Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/3/2009

Question
Hi I have a coin from pacific coin of California,1849 $5 Copper and there is a R stamped on it not raised does that mean it is a reproduction? and how much is it worth?

Answer
Hello Patrick,                 

I do think this coin is a copy or more properly called a Replica. They have been made and sold for years. I do know of the coin copies but I have not examined one like yours.

The hobby protection act law states a reproduction coin must be more than 3 times larger or smaller than the coin it is depicting or have a letter R for reproduction or C for copy if it is closer to the original size as yours is.

There are so few originals made that the reproductions sell regularly. Some pieces look nicer and better made than others; some were made to order for clubs and organizations (for things like re-enactments,Forty-Niners, gold rush clubs etc.).

Some are not even made with any precious metal content only base metal.

So the value it gets, without containing any silver or gold, would only be as a token, lucky-piece or novelty item. Probably less than $10 But I do not have any sales figures on these items.

Your item would have to be seen to be more accurately evaluated.
If you write back with the general location (nearest large cities) and telephone area code or codes and some zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy. Or there is help with this at most coin shows.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack