1/2 cent coin worth?

Question

i have an octagon shaped 1/2 cent.on the front: it has 13 stars around a 'coronet' lady. it's dated 1855. on the back:california gold on the top, numerical 1/2, then a bear & then a wreath on the bottom. any ideas..got frustrated on web

Answer 1

I think I have heard of this token before. Your coin seems to be a token of a sort. They measure about a half inch in diameter. Does this description match your coin? The front of the token has a head with 13 stars around the head and the date 1855 below the head.The back of the token has printed California Gold 1/2 with a bear underneath the writing. The gold content of your token is unkown. I'm not sure of the current value of your coin. You could take it to a coin dealer in your area if you have one. I'm sure he could tell you the value. If your token is actually composed of gold then I'm sure it has some value. Well, I hope this helps answer your question

Answer 2

You have a 1/2 dollar token not 1/2 cent. It is a modern replica, actually a fantasy piece, for none had a bear on them. They were made for jewelry or given away as a souvenir. The reason the web did not have it, is that it is a fantasy item. A lot of really interesting Americana seems to slip past us all sometimes. Your token was probably made in the 1960's in those years a lot of interesting coins, medals and tokens showed up, even Lincoln smoking a pipe was put on the cent back then. You have an item that is worth more as a historic item that a money one.

Answer 3

1855 1/2 cents are worth a few dollars in average condition...if you had a scan or good picture I could tell you very, very close to fair market value.

Thanks.

Answer 4

This is a good question. My best answer is to take this relic to a pawn broker or a coin dealer. That is what I would do. I would further advise you that if the later offers you a price for the subject....I would decline their offer and seek further advice. If someone tells you its worth 50 dollars? Its probably worth much more.