Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: if a coin from the 1640's or 1840's (the date is difficult to make out) is plated with what looks like silver is it a fake or remake?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.  
We believe we found a french crown with a picture of a lion on the face of the coin. there are letters around the coin,starting to the right of the date are as follows...NFID_NSDNON_ _ _OVE_VI.
The blanks are where the letters have been worn away.
Thank you for your time and effort!

ANSWER: Hi Jessica,
This does not sound like a French coin, though it may also be a medal. It sounds more like a coin from Venice, which would have a winged lion.
I would really need to see a picture of the coin to be able to give you solid info.
You can attach a picture to a question on this site, or send pictures of both sides to me at BetweenearthnSky@yahoo.com
Thanks for the question! =)

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

QUESTION: Is there anything you can tell me about this item?

Answer
Hi Jessica,
This is a Netherlands daaler coin, likely a half daaler judging by the size. These are often known as the "Lion daaler" and this one appears to be from the Dutch state of Utrecht.
The condition is pretty rough, and the coin looks to have been sea salvaged. Value would be somewhere between $20 and $40, depending on how the other side looks.
Thanks for the question! =)