Hello! I have 2 gold coins that were found on a beach in England that I was hoping to have identified. I know that one is a Spanish cob but I can't find any information on the other. There is also some damage on both and I'm wondering how that will affect their value. The Spanish cob has some grit on it that most likely comes from other metals and sand that were touching it. Some of it came off easily and the gold underneath was not damaged. I do not want to attempt to clean it myself in case I scratch the coin in the process. Is this something a jeweler or coin dealer can do? Does anyone have any information on this particular coin? I cannot find any information on the other other coin except for this one photo of it online: http://www.allposters.co.uk/gallery...h=&f=t&FindID=0&P=1&PP=1&sortby=PD&c=c&page=1 All I know is that it has the Medici coat of arms on it (so possibly Italian??) It also has a small crack in the center. It has a diameter of 23mm. Any information would be very much appreciated. Also, any advice on how to sell gold coins, who to trust, etc. would be helpful. Thanks in advance!
The first of your coins is 2 escudo minted under Phillip II 1556-1598 of Spain at the Seville mint. It is most likely from the first 10 years of his reign as those coins were not dated and the later issues were. Value will be largely dependant on the damage done to the coin, but it is among the most common of the type and will vary from $600 - $1000. The second coin is a gold ducat issued by Pope Leo X 1513-1521. The condition appears to be excellent and the value could be several thousand dollars. Of course all of this is assuming the coins are genuine. As to how to sell them, with you being in Great Britain I can't offer much help on that score other than to try and put you in contact with a dealer on the continent. But we have member here, De Orc, who also lives in England and knows coins. Perhaps he could be of assistance in that regard. edit - do not try to clean or do anything to these coins. Just leave them alone !
