Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1887 large English coin

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Expert: Brad Swain - 1/13/2010


Question

I'm trying to identify a large English coin, approx 38 mm, dated 1887, that appears to be silver.  The obverse is Victoria with small crown and hair veil.  The reverse is St. George with the date.  The details match the description and pictures of the 1887 gold five pound coin, but the tarnish and coloration says silver.  Coin is in very good condition with some nicks on surfaces but all details are very clear, very little wear, may have been cleaned at some time in past but otherwise excellent. I can't find any references to a silver version of the five pound coin.  Can you help me identify?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Keith, There were 173,000 of these British 1 Crown (1/4 Pound) coins minted that year featuring Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and St. George slaying the dragon. This coin should weigh 28.2759 grams and would contain .8409 of an ounce of silver.
Collector value may be worth about $1 with heavy wear to around $2 with moderate wear to maybe $5 with light wear.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
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
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 9Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for a very good answer.


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Brad Swain

Expertise

I have been a World Coin and Paper Money collector since about 1965. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have on World coins or currency, tokens, unusual or unknown pieces and attempt to give you estimates of value and historical information about them in a polite and prompt manner.

Experience

45 years collecting coins and paper money.

Education/Credentials
BA History, BA Geography - Virginia Tech

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