Hi guys, sorry for the NooB question, but I have an 8th Century gold Umayyad dinar. Do the TPG's grade and slab coins this old? Does it make sense to send it to NGC, for example, to be slabbed? And if it comes back with a grade, are there any lists or guidebooks online or in print that would have market values for this type of coin? Thank you, G
Most collectors and dealers knowledgeable about coins of this type and era prefer them not to be slabbed.
Normally, I merely dislike slabs. But in this case, I beg you DO NOT SUBMIT THIS! I have seen both major tpgs utterly butcher the coin descriptions. At best, they read the dates wrong. At worst, you'll get something on the slab like "Islam king dinar." Post images here. I'll happily ID it for you.
OP, just for your education, Bill is a professional at this, and he is giving you an extremely generous offer. I would take him up on it. As to price lists, not really. Once its identified, I would maybe check out Steve Album's website and try to find similar for sale or sold. He is the preeminent dealer in this material in the US.
Thanks, Bill. Here are pictures and description. 8th Century Gold Dinar Supposedly Umayyad, Sulayman caliphate, claimed as 96AH (714 AD?) Grade claimed as XF weighs 4.22g, measures 20mm in diameter The coin is not as grainy as these pictures make it seem
Umayyad Caliphate. temp. al-Walid. Unsigned (Dimashq [Damascus]) mint. Dated AH 96 (AD 714/5). Album 127. While Sulayman actually succeeded al-Walid in late 96, coins of this year are traditionally ascribed to the earlier ruler.
Thank you, Bill. I'm looking in Steve Album's price lists and not seeing anything Umayyad. Is it OK to ask here about a range of value for this type of coin? Or is that question reserved for PM, other subforums, etc? Thanks
I can't really evaluate the grade from your photo, but if the surfaces are as you say, then it should be worth around $750-850.
Thank you, Bill. If I ever decide to part with it, is there a forum that caters to these types of coins, or where would be the best place to list it? By the way, what does "Album 127" in your description of this coin mean? Thank you for your insights
Oops, pics got deleted. Here they are again. I figured out the Album 127 thing, it seems to refer to Lane-Poole's resource. Thanks!
Sorry I didn't respond sooner! Lane-Poole's catalog of Arabic coins in the British Museum is an important reference, but very out of date. "Album 127" refers to entry 127 in Steven Album's Checklist of Islamic Coins, the standard basic reference for this series. I can't really say where the best place to sell it is. It's not worth enough to consign to a major auction firm and worth too much for ebay. Yet, a dealer probably won't offer you as much as it *could* bring in auction.
