Expert: Joe Hylas - 6/25/2009

Question
I was going through my fathers/grandmothers things and came across a 1783 Nova Constellatio (1000) mark coin it is good condition and very readable how do you know if it is a replica?  where can I take it to to find out if it is real or not? It looks identical to the pictures we have found if you could help me out I would appreciate it I know my grandmother was very big into collecting coins Thanks

Answer
Hi Christy,
The first step and easiest would be to check if the coin is silver.  If not, it is a copy.

If you feel that it is silver, I can arrange to have the coin certified by a thrid party grading and certification service for you.  Certainly, you could do this yourself, however then you may become a target for all sorts of people should the coin be determined to be genuine.

If it is genuine, it is a VERY valuable coin.  The last one sold for $190,000

Feel free to contact me either by email at JoeHylas@aol.com  or by phone at 800-474-6960  or  516-759-6960

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US