Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/3/2008

Question
It's gold with an Indian w/ headress on the front and stars and back has 'California Gold 1849' a wreath and a sunset above a bear.  It has a hinge on top and is about 1/2" wide.  No monetary markings on it.

Answer
Hello Larry,                             

There are a lot of fakes in this area of collecting. Here is some starter information:

There are over 500 varieties I have never seen most of them including the one you describe. Fractional gold coins are round or octagonal in the denomination I've come across.

All authentic pieces have CENTS or Dollar or an abbreviation thereof on the reverse.

I think your piece due too the lack of a denomination and the design is  a “Souvenir Piece” made after the date it has to either fool collectors or for sale to tourists or a reproduction made for jewelry. It might be real gold if it is old, or it might be a more modern piece in base metal and plated.

As a reproduction it has very little value to coin collectors it may have some historical value as a novelty.

If you need to locate a coin shop in your area write me back, give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes. I will refer you to a coin man in your area.

I hope this information helps.

PapaJack