Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 8/14/2009

Question
I have a 1903 Netherland half penny in excelland condition It is about 3/8 of an inch in diameter.Also what loks like a commemerative silver coin about an 1 and a 1/4inch with the munt vanhet koningrijk der netherland 1939.It is not a solid coin but has her head in the centre as a cut out then with a space and then the outside circle.The other side has willhelmina koninging der nederland printed on the outer edge.It has been made into a peace for a neclace as it has a silver hook to hang on a chain.Thanks in advance and hope you can help me. John"


Answer
Hi John,
Your 1903 Dutch half cent is bronze and goes for around $10 if there is no wear at all, $15+ more if the original red luster is still present. The other coin is a 2 1/2 (two and a half) gulden, which is the Dutch equivalent of a silver dollar or crown (original weight would have been 25 grams) and is .720 purity silver.
It's not uncommon to see coins that have been cut out for jewelry. They are typically referred to as "cut coins" and loosely fit into the category of exonumia with things such as tokens, medals, elongated pennies, etc. The original coin in decent shape will bring in the $12-$18 range. A cut coin such as this would be worth just silver bullion value to a coin collector, however there are people out there that specifically look for crafted items such as cut coins or coin jewelry and the like. If it's a well crafted piece (not crudely done) you can get $15 to $25, which is significantly more than a decent original coin would bring.
Thanks for the question and best of luck with your coins! =)