Coin and Paper Money Collecting/coin from 1800's?

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Expert: - 3/1/2010


Question

front
Hi i have this coin/(medal?) with ludwig II and koenig v bayern on the front and Ruck encased in a wreath on the back of it. I have done extensive research on this item to no avail. My mother found it in the 50's gardening in california. If you have any information about this item it would be greatly appreciated
Thank you i have pictures too
Corey

Answer
Hi Corey,
This is a silver medal from the German State of Bavaria and depicting ruler Ludwig II (1864-1886).
There is a long tradition of such medals in Germany, many of which are worth a couple of hundred dollars in excellent condition.
This is a satirical piece, since Ludwig II was not very much liked (people felt he was growing mad due to his increasing eccentricity and even homosexuality). The word "ruck" means "jerk" in German. This was a medal lampooning the ruler, not commemorating him.
This one is in pretty rough shape, unfortunately, due to a removed loop on the top edge, numerous dings and cuts, and also a cleaning by polishing.
Despite being a fairly early piece, the value in this condition would not exceed $50.
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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