There’s a Fine History Link, but Little Collector Value
Question: I am not a coin collector, but I do enjoy the dissertations in your column and would appreciate your comments on the history of two coins that I recently acquired. In Greece, I purchased a pair of cuff links made out of 15th-Century Venetian ducats. I know that you do not approve of converting coins into jewelry, but remember I am not a coin collector. The two coins are identical and are warranted to be made of pure gold. Can you tell me anything about the history of these coins? Shouldn’t they have become worn or show signs of wear? I am not unaware of the fact that they may be gold reproductions and of recent origin.--J.W.F.
Answer: You may not be a collector, but you have pretty good instincts. In this case, however, whether your coins are genuine may not be of great importance as long as you did not overpay for your cuff links. The reason is that the Venetian ducat is a venerable coin that does not usually have great collector value. Many copies and counterfeits exist. To find out if your coins are genuine, show them to a dealer who specializes in ancient gold numismatics.
However, the story of the ducat is quite interesting and collecting them by doge (chief magistrate) pictured on the coinage could be quite a challenge. The ducat was first introduced in the Republic of Venice in 1284. It’s a gold coin weighing 3.5 grams of almost 100% purity (.986-.989 fine). The coin was struck with only minor variations continuously through six centuries. It became the standard gold coin throughout Europe and was imitated throughout Europe in fineness and weight, becoming one of the most successful trade coins in history.
The first ducat was coined by the doge Giovanni Dandolo (who ruled 1280-1889), showing his likeness on the obverse. Succeeding doges followed suit, placing their names on the obverse.
Coins were not dated, but they can be traced historically. Ducats continued to be produced even after the state of Venice fell to the French in 1797.
The Austrians changed the design in 1819, but this ended in 1866 when Venice joined the new kingdom of Italy. Austria, however, minted ducats in other parts of its empire until after the start of World War I.
That’s a lot of history for a pair of cuff links.
Q: I have a copper coin from Portugal dated 1892 and marked 20 reis. Is it valuable?--C.B.
A: Even though Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, it didn’t have much positive effect in 1892 as far as your coin is concerned. It’s worth about 25 cents.
Q: Enclosed is a rubbing of the face and back of an error cent. The press apparently missed the copper and also flattened the coin a bit. Would this be of any value?--G.A.G.
A: Your double-impression cent is indeed caused by a minting malfunction. However, this occurs more often than you might imagine. There are collectors who specialize in errors. In fact, there are even error clubs. The particular error coin you have retails for about $1.75.
Q: Kindly estimate the value of two gold coins, each about the size of a 5-cent piece. On the face of one is the bust of a crowned woman surrounded by the lettering: VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID IND IMP. The other coins is an 1897 20 korona. The opposite side shows a standing crowned man with the words: Frencz Josef I.--J.H.W.
A: Your coins, British and Hungarian, are essentially bullion pieces and worth about $120 each.
Q: I would like to know if I can get on a mailing list to order coins from the Mint. I would also like to know where I can write for information on the new United States bullion coins. And finally, where can I get uncirculated rolls of 1986 coins? My bank does not carry full uncirculated rolls.--O.J.Z.
A: Write to the United States Mint, P.O. Box 13627, Philadelphia, Pa. 19101-3627 or call the Mint’s customer service center in Lanham, Md., at (301) 436-7400, and ask for an official order form. As for 1986 rolls, check with other banks or local coin dealers. Some people like to put uncirculated rolls away in anticipation that they will eventually appreciate in value. Remember, however, that these rolls do not pay interest.
Q: I have several bills and wonder if they are worth more than face value. All are national currency dated 1929. The seals are brown rather than today’s green. The $5 bills have on the left side: Security First National Bank of Los Angeles; and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The $10 bills: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Fergus Falls National Bank and Trust; and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. All bills have large numbers or letters on the edges and are signed in the four corners. Can you help me? --I.H.
A: Your national bank notes are mostly from large cities and banks. If they are crisp and uncirculated, they do, indeed, have some collector value. If they are creased, folded or otherwise worn, chances are they have no premium. Take them to a dealer for an evaluation.
Q: Can you put me in touch with a group that specializes in collecting streetcar tokens?--R.C.W.
A: I don’t know of a group that just concentrates on streetcar tokens, a rather limited field, although there are token clubs and medal clubs and other such organizations. Since you live in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., start with a local coin club or a local dealer so you can be put in touch with the right people.
Q: I recently found a $5 United States note among some papers. It’s dated 1963, signed Granahan-Dillon and has a red seal. The red seal is what roused my interest. Any comments?--V.D.L.
A: The red seal does not increase the value of your bill. It’s just worth $5.
Coin News
A limited-edition, five-ounce silver commemorative (pictured) has been struck, honoring the exhibition of “Treasures of Hungary: Gold and Silver From the 9th to the 19th Century” at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art through Feb. 1. The 2 1/2-inch commemorative of only 1,000 proofs was struck at the Budapest Mint. Proceeds will be contributed to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Hungarian National Museum. The obverse features a 15th-Century silver-gilt chalice. The reverse features a tablet made in 1556 depicting a goldsmith at work. Santa Barbara coin dealers Ronald J. Gillio and Dennis Gillio have made a grant to the museum enabling it to waive admission during the holiday season. “The Treasure of Hungary” commemorative is available for $145 (plus 6 1/2% sales tax) from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Department M, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara, Calif. 93101; or Ronald J. Gillio Inc., 1013 State St., Santa Barbara, Calif. 93101.
Superior Stamp and Coin Co., one of the major forces in numismatics, has moved from its Wilshire Boulevard location in Beverly Hills to new quarters at 9478 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. Superior describes the new site as a high-security brick building containing about 21,000 square feet of space. Special lighting, air conditioning and closed-circuit video have been installed to secure both the premises and material, including coins, stamps, antiquities and jewelry.
Don Alpert cannot answer mail personally but will respond to numismatic questions of general interest in this column. Do not telephone. Write to Your Coins, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.