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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/What kind of coin is this?

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Expert: - 9/27/2009


Question
What kind of coin is in the enclosed picture? Here is a link to the image...

http://i33.tinypic.com/2na8950.jpg

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Alex, this is a Chinese "cash" coin. One cash was a standard unit, like our one cent.
The particular markings appear to be consistent with the 1850'-1860's period. Unfortunately, these are not particularly valuable, despite the age. There are literally billions of these out there and more are being dug up each day. A mint condition coin still sells for as high as $10-$20. However, an average circulated piece such as the one pictured is worth only a dollar or two on the present market.
It's still an interesting piece oh actual history.
Thanks for the question! =)

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Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

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Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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