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 Replies: 16 / Views: 3,872 |
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New Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Hi - my father gave me this beautiful coin a few years ago. Apparently his mother (born 1902) gave it to him in the early 80s with the words, "Is this any good?" As you can see, at some stage in its long life it had something soldered onto it. Perhaps it was made into a broach, and this was a hinge? As I see only 8000 of these were minted, I post it in the hope it is of interest.   |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4227 Posts |
What a gorgeous coin. Too bad about the attachment though. Is the edge plain or is there writing?
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New Member
 United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Hi - thanks for your reply. There is wording around the edge. In gothic script: 'decus et tutamen anno regni undecimo' - the last word is a guess - I find the gothic script a little awkward
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
695 Posts |
I believe that 1847 was the first year in which the Gothic Crown was issued. The generally accepted translation of 'Decus et Tutamen' is 'An Ornament and a Safeguard'. Followed by anno regni - the regnal year of issue.
A great pity that it was damaged by the attachment as it is a very fine coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2233 Posts |
Jewelry on coins =  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2490 Posts |
If it had to be damaged, at least it was on the obverse.
For me, that reverse is absolutely stunning, and your example with the rich dark oxidation is beautiful.
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
Love that bust of Victoria. And the germanic script.
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
A fine-tip soldering iron and a solder sucker would probably clean that up nicely, btw. Still a silver spot, most likely, but readable at least.
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New Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Thanks for this advice Moe Tate. I have wondered what to do - whether an attempt to make it better would only damage the coin further. I took it to a High Street jeweller, who advised that the attachment could be removed, but that the coin is irretrievably damaged.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
109 Posts |
I would definitely get the attachment removed. It will sell for a pretty penny in any case, but it would be more desirable without the attachment. Damage is inevitable but if you take it to a decent jewelers, they should be able to limit this...
Hard to put an estimate on damaged coins but I've seen similar 'damaged' gothic florins sell for around £300-500
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
109 Posts |
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New Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Thanks Beeston1990 for this advice. The thing is, I'm not interested in selling this coin: it's worth more to be as simply something that's been in my family for generations (I have assumed my grandmother acquired it from her mother, although the brooch (if that is what it was) does not appear in any photographs.)
It can be seen that on the rim opposite the attachment is further damage - discolouration and minor chips to the rim. Presumably this damage was caused at the same time.
Further to your advice I think I will see to having the attachment removed, if only for the aesthetic improvement. I don't know if a High Street jeweller would be the best place to go, and would welcome any suggestions. Thanks.
Edited by John Samuel
08/30/2015 09:29 am
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
It will be silver solder, jeweler probably best bet.
Gorgeous coin, now I'm jealous. ;)
Mintage 8,000, according to my book.
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New Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
MoeTate - thanks for this suggestion. I have already taken on board your earlier advice about a fine-tip soldering iron and a solder sucker (although I confess I'm not familiar with these terms! I shall pass your thoughts to the jeweller.)
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
 It's just a tube w/ a spring loaded plunger, creates a vacuum when triggered. Small hole in tip sucks up molten solder. Hence, solder sucker. |
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New Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Thanks for that. We live and learn! I am still concerned that a jeweller might ruin the beautiful patina. It would be prudent, I think and on reflection, to leave the coin as it is (at least for now).
Thanks again to all who gave advice. Much appreciated.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,872 |
Posted 08/21/2015 3:13 pm
