Hello !

These So-called "Slugs" represent the very large $50 gold coins that were struck in California for use by the Miners and Pioneers during the Gold Rush.

Early Facsimiles of these wonderful coins were made beginning in the early 1900's. Over the succeeding years a number of different California $50 gold souvenir pieces were struck. Most were produced and sold in conjunction with the California based Expositions of 1915-16, 1935, 1939-40 and State Centennials of the late 1940's. Many are very rare, with less than 30-50 known to exist. The coins unique historical images recall a dynamic and romantic period in American History.

I've collected these for about 20 years. Only a few are listed in H & K but most are not. Over the past two years I've worked directly with Rarcoa, NGC and Heritage in the area of documenting, certifying and auctioning .. a number of them are now listed on the NGC Registry ... under the name AOEDAD  ( Authority on Exonumia - Dad )

A Reference Guide will be offered the Spring of 2008 for those, who like myself, have a interest in these historic items.

The Guide will include notes and photos for:  California $50 Slug Facsimiles, Nevada City Mint Octagonals, California Numismatic Octagonal Medals, plus other Octagons that are worth saving !

Also included in the Reference Guide are :  Over 150 photos of Slugs and Facsimiles, a Value Guide to Facsimiles in XF, UNC and MS 63, plus listing of the New HK #'s and J #'s certified by NGC.

If you have additional information that you would like to share .. or just the burning desire to communicate with another collector .. I welcome your e-mails .. TJ

jankovsky.net