Hi guys, I've just bought two new coins, the first really caught my eye because it looked so strange, but I've been having trouble finding out more about it. From what I've been able to find out (by using Google translate and some Google searches) is that it's commemorating 25 years of service for a Polish company called 'Kieleckiego Przedsiebiorstwa Budownictwa Miejskiego' or KPBM (their logo is the gear, pyramid and lightning bolt on the coin) but I can't find a company website or anymore information about the company, other than it seemed to be an urban construction company with some hints showing that it's now defunct. It's quite big - it's 7.7 centimetres wide and about 5 millimetres thick and made of aluminium with a flat edge. I did find a picture of a similar medallion here: http://medal.com.pl/2013/05/23/25-lat-w-sluzbie-ziemi-kieleckiej-medal-etui/ although mine lacks the date on that one, and the leather-style holster. I also found what looks like another similar medallion here on an old auction listing: http://archiwumallegro.pl/25_lat_w_sluzbie_ziemi_kieleckiej-1050186107.html Here's a scan of both sides: I know that it's probably not worth anything, but it'd be great to find out some more about this strange coin if anyone could help out! The next is a very, very worn 1874 one penny, but what caught my eye was the engraving on it. Here's a scan of both sides: Again, I know that it's probably not worth much, but does it have any particular value, other than just a curiosity? This has also been the second engraved coin I've came across (I have a Ulster Volunteer Force stamped two-shilling coin), the oldest and what looks like the most professionally engraved too. I've heard of American hobo quarters, but is this style of engraving on coins from his era at all common? Also, does the date of 'Easter 1905' have any special meaning? I do have the feeling that it might have been an apprentice engravers practise piece though! Thank you very much for your time!
Cannot help you much here, but the first word in that name refers to Kielce, a Polish city: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kielce http://andrzejp.kielce.com.pl/KIELCE/teraza.html (from 2000, mentions KPBM) The company name translates to something like "Kielce Municipal Construction Company". And yes, this entry http://www.krs-online.com.pl/kieleckie-przedsiebiorstwo-budownictwa-krs-234733.html suggests that the company does not exist any more ... Christian
As mentioned, employer medal. About 75mm in diameter. Here are a few attempts at selling one like it. No takers at $10 (29,99zł), no takers at $6 (18 - 20zł), no takers at $4 (12zł) and no takers at $3 (9zł). http://archiwumallegro.pl/search/24302946-25-lat-w-sluzbie-ziemi-kieleckiej.html Sorry, one sold at $10 in 2009... http://archiwumallegro.pl/25_lat_w_sluzbie_ziemi_kieleckiej_bcm-602143486.html
One more detail, since the medal commemorates 25 years, that means the links provided above do not apply to the same KPBM, since it only existed from 1993. The existence can be divided into a Communist one and a Third Polish Republic one. A lot of coinage during the communist years, was minted in aluminum. Your medal was most likely minted in 1973, to commemorate the 25 years of KPBM, 1948 - 1973. Here is a pin that appears to do the same. http://archiwumallegro.pl/w_sluzbie_ziemi_kieleckiejxxv_lat_kpbm_194873-788180381.html
What's the date of your UVF coin Dr. ? These coins are generally counterstamped, not engraved. Some of the Irish political pieces are worth a bit but the UVF stamps are the most common. About 25 to 30% of all political stamps are UVFs. It might be worth a couple of dollars though. Sorry, I don't know anything about your "Easter" coin. Bruce
Thank you very much for the info and valuation! I knew that it was never going to be worth much - I bought it at a car-boot sale for £1 and it was worth that to me! It's a 1959 Two Shilling piece. I found it whilst helping my mate move into his new house - It was left with a few other common other coins in a bag in his new shed with a load of old swimming trophies, a nice find! I've scanned it and put an image below:
Thanks for the picture of your UVF. This one has the most common placement for the initials, on the salmon. Most political slogans on Irish coins are stamped on the figure of the animal or fish. Very few deface the harp. I suppose the reason is that it's a national symbol of Ireland so most leave it intact. The Loyalist slogans such as yours are nearly always on Irish coins while Nationalist stamps are most often seen on UK coins and deface the King or Queen. Bruce
