Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 3/3/2009

Question
I have a very small coin,that has a Indian head with 13 stars and 1852 on one side, and California gold and 1/2 in the center of the other side. Can you please tell me the value of this coin?

Answer
Audrey, assuming your piece is genuine it is made of Gold and thus would have the current value of gold at least and likely numismatic value in excess of that.  Condition plays a huge role in numismatic value, and you cannot improve condition by anything you do to the piece, so please don't try -- you'll almost certainly damage the piece and reduce value, perhaps substantially.  These pieces were made in California shortly after the 49er rush out of the California gold rush gold.  I suggest you go to www.ebay.com and do a search for California gold 1/2 and other similar searches to see if a piece like yours is up for sale and what price is asked and what price is bid.  In the meantime, an expert would have to look at your piece to verify its authenticity.  Jim Lawniczak