Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/2/2010

Question
I have this silver coin about the size of a nickel that has a rose on the front of it.

On the back it only says at the bottom: "Liberty Mint .999 Silver.

Please let me know about the history of the coin and the value if that is possible.

There is no date on the coin.

The rose is not a full rose but just the head of the rose and it completely covers the front. There is a lot of space on the back and only the Liberty Mint on the very bottom like I mentioned above. On each side of the text on the back there are two ribbon shaped w's but it could just be a design. I have tried looking in two coin books and found nothing that looks like it. Please let me know what you find as soon as possible. Thanks

Grace

Answer
Hi Grace,
First off let me apologize that you had to wait so long for an answer. The expert you originally posed the question to had passed on it, and I have picked it up.
Rather than a coin, you have a privately made silver bullion round. These are often made by banks or investment firms as a way to promote investing in silver.
The Liberty mint, much like the Franklin mint, also produced these investment grade silver rounds. Interestingly enough, some designs were meant for specific occasions. For example silver rounds with hearts were made for Valentine's day and ones with a rose, such as yours, had been made for Mother's day.
Although it has no date, this piece would be from the middle 1980's... most likely 1985 or 1986.
As a non-currency piece, it would not be in any coin book.
Based on the size you describe, it is likely a 1/4 ounce silver round. The current market value for the silver would be $4 to $5. However, some people have begun to collect the wide range of designs. Since the size you have is quite unusual, a collector may pay up to $20 for it.
Please don't forget to rate my answer.
Thanks for the question! =)