Expert: Brad Swain - 1/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: Could you tell me the approximate value of the following coin?  Caciques de Venezuela  Naiguata on front of coin with the head of the Indian chief pictured.
Back of coin reads:  caciques de Venezuela   siglo XVI   ley 900  Acunada en Caracas.   There is a hand holding a batch of arrows on the back.  Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Carol, these unofficial 90% gold pieces celebrate different 16th century native chiefs, such as Naiguata, from the Venezuela region. They come in different sizes with the same design.
What is the size of your coin? With more info I'll be glad to help further.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Unusual World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The coin is 1 5/8 inches in width.

Answer
Hi Carol, the largest of these is a 60 Bolivar piece that should be 1-7/16 inch (37 millimeters), a little smaller than 1-1/2 inch. One that fits the description of yours is only 30 millimeters, 1-3/16 inch and has a 1955 date. It may be an unlisted variety or a fake.
Weighing it may help tell if it is a genuine piece. The 30 millimeters pieces weigh 22.2 grams while the thinner but larger 37 millimeters pieces weigh 20.0 grams.
With more info on the weight I'll be glad to help further.
If you have pictures (not over 1 megabyte each please) you can email them to me at tbirde@psknet.com.
Brad