Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 8/25/2009

Question
hi i have a 1792 coin i want to know the value of. On one side it says hisp-et ind r 1792 carol III d.g. and on the other auspice-deo -mf- -m- in utroq -felix-  it also has a 4 on the left side of the shield and an s on the other side. can you help >?
pls email me

Answer
Hi Fred,
If authentic, you have a pretty rare and desirable coin from Mexico, during the Spanish colonial period. These would have also been legal tender here in the US!
I would suggest authentication, since counterfeits are fairly common. The reference weight for these is right around 13.5 grams, and an example with significant wear may be as much as a gram lighter. A counterfeit will be a few grams lighter or, on rare occasions, heavier than the real thing.
The practical market values for such a coin are higher than the listed book values. Your coin would sell for $500 in well circulated condition, running up to $2,500+ for one in mint condition. Coins that are damaged are worth pretty much bullion value, maybe 10%-15% higher if the damage is not too bad.
High grade and uncirculated examples that have been professionally graded by on of the major grading companies (NGC, PCGS, ANACS) command a premium over the quoted prices.
Thanks for the question! =)