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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/silver indo chine 10 cents???

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Expert: - 6/12/2010


Question

coin???
I'm sorry to bother you again. I've received an update w/ pic's,(that I have attached). I was wondering if you would be able to explain why these have had a hole drilled into them, and what the estimated value would be per coin. The seller stated that all of the coins were in mint condition,(minus the hole in them). I don't have any idea if it's a con or what. My research has led me to believe that the coins are legit, but that the value is heavily decreased... The seller also has told me he believed the coins to be 90% silver. Is that the case? Quoted text from seller. "The year ranges from 1901-1930 all are in excellent condition but has a tiny hole in them as shown in pics."
I would appreciate any help you would be able to offer. I have heard rave reviews of your knowledge and kindness:) Again, thank you for your time. Matthew

Answer
Hi Matthew,
These coins appear to have been used in jewelry, most likely a coin "charm" bracelet. The unfortunate thing is that these coins would not be in otherwise mint condition. It is hard to tell the color from the photo, if it's a gold color or silver, but the shine on the surface of the coin is not natural luster. These coins were cleaned/polished. It's kind of sad because the pre-1920 dates all have high values and would be no less than $100 each in mint condition. As they are now the value is minimal, perhaps $5-$10 for the best dates. The 1920 and later dates would be reduced to silver bullion value of just a dollar or two.
Even if they had not been holed, the cleaning or gilding (if the surface has a gold color to it) would reduce the value about as much as the hole does.
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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