Expert: Joe Hylas - 4/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have two gold coins my father found on the shore in Highlands New Jersey in the 1940's marked as follows:
IOANNES.V.D.G.PORT.ET.ALG.REX  1749
JOSEPHUS.I.D.G.PORT.ET.ALG.REX  1756
Any idea of the origin/value???
ANSWER: I would need more info such as the country of origin.  Then I can check my reference books
Joe

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

QUESTION: I BELIEVE IT IS PORTUGAL

Answer
Yes, they are Portugal.  Now we must determine what denomination they are which we will do by size.
Those that are the size of a dime would be 1/2 Escudo, Nickel size would be 1 Escudo, Quarter size is 2 Escudo and Half Dollar size is 4 Escudo.

The 1756 would have to be a 4 Escudo, that was the only size in 1756.  If so, this is worth about $250

The 1749 coin...
1/2 Escudo  Minimum $30
1 Escudo       "    $65
2 Escudo    none minted
4 Escudo    Minimum  $250

This is really the best I can do without physically inspecting the coins.  If you have more info, feel free to contact me at OMEGAPM@aol.com

Regards
Joe Hylas