counterfeit FIVE D. gold coin(?) found in confederate camp

[ncwayne]

Found this yesterday in a crop field with my Fisher F75SEU (U=updated). Trying to save some goodies before they go under the plow.

It appears to be a counterfeit $5 gold piece that one of the confederate soldiers may have lost. Whether he thought it to be real or knew it to be counterfeit, it sure made my day when it rolled out of the dirt!

"FIVE D." can be seen at the bottom of the first image. Other lettering around the rim of the item is "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"
The 3rd image is a closeup of the date which reads "1846"

Thanks for looking.

 

[DJB_78_0844]

That's a cool find!

 

[BillF]

So the question is....is it gold?

 

[Darkflight]

Answer:

NO!

Gold (high carat) is unique in that under even the harshest conditions it does not tarnish or oxidize. Or in this case turn to toast.

Probably plated & who knows if the person who lost it realized it fake.

But damn nice find & I'd wager rarer than an actual gold coin. Value who knows but definitely a keeper.

Congrats!