Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1805 foriegn coin

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Expert: - 3/4/2010


Question
hello,
I have an 1805 foreign coin on the front it says republica peruana and the reverse says DOS centavos, i would think that maybe Spanish in origin? could you enlighten me on its history and or wealth.

thank you
Robert

Answer

Hi Robert,
This would be an 1895 (the 9 sometimes looks like a 0) 2 centavos from Peru. These were made from 1863 onwards into the early 1900's.
This is a pretty common date, but can still be worth up to $25 in excellent condition. Worn examples are worth just a couple of dollars, while a mid-grade coin is around $5.
An interesting note: these coins were minted by a private mint in Waterbury, Connecticut.
As always, you can post a follow-up with a picture and I will give you more exact info on this and any other coins.
Thanks for the question! =)  

Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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