Could you guys help confirm what I suspect....

Clankeye

My next door neighbor's father passed away recently. She asked me if I could establish the worth of a certain item from his estate. You will see it pictured (poorly, sorry) below. It is a large, glass framed selection of "authentic" rare coins, supposedly recovered from various shipwrecks--as listed on the certificates.

Now, believe me, I am 99% sure that these coins are not genuine, and that the value of this item is practically nil. But, I promised her I would ask--there apparently is a brother who believes this to be very valuable treasure indeed. I wanted to run it by you--the esteemed members of this forum--just to see if you've seen anything like it, or have any idea as to value. I told her not to put much hope in the idea of it being a windfall. Take a look----





This is coming from "Gulfstream Rarities, Inc." for what that's worth.

Clankeye

Clankeye

Sitting here looking at this thing... I know that it is probably junk, but in good faith I need to ask at least. You know, it was the father's and you know how delicate it can be telling family members about things like this.

Thanks, Clankeye

CIVITAS

I can't say from the photos, but there's a good chance that the coins ARE genuine, but were probably the most seriously damaged by the saltwater and therefore the most heavily processed coins from each shipwreck. They will probably have a very hokey appearance to them because of the acid bathing, tumbling and harsh polishing.

Sadly, the chances are good that as a numismatic item, it's probably worth 10% of what they paid for it (if that). As a curiosity or tourist/souvenir piece, it's probably worth a bit more on the retail market but that doesn't really increase the chances of a dealer paying any more than junk price for it since the coins are all damaged. I think eBay or small town farm auction is the way to go on getting any significant price for that item.

JohnZ

Carl, can you post larger pics of all the coins?

Clankeye

<< <i>They will probably have a very hokey >>



They do, Civitas--have a strange look to them-- but I bet you are right about why. That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks for the response. I do presume it's value is more in the realm of souvenir than coins.

In this particular case, I don't think there is any sentimental value to the family either.

Clankeye

Clankeye

John--

Okay give me a few minutes to take and load some pics.

Clankeye

Hollandia Ducation 1743:


Spanish Fleet Half Reale 1745:


Bredenhof Dutch Doit 1753:


Admiral Gardner Cooper Coin 1809:


Sung Dynasty circa 1250 AD:



Sorry, these aren't better pictures. But, the glass makes it tough.

MacCrimmon

See lots 396, 397, 398, 399, FWIW

Had a lady that used to work here requested I view her treasures....Josh, you would have cringed!!

She was certain these "ancient" coins from here father were worth tens of thousands....they were all cast fakes except for maybe one which was your garden variety Roman coin worth $10 at best. She really thought I was scamming her...hey, I didn't even make any offers. I told her to see Harlan Berk since he was the real expert in these parts...

Oh well....

Clankeye

Yeah, you found 'em, Mr. Mac.

Gulfstream Rarities--I guess they are big market makers in this stuff.

hookedoncoins

They look genuine to me. The only one I am familiar with is the Admiral Gardner. I have seen many of these before and they are almost all in pristine condition, however most have been cleaned or corroded. Judging by the picture, I would say that coin (if genuine) would be worth between $25 - 40.

JohnZ

They all look real to me except the Ducaton. Something about that coin is strange. Maybe it's just been harshly cleaned.

eBay is probably the way to go here as far as selling them goes. Your average brick and mortar dealer probably wouldn't offer even $50 for the set.

Clankeye

Thanks, John. Yes, I think you are right.

What I might suggest (since I don't think she needs the money that badly) is that she donate it to some charity auction.

Clankeye

1jester

Yes, that's right--donate them to Airplanenut's Charity Auction #3....

My condolences to the family, however.

satootoko

I don't recall ever coming up with only two entries on a Google search before! "Gulfstream Rarities" found a 1998 auction that included an item with their certificate of authenticity, and a political candidate in Florida who listed employment as their "creative director" from 1994-96 on his resume. Whoever they are, or were, apparently no existing website!

291fifth

I can't tell much from the photos but suspect that they are real, though, as they say these days, "conserved". I wouldn't worry much about what was paid for them as that is water over the dam. Try and find some similar items on eBay if you want an idea of value.

coachleonard

Just from what I see of the pix, I believe they are all genuine-- the most likely to be faked would be the
Ducatoon. Still, it has the rough surface of a sea-salvaged coin, so I lean towards it being genuine.
No one will get rich by any means off of these coins-- I would think the Ducatoon would bring in at least
$50, probably more on ebay. The others, I believe, would be $5-$20 coins.

Clankeye

I thank you all for your posts and your help in this matter.

Clankeye

sumnom

I can't read the legends on the Sung coin but most Northern Sung coins are very common and very cheap, like a buck or three.