Expert: Brad Swain - 3/17/2010

Question
Hi Brad
I have a golden coin in a good condition.On the one side is Queen Victoria wearing a necklace as well as a crown.
The inscription reads:victoria.dei.gra,britt.regina.fid.def.ind.imp.
On the reverse side is a warrior on horseback with a sword in his right hand. The year bellow is 1899.
Would you be so kind to give me an idea of the value.
Regards
Mariaan

Answer
Hi Mariaan, this is a British gold Sovereign coin (1 Pound) if it is 22 millimeters across or a 1/2 Sovereign if 19 millimeters across, depicting Queen Victoria (1837-1901) as well as Benedetto Pistrucci's rendition of St. George slaying a dragon. There may be a mintmark letter below the horse's rear hoof indicating it was minted and used in Australia. A Sovereign should weigh 7.988 grams and would contain .2354 of an ounce of gold. A half Sovereign would be half of the two above weights. Value is likely a little over the gold value depending on wear and demand. If it has a mintmark let me know.
Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
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