Expert: Brad Swain - 6/7/2010

Question
I have an 1873 coin that appears to be a $5 gold piece. The obverse side has liberty head. The reverse side has an eagle and says "In God We Trust" and is encircled by "United States of America". However, on the bottom of the reverse side where the denomination is generally presented is the word "counter". No denomination is stated on the coin.

What do I have?

Thanks

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike, this is a replica used in card games and such, in case you weren't one of the big spenders or didn't want to show your loot, like poker chips later on.
You might take it by a local coin shop for a first hand opinion: http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/coin_dealers .
Brad