Expert: Brad Swain - 2/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

Are you able to help me identify this coin? I believe the characters are in Arabic, but I am not knowledgeable in that language.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Elizabeth

ANSWER: Hi Elizabeth, this coin is from Persia (Iran) and seems to be dated 1294 (1877 AD). It is either a 15 millimeters diameter 1/4 Kran or a 22 millimeters 1 Kran. With more info I'll be glad to help further.
Collector value of a coin depends on denomination (face value), date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad

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

QUESTION: Thanks alot for the info!

I was searching for that specific coin online now and the back of the coin looks different than the one I have. See photo... What might it be?

It is smaller than a quarter, but larger than a nickel.

Answer
Hi Elizabeth, the size would make it a 1 Kran (1000 Dinars). The date is actually 1296 (1879 AD). This coin should weigh 4.605 grams and would contain .1332 of an ounce of silver. It may be worth about $2.25 with that amount of heavy wear depending on amount of collector demand..
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad