Ive had this coin for a long time now and still dont know much about it, i know its gold and assuming its couple hundred years old, correct me if Im wrong, Spain? any info would help, and I would love to know what its worth
DiamondJim, You described your coin as "really ancient gold coin" .... IMHO the proper description would be " a Spanish Colonial Cob" or "New World Cob". These coins were first struck in about 1628 in what is now known as Colombia (Bogota). They were also minted in Mexico, Peru and yes, Spain. It's hard to tell where your cob was minted but it would be either Columbia, Mexico or Spain. The Peru mint (Lima) has a Jerusalem Cross with Lions and castles. Your Cob's Jerusalem cross is accented with fleurs-de-lis which indicate Colombia (Bogota), Mexico or Spain. I would need to see a photo of the obverse (the Cross side is the reverse) to attempt to properly attribute it to Columbia, Mexico, or Spain. As a jewelry piece your coin is most likely a 1 Escudos (should weigh approx. 3.3 grams) or a 2 escudo ( weigh approx. 6.7 grams).
Like I said I dont know what kinda coin this is, but your input has helped me allot, thanks its got a 14k gold plaq or bezel that covers the back, i never opened it, ive never seen the back
There is no way to tell what it is worth because we can't tell if it is even genuine or not. The odds are good that it is a modern reproduction. It may not even be gold. To find out the value you would first have to have the item examined in person by someone who knows these coins quite well. The bezel would have to be removed, the coin weighed and both sides carefully examined. Then, if it is genuine, it would be possible to approximate a value. But, even if it is genuine, that value would be reduced greatly because the coin has been made into jewelry.
If I owned this "piece of jewelry", I would as try to get it authenticated as GDJMSP explained, if for nothing else but self satisfaction that it was a genuine "GOLD" coin, over 375 years old; otherwise it would be nothing special so why wear it ... you just as soon wear a rock painted gold. If it is genuine.... the worth ..... $200-$500 ??? (My guess with a lot of variables but the fact that has been in a bezel and most likely cleaned/polished will significantly reduce its numismatic value)
