Help me ID these coins: 1 British(?) and 1 in Arabic(?) (w/ pics)

digicat

My father-in-law handed a box of old coins and asked me to figure out what he had. He got them from his dad.

Most of the coins were old US coins that I was able to identify, but these two I'm not sure. Can anyone ID these for me?

This one is a British coin (I guess) with a date of 1865. It's roughly the size of a US dime.




This other coin is a little smaller than a US half-dollar, but I can't read it, and the writing on it looks like Arabic writing.

mnemtsas2

First one appears to be a half sovereign. It's 22 carat gold and contains 0.1177 of an ounce of AU.

Second one is a Turkish 10 para coin. Looks like AH1255 year 19 which puts it in 1858 or 1859 I believe.

digicat

Thanks!

Would the damage and wear on the half sovereign cap it's value to melt only?

mnemtsas2

<< <i>Thanks!

Would the damage and wear on the half sovereign cap it's value to melt only? >>



Yes, I believe so.

digicat

I notice that in the dented/gouged part of the coin, a gray-ish metal is revealed. Is that how it's supposed to be, or should it be gold colored throughout?

mnemtsas2

It should be gold throughout. Could be a gilt copy. Put it on some scales (accurate to 0.1 of a gram at least).

digicat

<< <i>It should be gold throughout. Could be a gilt copy. Put it on some scales (accurate to 0.1 of a gram at least). >>



"gilt copy" means "fake", right?

mnemtsas2

<< <i>

<< <i>It should be gold throughout. Could be a gilt copy. Put it on some scales (accurate to 0.1 of a gram at least). >>



"gilt copy" means "fake", right? >>



Fake. Counterfeit. Copy. Replica. You choose.

ProofArtworkonCircs

<<I notice that in the dented/gouged part of the coin, a gray-ish metal is revealed. Is that how it's supposed to be, or should it be gold colored throughout?>>

Yes, but perhaps this is solder left over from its use in a piece of jewelry. It is just about Impossible to completely remove it.

I notice this coin has a coin rotation instead of a medal one. Was that normal for this date?

mnemtsas2

<< <i><<I notice that in the dented/gouged part of the coin, a gray-ish metal is revealed. Is that how it's supposed to be, or should it be gold colored throughout?>>

Yes, but perhaps this is solder left over from its use in a piece of jewelry. It is just about Impossible to completely remove it.

I notice this coin has a coin rotation instead of a medal one. Was that normal for this date? >>



That is a truly excellent suggestion!

My Spink shows this year was minted in coin orientation.

digicat

<< <i><<I notice that in the dented/gouged part of the coin, a gray-ish metal is revealed. Is that how it's supposed to be, or should it be gold colored throughout?>>

Yes, but perhaps this is solder left over from its use in a piece of jewelry. It is just about Impossible to completely remove it.
>>



Hmm. Any ideas on how I could go about trying to test this theory?


Edit to add:
I thoroughly inspected the coin with a jeweler's loupe, and think I'm leaning towards the jewelry idea.

The coin is heavily worn, and if it was gold plated or painted, it'd probably be showing through.

The damaged spot DOES look more like the remains of some soldering than an exposed core.

I found some pictures online of other small gold coins that were turned into jewelry and, and the damage looks similar.

ProofArtworkonCircs

The fact that the spot is on the top of the obverse is another clue that somebody wanted it right side up for jewelry. I have seen other gold coins that have a similar spot.

digicat

Given the damage and the discussion we've had over the gold half sovereign, would it be a smart move to get it slabbed and authenticated before trying to sell it?

AuroraRarities

<< <i>Given the damage and the discussion we've had over the gold half sovereign, would it be a smart move to get it slabbed and authenticated before trying to sell it? >>



I believe that level of rim damage would prevent it from receiving a grade (details only). If its value is limited to bullion, as was suggested earlier in the thread, dealers will generally not pay a premium for it being slabbed. So money spent on certification would not be recouped in that case.

Hope this helps.

digicat

<< <i>

<< <i>Given the damage and the discussion we've had over the gold half sovereign, would it be a smart move to get it slabbed and authenticated before trying to sell it? >>



I believe that level of rim damage would prevent it from receiving a grade (details only). If its value is limited to bullion, as was suggested earlier in the thread, dealers will generally not pay a premium for it being slabbed. So money spent on certification would not be recouped in that case.

Hope this helps. >>



When I try to sell this, do you think I'd have to deal with challenges to it's authenticity?

ProofArtworkonCircs

<<When I try to sell this, do you think I'd have to deal with challenges to it's authenticity?>>

No, the coin's weight should be enough proof to collect melt value for it.