Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1851 Helvetia Coin

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Expert: - 8/9/2011


Question
Would you be able to tell me the value of an 1851 Helvetia coin in very good condition.  On the back side there is a 2 encircled by a wreath.  On the front there is a wreath with crown at top (for lack of a better description).  In the center of this wreath is a shield with a cross in it.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Sylvia,
This is a 2 rappen coin from Switzerland. The 1851 is a actually one of the more common dates in this series, with over 3.7 million coins that were made.
In very good condition, with only minor signs of wear, the coin is worth $20 to $25.
Heavily worn coins are worth just a dollar or two.
Thanks for the question! =)

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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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