A Franklin Mint "Medallic History of the Jewish People"

jasbucks

I can't find any information on this 120 Bronze Proof Medal collection. Maybe the forum can reference some links so that I can determine a ballpark value & information. A very interesting set that depicts a famous person on the Obverse with a brief note of history on the reverse. I can't remember the beginning time frame but it goes through the 6 Day War. Thanks in advance for any information you can help me with.

Askari

Welcome to the Forum, Jasbucks! The Franklin Mint has had a long history of profligate production of high-quantity, precious metal "collector sets". They sell them at a steep mark-up and rarely does a set ever become popular enough to rise much above "melt value." That's not to say their product isn't attractive, just that it has not historically proven a good investment.

If you're trying to sell the set, your best bet is to do so on eBay; however, the intact set usually won't sell. Instead, you often do better selling each medal -- or silver "round", as they're often called -- individually. The most appealing designs will go fastest and for the best money, but it will take several repeat offers to get most (or all of them) sold. This set would likely get better interest than some because it wasn't as badly over-subscribed than most FM sets and Judaica is popular. If you were to market them on eBay, be sure to list them under both exonumia and Judaica.

If you're trying to evaluate it for insurance purposes, then start with the set's melt value.

Shipcoin

May be later, when I'll come home I'll send you some reference, concerning that topic---the only thing I have at home is the name and the authour of some book or paper, which was written in USA some years ago, and should include the info you need. So, please remind me to do it


... and welcome to the Forum, Jasbucks!

jasbucks

Thanks Askari & shipcoin for the welcome AND the info. Unfortunately, the "melt value of Bronze" would probably be less than the postage or freight cost! LOL

Shipcoin

Here what I have promised: David Paszamant "Jews and Jewish subjects of Coins and Currency" The Numismatist for April 1985 et seq.

Hope it will help

Askari

LOL! Sorry, it was late and the fact that it was bronze was something my tired brain forgot. Actually, bronze sets will do better than melt. (Go figure.) Sometimes bronze looks more attractive for medals. You might estimate the value for bronze at 25-50% the silver melt value. Since this one is a rarer set and Judaica, you would probably get more toward the higher end of that range.

jasbucks

24-50% of Silver melt value 1 medal at a time Ebay look under "exonumia" I've never heard that term..gonna have to look that one up!

Thanks

Askari

Exonumia is stuff that looks like money but ain't.