Expert: Joe Hylas - 2/13/2011

Question
QUESTION: I bought an old rifle with a gold coin embedded in the stock. The face of the coin that I can read is: 1869 Republica Peruana Lima 9 Decimos Fino Y.B.  What % of gold is in this coin and what weight of gold is in the coin.  Today gold is at $1360.00, therefore, about what would this coin be worth?

ANSWER: Hi Jerry,
It seems unusual that a gold coin would be embedded in the stock, usually it would be brass.

However, without knowing what the denomination of the coin is or the size, I can't answer your question.

Regards,

Joe Hylas
Omega Precious Metals
www.AllCoins.US

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

QUESTION: I an sorry for not stating the denomination, I thought it might be revealed in the date and phrase, "1869 Republica Peruana Lima 9 Decimos Fino Y.B".  With the coin being embedded in the stock I can only see one side of it.  The coin is 1 3/8" in diamitor and is a medium to pale gold in color; as if it is only a percent gold and not pure.  It does not look to be brass.  I could take a picture and send it if that would help.
Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry,

What you have is a One Sol piece.  These were .900 pure silver and contain .72 of an ounce of pure silver.
They did not make gold 1 Sol coins, the gold coins started at 5 Sols, and weren't made in 1863

I hoped this helped.

Regards,
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US