Expert: Neil S Berman - 2/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: I've read many posts concerning California Gold tokens, and despite the many warnings, recently purchased one thru ebay (item 250575881562). This one piqued my interest, as it very closely resembles an 1853 that was certified by NGC (ebay item number 300365902571). Furthermore, I've seen none of the repros that really looked like they were minted this well. My question is, whether you would have any info on actual date of origin, and liklihood that this could actually contain precious metal. I'm OK with the purchase price as a nice token, but would be even happier if this thing was stamped out in 1857. Thanks in advance

ANSWER: I can not tell from the photo if it is real, but probably not. You can tell if it is a reproduction. If the reverse had a denomination (dol. or dollar) it could be real. If it does not have a denomination it is definitely fake.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I appreciate it. I realize that this is not a US legal coin, but it's my understanding that they pressed out some of the tokens after 1854 from high quality gold, even after the SF mint coinage was in circulation (hence no denom on reverse). If nothing else, then these were meant as souvenirs of the private coinage era. I guess what I was really asking was whether there was any way to tell if this was actually made in 1857 (instead of 1957, for example). Even though this is certainly not a thing of beauty, the design and wreath detail appear to be better than many of the 20th century tokens I've seen, which look like they were drawn with crayons. Just for kicks, I'm attaching a Reverse photo, FYI.
Thanks again, and wow, what a quick response!

Answer
Your understanding is wrong. While they were never legal tender, the originals were always intended to be used as money. To my knowledge, while there are some originals without dates but with denominations made prior to 1854, there are no originals made with a date and no denomination. In fact many of the counterfeits and reproductions are well made, and some so well that they are deceptive to the untrained eye. You just are unknowledgeable in the field. But since you do have an interest, you might study up on the series. There are hundreds to choose from and many of them are inexpensive, less than a couple of hundred dollars each. I bet you would enjoy yourself.