Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I was wondering if you can help me out. I have a 50 peso coin that i need to verify if its real, fake, replica, or something. this coin is not a regular size 50 peso coin. This coin is smaller then a dime. I tried looking for something like this online but i cannot find one like it at all. whats wierd about this coin is, the wings of the angel is far smaller then a real 50 peso gold coin and has a star under her left wing. i was wondering if if this coin is real or not?

ANSWER: Hi Angelo,
This is a novelty token, made as a souvenir or facsimile. Unfortunately it's not solid gold, but copper or bronze with gold gilding that appears to have begun to wear off.
I have not seen this exact one before, but I have seen similar ones with differences in the designs and sizes. It's not really a replica or fake, just a medallion. Value would be just a few dollars on something like this.
Thanks for the question! =)

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QUESTION: Thanks for answering my question. i have 1 more question to ask. This coin does not belong to me. Its a friend of mine and she wanted to ask about the back of the coin and that if the GR47, L14K on the back of the coin mean anything. The real 50 peso gold coin doesnt have it. I know that you said that its made out of copper or bronze but she wanted me to ask anyways. This coin was passed down from family to family. Thanks again

Answer
Hi again Angelo,
I see a reddish color from where the coin has some wear and the gold has worn off. It's not to say that these are all made of bronze or copper, just this particular one.
The L14K is something that is also sometimes seen on jewelry. It simply means that it has 14k gold vermeil (plating) over the base metal. Most plated items in the US will have a 14KGP (gold plated) or 14KGF (gold-filled), this one was most likely made in Mexico where the markings are different.
The GR47 is most likely the manufacturer's reference number. It could stand for the size or style of this piece, where another size or style may be GR48, 49 etc. or the mold number that it was cast from. Such a reference marking serves to identify the piece as a novelty or replica.
I just recently had a question about another coin that had a marking of "MOM21" which would be basically the same thing as the GR47 on this medallion.
Thanks again! =)