Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1855 Gold Coin

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Expert: - 7/13/2010


Question

1855 gold coin
I have a gold coin dated 1855. On the back at the top of the coin are the words "California Gold" and at the bottom there is a bear. On the back there is also the fraction "1/4". The coin is circular. I haven't been able to find any information about this coin on my own so I'm hoping you can help.

Answer
Steve,

What you have is a replica of a California fractional gold piece -- also referred to as a fractional token.  The bear on the back is a known indicator that it is a replica -- none of the real fractional gold pieces have a bear on them.

As such its value is a couple dollars as a novelty item.

I hope this helps,

Dan

Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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