Expert: Brad Swain - 4/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have been doing some research on coins and found I have a genuine auspice deo 1792 coin. You have answered a question regarding this coin before and estimated its value at $1000 or more. My coin has the same mint mark as the one in your question but the guy i met said he would only give me $98 for it. I feel like this coin is worth much more and I'm only wanting to sell it for half its value ($500). Is this a fair price??? Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Katie, what denomination (face value) is it? It should have a number to the left of the shield.
What is the mintmark letter?
With more info I'll be glad to help further.
Brad

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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply Brad. The marks you are speaking of are (8) on the left and (s) on the right of the shield. It is in pretty good condition but I lack the expertise to try and rate it!

ANSWER: Hi Katie, it is an 8 Escudos coin, possibly from Mexico. Don't know since you haven't provided the mintmark. For Mexico, the letters between DEO and IN, there should be FM and an M with a small o over it. This coin should weigh 27.0674 grams and would contain .7615 of an ounce of gold (about $878). No genuine coin would sell for less than that and collector value would be more than that depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
Fakes exist so weighing is important.
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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for all your help. You are very skilled in this area. i cannot make out an FM but there is an s with a small o over it. Does this help any more? Also, one more question... I have a 19232F belgie coin in great condition...do you know how much this may be worth? Thanks again brad!!!

Answer
Hi Katie, the So is the mintmark for the Santiago, Chile mint and there should be a DA, not an FM.
This 8 Escudos This coin should weigh 27.0674 grams and would contain .7615 of an ounce of gold. There were 38,000 minted and collector value, if genuine, may be worth about $900 with heavy wear to around $1000 with moderate wear to maybe $1200+ with light wear.
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