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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1851 Mexican Silver Peso
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QUESTION: I found an 1851 Mexican Silver one Peso coin in a drawer of my father's chess table. It was in plastic(unsealed). It has a fair amount of black tarnish, but much of the detail is visible. I could tell it was 1850 something and it only took a light scratch of a fingernail to reveal the 1. The detail that is visible appears to be fairly clear, considering the age. Without seeing it, can a range of value be estimated?
ANSWER: Hi Rick,
Unfortunately I would need to see a clear picture to be able to help with this one. The Mexican peso coins started in the 1860's. Before that they would have been "8 reales". If the coin has an 1850's date and says "1 peso", it would not be Mexican. Is there a second date? There is a 1851 to 1951 commemorative Mexican coin that has both dates on it.
Thanks!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dmitry,
Not really being a collector, I've heard that old coins should not be cleaned of tarnish. In this case it seems necessary to determine what I have. Can you tell me the safest way to clean, not compromising the coin?
Hi again Rick,
It's good that you are already informed of that. Some questions I receive involve coins that were already cleaned and usually ruined in the process.
I could not honestly tell you the best way to proceed without seeing a clear picture of the coin. You can attach one picture per question on this site, or you can e-mail me multiple pictures at BetweenEarthnSky@yahoo.com.
You did mention that the tarnish easily came off when you rubbed it with your finger. That is a very promising sign.
Thanks again!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Dmitry, Thanks for answering so quickly. My brother was in possession of the coin, and before I could give him your last answer, he cleaned most of it with a pencil eraser. The date cleared up and was 1961. It said un Peso, Estados Unidos Mexicandos. So I guess it was no big deal-low value. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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