Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1798 coin or token

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Expert: - 6/15/2010


Question

coin
Hi, I have 3 of these coins, or are they tokens,1790,1791 and 1798, I have added a picture of the 1798, as it is in the best condition, just after some info on them and value. Thanks.  Regards Graham

Answer

Hi Graham,
These are indeed tokens, commonly known as "game counters". Basically, they were used as poker chips would be today. The design is modeled after the British "Spade" guinea (see attached picture), which were gold coins that were used before the gold sovereigns which we are familiar with today.
They are fairly common and usually have gold colored gilding on the surface. After a while the gilding rubs off and the copper or bronze metal beneath is exposed.
Value on these is generally a couple of dollars each as a curious old novelty piece. In really nice shape with gilding intact they can go up to $25.
Thanks for the question! =)

Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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