Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: I just read an answer from Brad Swain on 9/20/08 that comes close to my coins. I have a 20 piaster 1917 egy. coin and a 10 pias. 1917 coin, both with very light wear. He mentions an "H" mint mark on the 20.Where would one look for that? What do you think the coins are worth? Thanks again, J.

ANSWER: Hi Jim,
The tiny H mint mark is between the two ribbons that are between the English and Hijri dates. At 6 o'clock on the side pictured. Same position on the 10 piastres.
This one appears to be in excellent condition. And this is one of those types where that makes a big difference in value.
Your coin appears to have some bluish color to it. Does it have luster? If this is toning on original luster your coin is worth easily upwards of $100. An average circulated coin is worth like $25 to sometimes as much as $40. If there is no wear on the other side, it may be a fairly high mint state, in which case it's worth several hundred. Same story on the 10 piastres.
Thanks again for the question!

PS: Your coin looks nicer than mine, I'm jealous. =)

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

QUESTION: Make me an offer!  The other side is in the same condition. The blue coloring is probably due to the paper envelope that it was kept in for several years(what did my jewish mother know?).  The 10 p. is in similar condition. I've put them on E-Bay for $300.00 and $49.00 Too much? Thanks for the quick reply. Jim

ANSWER: What's the item numbers? I would have to check out the pics.

PS: The bluish toning is something many collectors actually want.

Thanks again. =)

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

QUESTION: E-bay # 130610494182.

Answer
I would put the 20 piastres at $100 to $125. At $300 it would need to be NGC or PCGS slabbed mint state. The price on the 10 piastres is fair, but for some reason they don't seem to be as popular as the 20 piastres, at least not on eBay.
Thanks again! =)