Expert: Brad Swain - 12/28/2009

Question
Hi Brad,

I have a "coin" (it may be just a medallion of some sort)that says on one side:
TUNISIE
20
FRANCS
On the other side there is what I think is Arabic writing and decorations of branches. There is no date on either side.
It is about 1.38 inches in diameter. I do not know the material.
Any ideas?
Thanks, Edith


Answer
Hi Edith, There were 1.25 million of these 68% silver French Tunisia 20 Francs coins minted in Paris that year. The date in Arabic at the bottom on the other side is 1353 which is equivalent to 1934AD. It contains .4372 of an ounce of silver. Collector value may be worth about $8 with heavy wear to around $12 with moderate wear to maybe $25 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.
Brad