Expert: Brad Swain - 1/31/2010

Question
I have what I believe to be Dutch 2 1/2 G dating 1870, 1872, 1930 and a Republica Mexicana 20G 1886  are they worth anything??

Answer
Hi William, the 1870 and 1872 Dutch 2-1/2 Gulden coins should weigh 25.0 grams and would contain .7596 of an ounce of silver. Each one's collector value may be worth about $12.50 with heavy wear to around $15 with moderate wear to maybe $40 with light wear.
The 1930 2-1/2 G coin should weighs the same but would contain .5787 of an ounce of silver. Collector value may be worth about $9 with heavy wear to around $10 with moderate wear to maybe $12 with light wear.
The Mexican piece may be a silver dollar sized 8 Reales (8R). What are the letters before and after the date? The Mexico City mintmark is an M with a small o over it. It should weigh 27.067 grams and would contain .7859 of an ounce of silver. Collector value depends on date, number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
You might find similar pieces on Ebay.com for comparison. These sites are also a great info source:
Counterfeits and fantasy pieces mass produced in East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe abound of Chinese and U.S. coins, and many other countries'.
Weighing them may be the best telltale of its genuineness.
Fakes: http://reviews.ebay.com/Fake-8-4-and-2-Reales-coins-from-ASIA-BEWARE_W0QQugidZ10...
Chinese counterfeit factory: http://coins.about.com/od/worldcoins/ig/Chinese-Counterfeiting-Ring/Chinese-Fake... .
Brad