Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a small 6-7/8 of an inch napolean coin of a silver color. We found it in nowhere and we would really like to know if it has some value. On both sides there is a napolean face with its hat and its name on the edge.

What is strange is that there is no value on it and we found it before plastic was invented, so its metal

Thank you in advance

ANSWER: Hi Joseph,
You have a token/medallion/jetton. These were often made by private merchants and used as currency or trade, kind of like coupons today. By the size, it would be a 1 franc jetton. Having a face on both sides is not uncommon. Many tokens were made that showed napoleon I on one side, which marked his death, and Napoleon III on the other, to mark his ascension to the throne.
SInce your token is amrked as Naploeon I, this tells me you have exactly such a piece, done after the death of NApoleon the I. Prior to that, he was simply referred to as Napoleon, without the I.
The value on items like this ranges widely. Depending on condition, material and quality of the piece. SOme jettons can be as low as $10, while others sell for $100+.
If you would like to post a follow-up question and attach a photo of your token, I will be able to give you more specific information on the value.
Thanks for the question! =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

Thank you for the fast answer

I will post an image soon and i would pinpoint the fact that it was found in america, canada near montreal.

The color varies at some spots but the coin is undamaged.

Also, i havent been able to find a single picture of it over internet(he as his "captain style" hat on his head and no value of money) .

Thnak you very much for your time.

ANSWER: Joseph,
This sounds like a very interesting looking piece. I am sure it is made of .900 purity silver, the same as French coins of that period. It may be difficult to find a picture of this exact jetton, unless you can do searches on French language sites. Montreal is a perfect place to find such a jetton, as would other French colonial areas. Tokens such as this are occasionally found around New Orleans, for example.
I will await the photos, but it already sounds like a better piece. Certainly not one of the $10 or $20 crude examples.
Thanks again! =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You are of a very great help, thank you very much
It was found 60 years ago in a town near montreal by my grandparents.

I donthave access to a digital camera for the next days so i made a paint drawing of it. Some details might not be the same.

Thank you a lot again


Answer
Hi again Joseph,
This looks very similar to a whole series of French medallions that were done in the mid to late 1800's. I have attached a picture of a similar medallion.
These were often made of white metal, which is a dull gray color and somewhat lightweight compared to silver. As such, it's actually not a jeton or money substitute token.
In good condition, it is worth between $25 and $50 at auction.
Thanks again for the questions, and a happy new year! =)