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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1855 coin
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Question
I have a coin with Blake & co on one side and Assayers and 20 stamped in the center, on the other side are a set of scales in the center with SMV and .900 under the scales and SAC. California gold 20 dolls around the scales, the date is 1855. I'm not familiar with how to find value of a coin and would like more information on this one.
Shelia,
Most likely you have one of the thousands of modern replicas of this coin.
The first thing you should do is take it to a coin show and show it to some of the dealers to get their opinions of its originality.
You may be able to find a local coin show in the listings on the following websites :
www.coinshows.com
www.coinworld.com
If they believe it to be genuine, you next need to get it certified and encapsulated. Check the following websites for details on how to do that :
www.pcgs.com
www.ngccoin.com
www.anacs.com
If it turns out to be a replica, it has a novelty value of a couple dollars. If it's real, it could be worth thousands!
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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