Expert: Brad Swain - 12/13/2009

Question
Hi, I found a Republica Mexicana coin with the initials "8R.G.1863.Y.F.10D.20". I found this in a dig just 3 feet below. I would like to ask how much would this cost if I sell it and where would I sell it? Thank you very much. I am hoping for your reply.

Answer
Hi Paz, It appears to be a silver dollar sized Mexican 8 Reales. The Y and F are the mint's assayers' initials. The Guanajuato mintmark is a G with a small o over it. It should weigh 27.07 grams and would contain .7859 of an ounce of silver.
Collector value depends on date, number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning. This one may be worth about $12 with heavy wear to maybe $15 with moderate wear to possibly $20 with light wear. You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Cleaning coins that leaves them shiny or scratched, even if only by looking with a magnifying glass, will reduce a coin's value by at least half.
You might find similar pieces on Ebay.com for comparison and that my be the best place to offer it for sale.
Brad