Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/24/2010

Question
Papajack tried to ans a question about a coin and determined that the coin was a medal; however, I found a coin that is like the one in reference. Obverse is a bust head of Taft with 27th President below the bust head. The reverse is scored and batterd but reads words as governor of Phillipines...President...Cheif justice of the Supreme court. Died March 8, 1930. This coin has ridges like a half dollar, and with my detector rang in like a dime or quarter. I do not believe this was a medal, rather a spendable half or commemorative.

Answer
Hi Ed:

Thanks for picking me to try and provide a better answer to your question.

I checked several references, but found that "PAPAJACK" had answered this question at least once before. This answer was dated 9/26/2008, and contains a photo of the piece in question. From your description, the photo seems to match, but it does not look like it has reeding. Here's the link with the answer: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/2008/9/william-h-taft-coin.htm

With that being said, I've collected coins, medals and tokens for over 60 years. I am not aware of a coin or commemorative coin with Taft. I'm going to go along with his reply, and say what you have is a medal or token, and not a coin.

If you can provide a photo, along with the weight, thickness, and diameter of your piece, in a follow-up question, I'll revised my answer as required, should I find added facts that warrant it.

Sorry I can't give you the answer you were looking for. If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to what you have, and it's value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.