Expert: Brad Swain - 1/23/2010

Question
I have a 10 francs 1864 gold coin, Napoleon III Empereur.  There is a small dent on the front side right of the N in Napoleon.  The dent shows a small bulge on the back side. Now for the interesting part.  The coin was once part of a necklace or locket, as the coin has an attachment (seems to be gold) affixed to the top of the coin.  This curvy decorative clasp extends from the edge above the third I in Napoleon to above  the EM in Emperor.  This seems to have been a keepsake.  Considering the dent and the attached clasp any thoughts on the value of this coin?  This coin has had very little wear.

Answer
Hi Marge, If a coin has been damaged by becoming part of jewelry or cannot be separated from the jewelry without damage then its value lies in the piece of jewelry and not as a coin.
An A (3.3 million at Paris) or BB (1.4 million at Strasbourg) mintmark is below the wreath. It contains .0933 of an ounce of gold and its value would probably be just that, currently about $100.
Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad