Assistance Sought! California Fractional

telephoto1

Interesting piece that I'm trying to research but can't find our copy of Breen-Gillio. Looks like it could be a third period issue as it is non denominated.

Gold, weighs around .3 gram. 11mm flat to flat.

Indian Head, octagonal.




Note recut stars and letters in die, also two major diebreaks- one from 11:00 rim to numeral 5 in date, other crossing from right upper wreath down to lower part of 8.



Any input appreciated. Can't find anything online thus far. Thanks

Weiss

Apmex has one that's pretty close

AUandAG

Apmex says it is made by the US Mint but it was not.

Collectible token in circulated grade or so it seems.

bob

telephoto1

<< <i>Apmex has one that's pretty close >>



I noticed that one-very close indeed, but they've already sold it and the person with whom I spoke didn't seem to know much about it.

EagleEye

If it doesn't have a denomination, it is a fantasy charm.

PerryHall

It's a token since there is no denomination. Hence, it won't be listed in the Breen-Gillio reference book.

telephoto1

Kroll piece perhaps? My understanding is that some of them are backdated and not denominated. Or jeweler made? I understand several French jewelers in Cal. copied these. Any thoughts?

lostincoins

Sorry can't help but to say the reverse is different than the APMEX one. I like the reverse of yours better with the stars on the outside and the die cracks are interesting. Need some more info from the Cal Gold guys.

CaptHenway

Look here:

linky

telephoto1

Appreciate the link Tom...I sent him an email earlier with these pics attached to see what he thinks.

MsMorrisine

Apmex? On "tribute" cal gold tokens?

Bad place to seek advice for such a tough, specialized area.

telephoto1

<< <i>Apmex? On "tribute" cal gold tokens?

Bad place to seek advice for such a tough, specialized area. >>



I merely called them to find out what if anything they knew about the listed piece. I didn't expect them to be experts in Cal Gold.

jcping

Unfortunately, this is not a period one nor a period two california fractional gold coin. This is just a gold charm.

EastonCollection

This is not recognized as a period 1 nor period 2 California small demonimation coin therefore and not listed in the BG book. Most calfrac collectors would refer to this piece as a token or charm.

I have seen some of these as bass and others as gold - if gold, then worth around $200 and if bass then $25-50 or so. I like this piece as it has some nice die cracks on the reverse and its made from California gold (if gold). Also, the other is pretty cool looking though not recognized as a period 1 or 2.

telephoto1

Thanks for all the replies.
Just got an email reply from Mike Locke.
As we suspected it's one of the so called 'third period' gold tokens. Made by Herman Brand circa 1890. He catalogs it as Wreath3 Oct 1/2 1857 Indian #8.

Thanks again to everyone who responded.

WoodenJefferson

<< <i>Thanks for all the replies.
Just got an email reply from Mike Locke.
As we suspected it's one of the so called 'third period' gold tokens. Made by Herman Brand circa 1890. He catalogs it as Wreath3 Oct 1/2 1857 Indian #8.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. >>



Still, way better than one stamped out for the tourists trade in 1954.

thebeav

It would be listed in the 'Small California & Territorial Gold Coins' book by R H Burnie in 1955.

CaptHenway

<< <i>Thanks for all the replies.
Just got an email reply from Mike Locke.
As we suspected it's one of the so called 'third period' gold tokens. Made by Herman Brand circa 1890. He catalogs it as Wreath3 Oct 1/2 1857 Indian #8.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. >>



You are welcome. Mike is the pro from Dover!