Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/29/2008

Question
I have found in my Father's collection a gold coin in a sealed bag from the U.S. Mint.  The coin says The Dept. of The Treasury 1789 on one side and the other side United States Mint, Denver Colorado with a picture of the Bldg.  It does not have a value on it and just wondering if this is just an advertisement or what is it?  It is also in a torn paper bag with says United States Mint.  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Jo,             

This sounds like a mint token. They are currently made of the same metal as the One Cent coin each year. They were sealed with the set in a clear celophane-like or Mylar plastic.

Whenever you buy an uncirculated mint coin set from the government they contain a token from the mint that made them. These are common and sell for less than a dollar.

They used to be larger and some were brass and some were even made of plastic.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack