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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/What Kind of Coin Is This ?

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Expert: - 6/22/2011


Question
10 mark
10 mark
Dmitry, I have this coin that has no year on it, and I can't seem to find an image or any info on this coin on the Internet . It's the smallest coin I've ever seen . It makes me think that this might not even be a coin of currency . I would just like to know any kind of info on this piece if you can and if it has any kind of value . There's a picture that I will attach for you to look at and it will be of the back of the coin . The front says Ludwig II Koenig V. Bayern with the image of a mans head . Thanks for your time .

Answer
Hi William,
This is a piece of antique play money or "spielgeld / spielmunze" as it is called in German.
This one would be from the mid 1860's to mid 1880's, which was the reign of Ludwig II. It is designed after a 10 mark coin from Bavaria. The actual 10 mark coin would be solid gold, these toy pieces are made of base metal alloys. L. Christ. Lauer, based in Nuremberg, was the prominent maker of such play money during this time. They made examples like this of many coins, including countries other than Germany.
Since it's a fairly early piece and in good shape, it would be worth somewhere between 410 and $20 retail. Auction prices are often less, unless it's being sold in Germany.
Thanks for the question! =)

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you Dmitry so much for finding the wonderful information on this coin . I would have never have found any of that out without you .


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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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