Expert: Brad Swain - 3/8/2010

Question
Found an old silver coin while medal detecting last Friday.  I cannot locate it in any of my coins books.  It is silver dollar size and is dated 1623.  On the front is what appears to be two crossed scepters that make an X with a crown at the top.  It has PHIL IIII and also INDIAR on the front.  The back still has some sediment on it, but I can make out a coat of arms type shield and a few letters, AVST DV, and some others.  Help Please, and thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Jim, it is likely a Patagon from one of the provinces in the Spanish Netherlands during the reign of Spanish King Philip IV (1621-65). This coin should weigh 28.10 grams and would contain .7905 of an ounce of silver. The province name is after 'DVX BURG'.
With more info I'll be glad to help further.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
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