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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,144 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Greetings,
I am new to this forum, and I would like some input on a coin that I found recently. The coin that I found is what I believe to be a 1736 Spanish Doubloon. This coin was found in Southern Louisiana "Dulac". Coin was found while removing a cyprus stump. The coin was buried about 5 feet in the ground. I will try to post a picture of the coin as soon as I can. This particular coin is silverish in color, and all the markings are pretty clear. My question is what is this coin worth? how common are they? etc... Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1454 Posts |
Wow! Yeh, would love to see a picture of that.
Welcome to the forums by the way. There are plenty of knowledgeable people here that can help. Pictures are the most helpful however.
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Valued Member
United States
397 Posts |
The FIRST thing that came to MY mind is how many more are buried 5 feet down in that area? Pirate Booty? MM  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
You may have a real treasure here. Due to the location, I would say possibly from a Spanish shipwreck in the Louisiana Bayou as there are documented cases ofcourse. We definitely need a pic. Do your best. A scan will do if that's all you might have...a digital pic is preferred though.
It could very well be "pirate booty" but, many a Spanish ship lost it's way in the Bayou back then. This thread could get very interesting.
There are replicas but, 5 feet deep in the swamp? Doubt it!
Welcome to the CCF!
Edited by dsking
08/25/2006 10:51 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1626 Posts |
Yea, I would love to see a picture of that. If it were me, I would be doing a lot more digging...lol
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
I have done some more looking, but found nothing. I can honestly say that the area in which this coin was found is very isolated. This coin is very cool, I will try to post a picture by tommorrow. Thanks for all the feedback. Just curious, if this coin is authentic, and in decent shape, what would it be worth? I personnally live in Pensacola FL, and have heard of Spanish coins being found locally for as long as I can remember, but none were as old as this one.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
I can tell that you're looking for a "value" answer. A LOT depends upon it's condition. You could be looking at a few dollars, a few hundred or ? I suggest that you do a little research into the history of the Dulac area, specifically for Spanish shipwrecks, skirmishes and yes, even Pirated areas. You may find clues - you may not.
There are certainly some very well informed folks on this forum that will chime in on this one for you. Try to be patient - we all know how you feel - anxious for one!
Ahaaaa! SAP is THE member in particular that I was thinking would see this and offer his extreme knowledge!!!!!!!! I didn't quite read all of his post but, just in case he didn't mention it - authentication!
Enjoy!
Edited by dsking
08/25/2006 11:29 pm
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Moderator
 Australia
16836 Posts |
A minor correction: "Doubloons" were the common name given to Spanish gold coins. If it's "silverish in colour", then it's more likely to be a "piece of eight", or fraction thereof. By 1736, the Spanish-Mexican mints had switched to the "pillars and globes" design; Peruvian silver was still in rough "cob" form. Does it look like these coins or these coins? For a guesstimate of value, we'd need to know the details of the design (what you can read of the inscriptions, mintmarks and so on - a picture would be most helpful here) and the size of the coin - Spanish coins all had similar designs, with the size and/or weight determining the coin's value. What are the laws in the US regarding found treasure? Are you allowed to "just keep it"? if so, be thankful you don't live in the UK or Europe, where "treasure trove" laws often apply. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Well, I have never been what I would call a coin collector, but this little find has me so curious that I may be doing a lot more of this in the future. I am sure that my wife will be pleased to know that I am taking up a new hobby. Pics tommorrow!!
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Sap,
The coin doesn't resemble any of the pictures that you provided. If there is a good site where I can compare what this coin to others I would love to check it out. I am getting some enlarged photos done by my brother, and will post later.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
Jeffro: How close to "Last Island" did you find this little gem? The reason that I'm asking is because of the hurricane of 1856 that oddly buried the resort community 5 feet under water. Just an odd coincidence - maybe - maybe not. I know that the year is off but, who knows. Just a thought and some quick research of the area.
Hopefully, your wife will understand! You don't have to be a coin collector, per se, to enjoy the history behind a coin!
We'll all be anxiously awaiting the pic tomorrow! Thanks!
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Doing a little research, will get back to you asap.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
577 Posts |
Could you do some metal detecting in the area? Thats a great find! I know the coin was probably dirty from being buried so deep, but try not to use any extreme cleaning measures, probably stick to gentle soap and water.
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Moderator
Australia
16836 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by jeffro
The coin doesn't resemble any of the pictures that you provided. If there is a good site where I can compare what this coin to others I would love to check it out. I am getting some enlarged photos done by my brother, and will post later.
Well, I just googled "pillar dollar" and "piece of eight" to find those sites. Try it yourself and see; you'll also likely find a few items being offered on ebay; if you find a match, that might give you an idea of value. But if it doesn't look at all like anything you find there, it might not be Spanish. French is one possibility that comes to mind, given your location. Portuguese/Brazilian is another, more remote possibility. Still, Spanish/Colonial is by far the most likely type. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,144 |
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Posted 08/25/2006 10:46 pm
