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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1866 franc
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Question
Does the value of an 1866 gold franc come from its gold value or its collector value? The coin is in OK shape (not mint, but easily read). It reads: Empire Francaise 10 Francs 1866 Napoloen III Empereur.
Thank you
Hi Debbie,
The listed values are that of gold bullion in anything below a high grade coin with sharp leaves in the wreaths on the reverse and on the portrait's head. However, a decent example will usually sell for 10% above book value on the current market. High grade coins range from 25% to 50% above bullion, while a mint condition coin is 3 to 5 times the gold value. These coins were minted in fairly large numbers, and as such condition is extremely important.
There are two mint marks for this date, A (Paris) and BB (Strasbourg). This letter will be at the bottom of the coin below the denomination and date. Either one will have the same value.
Thanks for the question! =)
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Answers by Expert:
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).
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