The coin in question pertains to the series known as "California & State Fractional Gold Tokens," which are intriguing items within American numismatic history. This particular token is dated 1859, a period during which these fractional gold coins were widely used in California during the Gold Rush era to facilitate commerce, especially in small denominations. Despite the lack of specific values for key physical properties—such as diameter, weight, and mintage—this does not detract from the significance of the coin. The "Mint" designation remains unknown, which is typical for many such tokens from this era, as they were often privately minted rather than issued by an official government mint. Falling under the classification of "Coins," this token does not fit within traditional denominations of currency, instead being categorized as "Other / Varied," which captures the essence of many state and local issues that were created to serve a particular economic need. The production of this piece is noted as "Mint Strike," indicating that it was struck with intended detail and quality, typical of mint-produced tokens and coins. While its dimensions and weight are unrecorded in this instance, its historical context and the era of its production amplify its desirability among collectors and historians alike. In summary, this 1859 California & State Fractional Gold Token represents a unique intersection of American history, economics, and numismatic interest, embodying a time when alternative forms of currency were vital to local economies during a transformative period in U.S. history.
currency | USD |
currency-amount | 0 |
diameter | 0 |
height | 0 |
mint-mark | None |
mintage | 0 |
type | Coins |
variant | California and State Fractional Gold Tokens -DATED CAL. GOLD INDIAN - WREATH #4b TOKEN |
weight | 0 |
width | 0 |
year-display | 1859 |