Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have an eight sided gold coin that I believe is a fractional from California. It is 3/8" across from flat side to flat side. It is dated "1852" and has an Indian head with head dress. The head is surrounded by 13 stars, 7 around the back of the head and 6 around the front. The head dress has 10 feathers. There appears to be a necklace of some sort around the neck. The date is just below the head. There are very small triangle bumps that encircle the coin on both sides and make up the side ridges. The back of the coin has some type of vine that begins at the bottom and goes up each side. It almost joins at the top. In the center area is the following:
         CALI-
         FORNIA
         GOLD
It doesn't have any denomination anywhere on it. I also can not find any initials on it. I am not an expert but I would rate the condition as fine to extra fine. I have done some research through a local coin dealer and on the internet. I have been unable to find a coin like this. I live about 2 hours from San Francisco and would be willing to drive there if it appears that the coin should be viewed by an expert.

I would appreciate any help that you could give me.

Thank you,
Steve



ANSWER: Hello Steve,          

This might be a period piece or reproduction and would be considered a TOKEN.  
The true coins do have a denomination on them expressed in CENTS, DOL., DOLL or DOLLAR. These tokens generally are less valuable and many re-strikes and replicas both old and new are around.
I do not think san Indian design is in the original mix it is more likely a souvenir but the reverse design sounds more authentic.

Authentic pieces have CENTS or Dollar or an abbreviation thereof on the reverse. The starting value is about $120 dollars each. For these tokens the value may be only $40 to $50 if it is made of real gold.
I have included a picture of a token for you with this answer.
If you need to locate a coin shop in your area write me back, give me the nearest large Cities and some postal zip codes. I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

Or there is help at most large coin shows. There are representatives from the grading services. ANACS service even some smaller shows. They give free consultations on coins at their table. If you need to find a show or an error coin authenticator in your area just write me again.

I hope this information helps. Please remember to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Good Luck

PapaJack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: PAPAJACK,
Thanks much for the answer to my question. I would very much appreciate it if you could forward me a dealer or two that I could take this coin and some other gold coins to. I live in Roseville California. This is about 20 minutes from Sacramento and about 2 hours from San Francisco. From the research that I have done it appears that many of these coins were originally minted in SF.

Thanks again for the help.
Steve

Answer
Hello again Steve,          

As you requested here are A.N.A. Dealers near Roseville California:

Johnny H. Heleva
PO Box 375
Fair Oaks, CA 95628-0375
Phone: (916) 448-4060
Specialties Numismatic Errors, Numismatic Literature, Paper Money U.S.  

Collectors Pride
7250 Auburn Blvd #198
Citrus Heights, CA 95610-3850
Phone: (931) 572-1022
Specialties Exonumia, Tokens, Medals, Chips or Cards
E-mail: collectorspride@hotmail.com

Davis Gold Silver Exchange
330 G St Suite H
Davis, CA 95616-4120
Phone: (530) 758-1334
Specialties Tokens, Medals, Chips or Cards, U.S., World Coins  

So-Called Guy
7737 Fair Oaks Blvd Ste 250
Carmichael, CA 95608-1705  
Specialties Silver Dollars, Tokens, Medals, Chips or Cards, U.S. Type  
* Part time dealer
E-mail: socalledguy@hotmail.com

Yolo Gold & Silver
619 Main St
Woodland, CA 95695-3404
Phone: (530) 666-4247
Specialties Ancients, Appraisals, Paper Money U.S.  
E-mail: YOLOGOLDANDSILVER@sbcglobal.net

One or more of them will definitely be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
Remember dealer buy price and actual market value are different so if your objective is to sell the coin make sure you go to at least 3 dealers for prices.
If you are just looking for a value on the coin compare them with ones in the coin shops or let the dealer know you are looking for an insurance value.

I hope this information helps,
Good Luck and thank you.
PapaJack