Are the coin people over here now?

I see Davey (natch), AF, Terry... I have another friend's coin collection to ask some questions about. In particular, something marked "St. Patrick Farthing Extremely Fine very rare in this grade." Also a "Rhode Island Ship Token 1779 EF" and some Alaska Tokens.

 

Sorry about the blurry first photo. When I look up St. Patrick's farthing they show as copper but this doesn't look copper. And the Rhode Island thing seems to be valuable in pewter? And are these Alaska things likely gold? They are 1897 1900 and 1/4 (that one says ALASKA GOLD).

 

I am afraid to open them to photograph them.

 

The first token from 1897 looks as if it sells for about $50 on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALASKA-GOLD...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

OK hi Davey, thanks very much! They are from my friend's mother's collection.

 

No harm opening the 2x2 holders, just prise out the staples and it is customary to hold coins by the edge to avoid finger marks on back and front. No need to open the fractional gold ones, you could sell all three together. I am only familiar with the Californian fractional gold issues, and not very familiar with them. I have never seen the Alaskan ones but they should be easy to research. The ship token is similar to a British halfpenny token of the period, but the US issue will boost the price considerably.

Condition of the last two is all important,I can certainly comment on that if you un-entomb them. terry or davey may well be more au fait with the US issues.

 

Afterthought, since the Alaska gold case is open, you could weigh the coins on a scale capable of reading fractions of a gram, which would go a long way to determining authenticity.

 

OK, thank you, AF. I'm going to share this thread with my friend and see how far he wants me to go with it. Maybe have to get back to it later in the week.

 

If you do take it to the coin board I'd like a link. Never too old to learn.

 

https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinView.aspx?sc=210988



This is a genuine gold token

 

Green on your gold is a sure sign it isn't gold

I suspect by the descriptions on the 2x2s that these are fakes sold to suckers

 

Thanks, both. I was wondering about that green. But is it possible that it was left by the sorts of holders shown in Spirit's image?

 

Gold does not get verdigris that I know of???

 

The marks on the rim of the larger coin look like solder marks from a mount, many of these very small coins were used in jewellery and it is how many of them happen to be preserved.

 

Reading this thread reminded me of something I totally had forgotten I had ! Thought you all might like to see what NOT to buy ! LOL!

 

Speaking of forgotten,I also found these that I thought I had sold ! I REALLY need to look around this place !