Based on the provided information, a 1857 California gold 1/2 coin’s value can vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
- An 1857 California Fractional Gold 1 /2 Dollar is listed on eBay for $179.
- A “High Grade Condition” 1857 $1/2 Dollar Bear California Gold Piece Coin ended an auction in 2017 with a winning bid of $225 plus a $36 buyer’s premium.
- An 1857-Dated 1/2 Round Liberty Head California Gold Token , graded MS-66 by NGC, was estimated at $500 – $600 and sold for $432 at auction.
- 1857 California gold Quarters are listed on eBay, one as uncirculated for $425.
- A California Gold 1857 , described as pristine and uncirculated, is available for $319.99.
- The value of 1857 California fractional gold coins can range from $1 to $100,000, depending on the coin’s quality and mint strike type.
It’s important to remember that:
- There are many varieties of California fractional gold coins, and their authenticity can be difficult to determine, as many counterfeits and replicas exist.
- Some coins with “California Gold” or a bear design may be tokens or fantasy pieces and not genuine fractional gold coins from the period.
- Professional grading and authentication are crucial for determining the true value of these coins.
How much is a 1857 gold dollar coin worth?
1857 Gold Dollar Coin Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Gold Dollar Coin from 1857 in circulated condition is worth between $210 and $420. However, on the open market 1857 Gold Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $57500.
Are California gold tokens real gold?
It is not gold. It is not a “coin,” a word that suggests it was minted by the government for commerce. The reverse of an authentic California fractional gold coin has a denomination on it, such as 1/4, 1/2 and 1 DOLLAR. The word “dollar” is sometimes abbreviated as D. or DOL.
What was the value of gold production in CA by 1857?
Though gold mining continued throughout the 1850s, it had reached its peak by 1852, when some $81 million was pulled from the ground. After that year, the total take declined gradually, leveling off to around $45 million per year by 1857.
How to tell if a gold coin is worth money?
Good point! At it’s simplest, working out how much a gold coin is worth will be based on its weight, gold purity and the gold spot price. Although many gold coins are assigned nominal face values, in reality they are worth considerably more in terms of their fine gold content.