Expert: Brad Swain - 2/13/2010

Question
I have 2 PFEN coins-1, dated 1701,  I found via hard work, the other is becoming extremely difficult because of it's worn nature. Here is what I can tell you. On one side there are a series of 3 lines each having words on them. Top line: _ _ _N and maybe an 'I' then a N. Second line: SCH _ _ _ _ MAYBE?  Third line: MUNTZ  under MUNTZ is 17_ 1 or 4 then undistinguishable letters.  On the other side:   Bottom half depicts a castle wall with a door having an oval top and three horizontal lines ending in a spear or spade like tip on the facing of the door-two of these go in 1 direction to the left and the other one in the middle of these two to the right. The wall has horizontal lines running east west which are broken up with north south lines to depict large bricks.  Standing atop this wall is what I think is a lion with a crown standing on three legs with it's right leg raised up.  I hope my description is okay. If not, let me know. Thanks for any info you can give me on this coin.  I'm sure it's like the other 3 pfen I have dated 1701 but perhaps a different denomination. I can take a picture but they don't come out to well, if you need one let me know. thanks, debi

Answer
Hi Debi, it may be a pfenni(n)g from the German state of Anhalt-Bernburg which features a crowned bear on a wall. Scheide munze means small change. What is the diameter of the coin in millimeters?
Here's some examples:
http://www.muenzauktion.com/pater/cat.php5?catid=6〈=de&PHPSESSID=0b62a882e...
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
I'll be glad to answer any further questions in the future.
Brad