Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/16/2009

Question
Hi,

I have a 1748 Dansk Americ coin which is very readable as I can see all the wording and a faint engraved ship on one side and a
womans head on the other. I would like to know how much could a coin like this fetch for in Denmark or America?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Don,
You've got a Danish West Indies (Dansk Vestindien) 12 skilling. If you look at the rim to the above left of the ship, it should have a legend that reads "XII SKILL". The "woman" on the front is actually Danish ruler Frederick V, he just looks really feminine with those long flowing locks of hair. =)
This coin is made of .500 silver and should weigh tight around 3 grams. Lightweight antique counterfeits are known that are silver-washed copper. These counterfeits sell in the $50-$100 range.
Your real coin, in decent and fully readable condition would sell in the $200-$300 range. These estimates are at auction, with international bidders allowed to participate. High grade coins are rare and easily sell in the $300-$500. A mint condition example is not really known on the market and would command a significant premium of $1,000+. There were only 51,000 of this coin minted,a and only for the one year (1748). These types are very popular and always sell well beyond the book value, which ranges from $50 to $500 for this coin.
For comparison: I recently sold a 1766 24 skilling in rough, sea-salvaged, condition. The book value was $25, final auction price was $77.
It's certainly a scarce and desirable item for collectors. Most likely this one was lost right from circulation in the virgin Islands.
Thanks for the question! =)