Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 11/30/2011

Question
Hello, Dmitry!

I found allexperts website while searching for images of a coin which I possess. After having not managed to find any images of the coin and having read few posts on this website I decided to kindly ask you for help.

I have a coin sized approx. 2,35 x 2,35 cm. I am not sure about the material. On one side there is a head of Louis 16th facing to the right. On the left side of the head is written LUD XVI but on the right side stands DG FR N LEX. On the reverse side there is a fountain with trees on both left and right sides. To the left from it it's written LIW, to the right- L UST.

Could it be a real coin? What could be the value?

I am attaching an image of the obverse. I can send you the reverse, too.

Thank you in advance for your responsiveness!

I will be looking forward to hear from you!

Have a good day!

Best regards
Renate Deruma

Answer
Hi Renate,
This is a jeton, which is a type of token or medallion. It is not an official coin, but many of these served as coins back when there were not enough official coins for everyone to use.
This one you have is the "Mit Lust" variety, meaning "With Joy".
It is cataloged here: http://www.napoleonicmedals.org/coins/h273.htm

It is brass and may have been silver washed at one point. Because of the condition I would not expect it to sell for more than $10. If it was not bent, scratched or discolored it would be worth up to $50 retail, and around half of that at auction.

Thanks for the question! =)