Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 2/19/2011

Question
Hi Dmitry,
I am currently living in Kosovo and have visited several silver shops here.  Some of these shops sell old coins from the Ottoman empire.  There are many small coins about the size of a nickle, but one shop had larger coins, more like a medallion.  The dealer was asking 100 euro for one large coin/medallion.  It seemed like a lot to me, but I have no idea.  What do you think?  He claims they are solid silver.

Answer
Hi Heather,
That is a fair retail price for the largest Ottoman silver coins. However, it really depends on the condition and the dates. These have a double date - an ascension year for the current ruler and then the year of rule in Hijri years.
Often times you have to look out for coins that have been dug up from the ground or sea salvaged and/or had been cleaned. The collector value for these coins will be only half of what a coin with original surfaces is worth.
It would not be possible to give you advice on the particular coins in question without seeing a picture or at least knowing the dates on them.
Also worth noting, such coins are often holed or have a loop attached, which also decreases the value.
Thanks for the question! =)