Ya really want to see this!!!!!!!!(pics)

[gregd573]

A buddy of mine comes in to work on Monday and tell me this story....now I'll share it with you all. As it turns out, after finishing up with his got to do things on sunday, he basically saddled up the 4 wheeler with his saddle bags across the gas tank and a few frosty beverages. So he is putting along the county dirt road and looks down to get another cold one out of his saddle bags and sees something laying in the road. His first thought was it looked like the dodge brothers radiator cap I posted a few weeks ago, but still he goes on past about 100 feet then decided to turn around and go back to see what it is. He got back in the general area and had to get off his 4 wheeler to find it again. As it turns out it is what I have pictured here.....A 1851 CALIFORNIA TWENTY DOLLAR GOLD PIECE.....Still haven't authenticated it yet, but a book I have says that excellent condition is valued at 175,000 dollars.....YAHOO. The only thing is there are a few differences in it and the only picture I have and still unsure if it is indeed real......I really hope he's hit the jackpot, but who knows.....anyway thanks for looking and if anybody has any input all would be appreciated.....thanks again.....HH....gregd573

 

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[jeff of pa]

THE HISTORY OF BALDWIN & COMPANY]THE HISTORY OF BALDWIN & COMPANY

http://coinfacts.com/pioneer_gold/baldwin_and_company/baldwin_co_gold_coins.htm

 

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[Michigan Badger]

I agree, it does appear to have pitting but then it could also be pressed-in gravel. Ifa gold coin were placed in a situation where there was a great deal of pressure and it was faced with abrasive action it could have this happen.

One would have to hold in hand this piece to know for sure. But again, the pitted theory is probably correct.

Badger

 

[Farmercal]

Jeff you beat me to it! Nice googling.

 

[gregd573]

Thanks all for your information and input as soon as I find out something I will let you all know.........doyboy, all I can say is ya might want to look a little deeper in the coin book as this was a private company and as such the name of the company was printed across the headband....."Baldwin". If ya find any of these fake or not I'll take them off your hands....lol. HH all gregd573

 

[Mississippi Yankee]

Guess it is Doh!Boy now in this case ?

 

[unpossible]

I my opinion it looks to be a replica, but I did some digging;

Baldwin & Company was one of many private issuers that provided very much need coinage during the California gold rush period (1849-1857). $20 gold pieces were struck on gold flans, weigh close to a troy ounce and exhibit a bright yellow color. These coins are very valuable and are popular among collectors of United States territorial gold. Examples with edge seams are cast copies, usually in base metal, and have no specific value.

The colour just looks too fake in my opinion. As well as the detail on the coin.

On the second attached image take a look at this 1850 Baldwin & Company Ten Dollar Horseman California Gold issue.

 

[gregd573]

Thank you all for your input. I will let you know something as soon as I know something. My buddy isn't rich by any means and probably lives paycheck to paycheck.......but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to find out anything. Myself personally....I would have already had that puppy wrapped up in bubble wrap in the back of a armored car and on my way to collect something......anything, $1.00 to whatever...lol. Thanks all.....HH gregd573