Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 6/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: I came across this gold coin recently.  It looks like a doubloon that somebody made into a pendant.  To me it looks fake because of the edges looking like it was shaped that way on purpose.  Then again I know nothing about coins and that is why I am asking an expert.  I have scanned the coin front and back and uploaded the picture to my photobucket.  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/lomax64/coin.jpg  Any information would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Matthew,
The edges are totally correct for these coins, which are often referred to as "cob coins" due to this odd shape.
Unfortunately, I can tell you that this is indeed a replica and not an antique piece. If it were a genuine coin in this condition (which is virtually pristine and very rare to find) you would have a coin worth upwards of ten thousand. The details on the piece are too crude even by 16th-17th century standards.
It appears to be modeled after the Seville, Spain type coins (see attached picture). All of these cobs had different designs depending on the area they were made.
The good news is that many of the replicas were also made of solid gold. Although it is unlikely to be the same 22 karat purity as the genuine coin, you may still have $500 or more worth of 14 or 18 karat gold on your hands.
Any jeweler will test the purity for free before considering purchasing it.
Thanks for the question! =)


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

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply.  I had no idea coins from that era would have that kind of shape.  If I take this to a jeweler and it is 22 karat gold is there any other things that would tell me it is a replica before I sell it for scrap gold?  My picture is not as clear due to the outer ring, the coin is a little out of focus.

Answer
If the piece tests as higher than 18k I would want to know the exact weight, rough diameter and thickness of the piece. Most experts rely on the visual details because it's otherwise very difficult to tell a solid gold replica from a genuine coin. The way in which the design is put together is the most reliable means for scrutinizing these coins.
One other thing I personally feel is a sign of being a replica is the mounting itself. I have never seen a coin worth thousands put into a crude and cheap mount. These are virtually always custom fitted into a solid gold mount that goes with the curves and flat sides of the coin, without large prongs that obscure the details and also damage them.
Taken all together I am very sure that it's not a genuine coin. The way the letters are, especially around the cross of Jerusalem that say "Hispaniarum", is completely off from all denominations with this type of design. They are much too close to the central design, are irregular and mis-aligned. This was simply unacceptable for the Spanish mints.
If it tests above 18k, I would also suggest not just selling it for scrap. In a retail or auction situation a solid gold copy will have some collector premium over scrap value.
Thanks again for the questions! =)