Hi I've been trying to find out some information on a coin I found but having some trouble locating that info. I've added pics of the coin......my problem is that while I can find info that I believe is related to the coin, the images provided does not correspond. All images found have the figure head on the coin while the one I have shows a coat of arms. I'm curious to know what the value of this coin is. Appreciate any info given. Thanks
I don't see anything right off that makes me think it is counterfeit, but I do want to check the mint mark in my books to be sure. And that reverse is sure pretty beat up. This is the normal design for that date. The portrait type did not start until 1772. Value would normally be about about $250 because of the condition, but the Guatemala mint mark may increase that. Again I have to check when I get home.
The crowns on the two columns look kinda odd (aren't they supposed to differ?), beside shouldn't it be (8 R) instead of (8 P)? And the two globes are virtually undistinguishable. However, you're the expert on these.. Take Care Ben
Bonedigger, Guatemala never did change the left crown to the imperial type, so that is OK. Also, the P is the assayer, which for this coin would be correct in 1762. Also, the Guatemala issues were commonly more crudely designed than the other mints, the reverse globes being less distinguishable than normal. As usual it would be informative to see the edge devices.
Every design detail I can see is correct. And this is the more scarce variety for the date, the capitals have the abacus, and Gilboy rates this variety as R, 50 - 100 pieces extant. Given that I would say that value of this coin (to a collector who knows enough about them to identify the variety) would probably be about $350 - $400, even given its beat up condition, the reverse has a lot of hits.
Hi, were exactly is the mint mark? I have almost the same coin but instead of the 8P there is a 8M and both m's are in a column and mine also is 1761 1 year earlier then OmegaSupreme's
The mint mark is the 'G' that flanks the date on either side. Your coin must have an M with a circle above it in that same position (Mexico City mint) beacause the MM you describe in the field are the initials of the assayers for that mint in 1761. There are many varieties for this date, if you post the picture here someone may be able to determine the one you have.
Thanks for the info guys :smile Yeah it's kinda beat up........was digging a large hole in my back yard and came up on it......seems like it' been there for ages as there was very old broken pottery in the same spot......digged another 6 feet but nothing more found.
That's a very cool find, Omega. If you don't have a metal detector you should consider getting one. There may be many other old coins buried in your area.
I'v been seriously considering getting one. Pretty sure some Pirate or another left some stash on this island I live on LOL.
As other have pointed out, your coin seems to be a Guatemala Mint 8 Reales coin. A very desirable type coin for collectors of Spanish American coins, and, generally speaking, quite a bit more scarce than 8 reales from the Mexico City and Lima mints. Excellent find!
While your digging, be careful and you might come upon one of the Rum bottles from the 1700's or earlier (I can't remember what the name of the Rum was)! The bottle is black and has a seal impressed into the side just below the neck. Some of these in perfect condition, are worth more than some of the coins you might find. Also, there are some very large (4 or 5 gallon sized) clear blue/green bottles that were used by Rum runners in the 1800's that are worth a lot as well. You might try to find out where some of the drinking establishments were on the Island in the 1700's and 1800's and if you can locate their' trash pits, you might hit the jackpot in old bottles. Frank
I just noticed your location, I would think there might be plenty of interesting coins buried there. Settled by the French since the early 1700's. I wonder if they would let you detect around Ft. Charlotte.
