1845A Austria 20kr KM2208 Ferdinand I Older silver coin with a reeded edge. This coin has been in my old Europe box a long time , more then 10 years. I acquired this coin from a now defunct auction board. The coin was presented as a choice BU example. I laughed at the grade and put a bid in near melt and won it as the only bidder , I was buying it as silver. This coin was the victim of some harsh chemical cleaning it was real bright and hairlines were easy to see at an angle white residue was easy to see. The devices even though the coin is not mint state have a proof-like pseudo cameo effect like many Austrian coins seem to exhibit. The coin has remained stable more then a decade after its very diluted baking soda bath then distilled water rinse and subsequent acetone soak. No signs of any residue of the original cleaning the coin endured and the surfaces are re-toning nicely. There are still hairlines visible though they are far less prominent and not easy to see now. It will always be a common , cleaned coin but it seems to fit in with my collection well. I collect what I like even a 5 buck coin has a certain appeal sometimes.
I'm always amazed at the cool 19th century coins you can pick up cheaply. Very cool and I'm glad you like it. I'm not a big fan of Austrian coins but I do like their eagle and I do like old.
