I am not even sure I am in the correct forum but I would appreciate your help. I was recently married in Siena, Italy and we were awarded two beautiful coins by the Mayor who married us. He tried to explain to us in broken English that these were very precious coins to Siena and that we were privalidged to be given them. These coins were produced during the height of Sienese power (1496-1514 AD)and are in mint condition. He said that there were many fakes out there but these were the real deal and could only be obtained by gift through the Comune Di Siena (City Council). I have a little card that came with them that says "Comune Di Siena, Palazzo Repubblico" (which was where we married) and then on the back it says "Il Sanese d'argento a. 1496-1514". Any idea about the history of these coins or their value? I would very much like to insure them as they mean a great deal to my wife and I. Thank you so much for your help with this. I hope you find it interesting.
, both to CoinTalk and to the blissful state of marriage Scott. May you and your Beautiful Bride have as much joy over the next half-century as my own BB and I have had in the last one. Given the information on the card, and the pristine state of the coins, I would guess that they are modern restrikes of silver coins which circulated at the turn of the 16th Century. There are no general references for pre-17th Century coins, as the Krause Standard Catalogs only go back to 1601; so information on the original coins may or may not exist in specialized English-language books, although there are undoubtedly Italian references with information. (I got only Italian websites with a Google search. ) It is not uncommon for modern governments to produce copies of historically significant coinage.
Thank you very much for your kind words. I was informed that these were actually authentic originals in which they only give away a set to people who make a decent "donation" to the comune. I am very curious now that you have brought up this other issue. Thank you for your help. Do you have any advice as to how I could continue? What does the information on the back tell you to lead you to believe that these are restrikes?
It's not the information on the label, it's the fact that if there really were a significant number of uncirculated original coins from that period, it would be well known in numismatic circles. Also, the appearance of the coins themselves are not what one would expect from coins of that time period. They are too regular and well centered, giving the appearance of machine struck coins. The typical coin of that period was produced by placing an individual planchet on top of an anvil-mounted die, placing a "hammer" die on top, and striking it with a large hammer. "Hammered" and "milled" coins just don't have the same look about them. Of course, we must bear in mind that since politicians never exaggerate or mis-state any facts*, these must actually be originals from a secret hoard. :thumb: Interestingly, the Wikipedia article on Sienna includes a picture of a similar 12th Century coin, but makes no mention of an uncirculated 16th Century pristine hoard in the possession of the modern city fathers. * If you believe that, please contact me off-forum about a very nice bridge I have for sale (cheap) in Brooklyn.
Ah ok. As I am a complete know nothing about coins you have explained it very well to me. The coins dont look too precise when I look at them now. They are actuall quite uneven in thickness and the edges are pretty rough and imperfect. But as you say, people would know about them if there were a heap around. As for value, you dont think they would be insured for much? I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with this matter.
The only reference I can find on your coin is this German website http://www.muenzauktion.com/siee/it...UR&PHPSESSID=b4c67a708b85c499a5427e4d5c6620e5 that is selling a copper one with the same large "S" and identical inscription for 60 Euros or $77.56. Unfortunately,they have no photo of it.If yours is authentic and, like Roy,I suspect it is a reproduction,based on appearance,it would surely be worth several times that amount and I would insure it for $300-$400. You might submit the photo to a reputable dealer in medieval coins like Guy Clark. gclark32@cox.net http://www.ancient-art.com/
