Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello - I read your reply to a similar question so thought I would ask about my coin.  On the other side, on top, reads "Freie Und Hansestadt Hamburg" with a picture of 2 lions holding a shield, and the shield has a picture of a castle on it.  

The coin was given to my grandfather, who gave it to me some 30 years ago, and is encased in lucite so I'm assuming it's in excellent condition.  Many thanks for any thoughts.  Matt

ANSWER: Hi Matt,
Condition will be extremely important for the value of this coin. There were only about 172k minted that year, so they are uncommon even in well used condition.
Without knowing the condition or seeing a picture I can only give you a range, which starts at $20-$30 for a decent circulated coin and can go up into the $500 range for one in mint condition with no signs of wear and original luster.
When you say it is encased in lucite - do you mean a coin case that can be opened or something like a paperweight? If it's the latter, then it's likely the coin had been circulated and possibly cleaned. This is what I typically see with coins that have been encased in such a fashion.
Thanks for the question! =)

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer!  It is enclosed in lucite which can't be opened, like a paperweight.  So I was hoping that it was possibly an uncirculated coin but answer makes a lot of sense.  I appreciate the help!  Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,
Yea the economic reality of putting a $500 coin into a paperweight makes it very impractical, since very few people would spend that on even a very nice paperweight. The coin may still be in a condition that makes it valuable. If you feel like attaching a clear picture, I'm always curious.
Thanks again! =)