Hi, I've been trying to find info on the attached coin. I've seen a few coins on line that look similar with St George killing a dragon on one side and Christ on a boat with desciples caught in a tempest. I can't be sure, but it looks like this coin might be made of gold. Any ideas. Thanks, brack
Sorry, forgot my manners before - Welcome to the Forum !! It appears to be a counterfeit made of brass. It is supposed to be a half ducat issued in Hungary - 1600-1800. The legends should read - S:GEORGIUS . EQVIT . PATRON . - IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS It was struck in gold, 1.72g, .986 Gold, .0555oz AGW, 17mm - Fr 119a This is the geuine coin -
As an aside, the St George design has been used on good luck charms in Europe for centuries (usually the legend reads `Patronus' instead of `Patron.') and particularly by mariners. A bit like our equivalent to a St Christopher charm. Here's one of the more common (slivered brass) fobs that turn up on ebay / flea markets etc..... I also have a very old leather finger purse which has one the same size incorporated into it as a lid. I suspect it and the purse to have been made circa 1600's but i'm not sure. However, the `charm' factor has been around for quite some time. Ian
