Expert: Brad Swain - 2/25/2010

Question
HI,

I have a coin that has a bust and these words on one side:
FRANC II D G R I S A GER HIE HVN BOH REX with a C under the bust.

Other side has a crest with 3 crowns and ARCH AVST DVX BVRG LOTH BRAB COM FLAN 1795.  It's about the size of a quarter and weighs about 7.2 gr.

Unfortunately someone years ago drilled a small hole above the bust of the coin.

I would consider the condition as fair to good, but considering it's age, it looks pretty good. You can read all the letters and there's still quite a bit of detail left on the coin.

Can you please tell me rarity and possiable value of this coin?

Thank you very much for your help.

Gary Loretz

Answer
Hi Gary, this is a 1/4 Kronenthaler from the Austrian Netherlands (Belgium) featuring Austrian Emperor Franz II (1792-1835) and minted in Prague (C). Without the hole this coin should weigh 7.36 grams and would contain .2066 of an ounce of silver and may be worth about $10 with heavy to medium wear. It may be worth about the silver value with the hole (about $3).
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