Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 11/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have the above mentioned coin and I would like to know its value. It is quite heavy and perhaps it would be better to melt it down and make some jewelry but before I do that I would like to know its estimated value as a coin. Can you perhaps provide me with an indication?

thx for any help.

rgds,
Martin

ANSWER: Hi Martin,
If the coin is in perfect condition, without any wear or damage, then I would not melt it since the collectible value would be 15%-20% higher than bullion.
It the coin has wear or any problems, you may as well melt it down.
Thanks for the question! =)

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

QUESTION: so what would be the estimated value of the coin as it is in
a box and in perfect condition?

thx a lot.

Martin

Answer
Hi again Martin,
Is this an official box from the Peruvian mint? If so that will add a cool $50 or so to the value. And unofficial box would be for display purposes only and not add anything to the value.
A perfect coin would currently sell for right around $1,100 at a reputable coin auction. On eBay they do a little worse, around $1,000 to $1,150 based on what I've seen over the past couple of months that gold has been really high. The gold bullion value is around $900 at the current gold prices, since the coin has .6772 troy oz of actual gold weight.
This date had only 1,100 coins minted, but there were many dates all with similar mintage so scarcity does not affect the price very much for these relatively modern coins.
Thanks for the question! =)