Expert: Joe Hylas - 3/2/2009

Question
My son found a coin in our old house.  I believe it to be a genuine coin but others have told me I'm wrong.  It is the size of a fifty cent piece.  The front of the coin says United States Mint Denver Colorado, with a picture of a large building.  On the back of the coin it says The Department of the Treasury 1789.  On the back it has a symbol, maybe for Denver.  It has an old fashioned key and 13 stars.  I'm not sure what the other picture stands for.  I would appreciate any information you could give me on this coin.  Is it real?  Is it worth anything?  Thank you so much!!!!

Answer
This is not a coin, it is commemorative medal.  The US Mint has produced these periodically over the years to commemorate different events and places, yours is for the Mint in Denver.
I can't tell you when it was made, the date is when the mint probably opened.
As for value, medals like these usually trade for between $5 and $10

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US