jewelry or were sold as souvenirs to collectors and tourists visiting California.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I'm asking about the OP's imitations.
I'm sure they're actually gold plated. I've owned hundreds of them over the years.
Gold is so dense, an ounce can plate an area the size of a football field.
The Woolworths five and dime used to sell these pieces for $2 each in the mid 1960s.
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/california-fractional-gold-1852-1882/1659
coin facts link above.
What many have already said ... these examples are NOT what you want if you are interested in the Period 1 and Period 2 fractionals. Breen Gillio second edition is also an excellent reference guide. Usually available on the Bay.
https://bid.numislit.com/lots/view/1-1SJ91L/hardcover-breen-gillio-on-california-fractional-gold
Good Luck with your quest !!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
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Would someone please put a hand-held x-ray on a few to test the plating? I'd be shocked if it was gold on any of them.
That was a lot for the 1960s. I'd be surprised if they were that expensive.
These particular fakes seem to be especially common, at least from my experience.
That was one of their cheaper items. They sold common, problem large cents and half dimes for $4.50. The 1939-D nickel in circulated condition got up to $13.00.