that 1882 morgan dollar from the new orleans mint that you posted earlier is a beauty, though, and in that condition, it's probably worth about twice spot. you ought to take that 1926 2 1/2 dollar to a jeweler to test that it's 4.18g (64 1/2 grains) of 0.900 (22 karat) gold. if it's real, put it in a capsule, because it's beautiful and it's probably worth about $1000.
I got to visit one of the US Mints many years ago, and since then I've been buying their shiny stuff and giving them as gifts. They're not as interesting as older stuff, but they are very very shiny. This year's American Eagle has arrived.
Very, very shiny.
The way the metal's crystal structure deformed during minting generates microscopic flow marks, which in turn gives rise to interesting visual patterns in luster and patina.
Flow marks can also be used to estimate the age/wear of the dies when the coin was minted, which can further narrow down its exact production date.
Cleaning not only destroys the interesting visual patterns and the possibility of narrowing down mint date, the mechanical/chemical alteration of the surface metal that occurs during cleaning means they will never form again.
Also a lotta people who like to collect old shit like it when their old shit looks old, so even if normal circulation and handling has destroyed the flow marks, a coin that is abyssal black by slow decades of corrosion is still more interesting than a clean coin that looks like it could be from last year.
1960 South Africa 2 and a half shilling, 2s 6d or half crown.
This isn't an immaculate 1913 gold ducat coin, but an Austrian Mint bullion coin got some years ago. It looks well and both it and the 4 ducat are reasonably okay value. The main thing is it looks well and interesting.
I have a decent bit of bullion but wanna get into some coins (mostly biblical and crusader states, maybe Byzantine too), but two out of three of those are highly overvalued markets due to people like me who just want a few cool things from times they find cool. Still worth doing?
I have a decent bit of bullion but wanna get into some coins (mostly biblical and crusader states, maybe Byzantine too), but two out of three of those are highly overvalued markets due to people like me who just want a few cool things from times they find cool. Still worth doing?
You might want to keep that coin away from others and research ways to conserve it, because that coin looks like it has bronze disease. That's bad news long term. Does the green gunk on it rub off easily?
Also I've been slacking on coin store trips lately. Been busy with other things plus the long lines and odd hours kinda kill my motivation, but I might have another go at it this month when I use my vacation time.
You might want to keep that coin away from others and research ways to conserve it, because that coin looks like it has bronze disease. That's bad news long term. Does the green gunk on it rub off easily?
Also I've been slacking on coin store trips lately. Been busy with other things plus the long lines and odd hours kinda kill my motivation, but I might have another go at it this month when I use my vacation time.
Follis of Constantine I. I'll try and see if I can research it. The reverse shows two soldiers holding standards,, presumably representing two armies. These small base metal coins are fascinating.
I've been catching up in the thread and your ancient post have sent me down some rabbit holes. I believe this folis was struck at the Sisica mint in Panonia ( Modern day Croatia) during Constantine's reign around 334-335 AD (Sisica RIC VII 235). the ASIS mark beneath the Soldiers facing the standards is how you identify where the coin was minted for those that are curious.
