Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Mystery coin

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/28/2009


Question
I found a coin the other day that may or may not be from the US. It is about the same size as a penny and is copper like one. On the front of the coin there is "1/8" "D" and an eagle. There is also a pattern going around the edge that looks like its made up of little s's. On the back of the coin it says "1824" "D copy" and has some stick-looking things coming out of a banner with words or symbols that I can't make out. The same pattern on the front is going around the edge of the back. I have a coin collection and like to know the value of all my coins. Its in very good condition and I was wondering if you could tell me what this coin is called and where its from. Thanks, Lynette.

Answer

1/8 reale Do
Hi Lynette,
I have attached a picture of what I believe is the coin you describe. I apologize for the poor quality, but this is the best picture I could get on short notice.
It is a 1/8 real or reales from the Durango province of Mexico. The real thing is uncommon, but not particularly rare. Values range from $10 up to around $100 for one in excellent condition.
Your coin is stamped copy, which is noble because many fakes exist that are not stamped. This at least keeps things honest and prevents counterfeits from being sold to unknowing buyers as the real thing.
As such, it's a novelty piece and does not have numismatic value.
Thank you for the question! =)
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks so much, that was very helpful. i gave you perfect ratings.


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.