Pardon the reach here. I know that the only thing ancient about this coin of barely over 200 years is the name of the board that it is posted in. I simply have not had much success in my couple of forays into the World coin board. That and I know that some of you herein have dealt with similar problems. So here is the 411. I am a fan of Napoleon. The lil rockstar general has that "jena se qua" about him that makes his exploits fun to my mind to ponder over. Oh, yes. And he was a winner. Despite, maybe, being remember for one of the greatest military blunders of all time in Waterloo, the man found ways to win. Using innovation, grit and sometimes just showing that he had 2 cannonballs between his legs that must've been a real burden to his poor horses. There is certainly something that draws us to people that defy odds and find ways to win. All that said, I bought this wonderful "coin" of his that always shows a magnificent reverse and sometimes boasts a very fun Portrait on the obverse and sometimes a cartoonish one. Such was his renown that despite the coin being a celebration of his capture (handing himself over) to the British Captain Maitland on 7/15/1815, it is still Napoleon and not the Capt who's face adorns the obverse! My issue, I don't know which one I have! Nor if I will even be able to see it. It has been attached to this small box that since I don't wear makeup nor do cocaine I have no use for. So, one way or the other, I am busting Napoleon off of the island! As you can see by the pics the coin was fit perfectly on top of the box. The coin is naturally bronze, but to match the box it has been covered in silver (some of which has worn away). At first I thought of trying to pry it off. Though this could damage the coin. Then I thought of baking it in hopes that it is glued on or that the silvering is what is holding the coin in place. I do have a mini blow torch for making crème brulee. I have thought of using this if it was saudered on. As well, there is the fear that it was wielded on and that the portrait is already ruined and that I will have completely ruined any beauty that was left on this historically massively important coin. I suppose I could try a jeweler? What are all your thoughts? Any help is appreciated. And please post any coins that you have freed from jewelry or anything you deem relevant or helpful!
What is the white on the inside? I would try to get through that first, and identify the Obv. The definition in CNG says that these are AR. Is that solid silver or does it mean it can be plated?
The white is some kind of plastic. I don't believe the portrait is under it though. The coin doesn't appear to be that thick. I believe there to be a layer of metal in-between the white and the coin. I have not seen any of these coins in silver. The coin itself was not plated silver until it was added to this box. Thanks for the thoughts
Tap the metal around the coin with a small hammer. Turn the case while you do it. But do it gently. Might knock it out of place.
Gotcha I was looking at this medal, But I see that it was made in bronze also but with a different portrait obv. https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=187983#
The box may be period and have a value with the coin attached. It may have been owned by someone involved in incident. I would leave it be.
I would agree. Taking the coin off would probably just destroy the coin and the box. Why not just find another coin? They've got to be out there.
