Please Help: Mounted Ancient Silver Coin - ID? Restoration? Hi, I bought this silver coin from an old guy who used to travel a lot. I want to have a silversmith restore it, but I am not able to figure out where this coin is from, and what year it is. The coin is 30mm in diameter. Weight: I'm not sure, because of the big mounts. With the mounts it weighs about 16 grams. Could anybody ID this coin? Thanks. And, is it even worth saving? If yes, I will need to ID it, find a detailed picture of a good one, try to have the mounts removed and probably get the welded spots repaired so it looks like new, if possible. Suggestions will be appreciated.
I do not recognize the coin other than it appears to be from the middle east area. I hope some one more into these coins will come along. Often jewelers crafted ornaments such as these for sale to tourists, so it may end up being a copy or just a design. Also , even if authentic, it would be difficult to remove and repair( if possible) from the loop removal. I would not attempt that if possible. If I haven't previously welcomed you to the forum, welcome Jim
HI this is a india coin about 1790 http://www.australian-threepence.com/blog/2009/06/proclamation-coin-indian-rupee.html
Just an opinion: When the coin was mounted it was damaged to a point that most coin collectors would not want it, It became jewelry. If repaired as well as humanly possible it would then be damaged and repaired which would still be unwanted by most collectors. The mounts are attractive and old. Removing them would not increase the value of the coin and a good job by a good silversmith would not be cheap. Coins of this type were often used in jewelry and tells a tale of the culture of which they were a part. I'd leave it alone. If you want a coin with no mount, buy one.
Thanks for the replies. I have just bought a World Coins Catalog 1800-1900, and have found very similar Rupee coins in "Bengal Presidency" period in India. Please see scanned catalog page. The Rev side is almost the same (with the "19" and snowflake/flower mark). The Obv side are all different from mine, and I can't find the fish mark on any of the coins in the catalog. And it is difficult to determine the time period of the coin because they are not dated.
I have searched but can not find exact coin. your mint coin is murshidabad and i have found 1 site that its mints is murshidabad with fish struck but not fish like on your coin http://www.indiacoingallery.com/auc11j.htm
Thanks! We are getting closer. The one you found also has the "19" and flower mark on the Rev side. Only that the fish on the Obv side is different. See picture below. I like the fish on mine better......
I find this coin very interesting because of the double mounts. In India, holed coins were always double holed since when worn as a pendant they can ensure the side they wish to show is always facing. With a single hole, the coin could flip over when worn. I found it extremely interesting that they continue this practice with double mounts. I agree with above, the coin cannot really be returned to coin status, and the double mounts are very interesting. I would leave it and enjoy it the way it is. If you want a good copy of the same coin, buy one unimpaired.
