Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 2/26/2008

Question
Hello,

I have a coin we found that is dated 1849 and has a woman's head
surrounded by stars on the front with"Liberty" written on her head band" and
the reverse is what looks like a man sifting gold and california is written
across the top.  There is no value or dollar amount on the coin.  It is about  
7/8" of an inch across and about as thin as a dime.  It is somewhat worn but
still has most of it's detail.  Is there any way I can find out more about this
coin and possibly the value?  It has been sitting in a house since about 1949
in an envelope that says someone paid $900 for it in 1949.

Thanks

Harry

Answer
Harry, sounds like you have what is called a "fractional" California gold piece.  This was private coinage, not made by government, made out of gold found in the 49er California gold rush.  If you go to www.ebay.com and do a search for California fractional gold, 53 items come up.  Compare the pictures of what is being sold to your piece.  Check the asking and bid prices.  But unless a piece is your piece, and is in the same condition as yours, you won't have a good price fix.  Also, one sale on eBay may not reflect the market.  There is nothing you can do to improve the condition of your piece (condition is very important to value), so don't try -- you'll only reduce value, perhaps greatly.  Try a similar search at www.google.com and you should come across more information.  Good Luck, Jim Lawniczak