COINS AND CURRENCY

 (Click Picture for Enlargement)

If interested, ask about our layaway plan on items with a price in excess of $300. Also, check out our Gift Certificates for your friends who like Coins and Currency!

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the present volatile economic climate, prices of gold and/or silver coins are subject to change without notice.

TOKENS AND MEDALS

At various periods in US history, the mint was short of various metals due to expense, and private businesses resorted to coining tokens for advertising. These often were patterned after regular US coinage and could be redeemed at the store or pass for currency between parties.

1863 Civil War - Here are 3 tokens struck during the War Between the States in 1863. From left to right they are: John Schuh's Saloon 88 First Ave. New York. Patterned after Indian Head Cent but the size of an earlier Half Cent. $28 + shipping.   UNION FOR EVER, FIRST IN WAR FIRST IN PEACE. Cent size. $20 + shipping. WILSON'S 1 MEDAL, patterned after early American coinage. $26 + shipping. ALL 3 FOR $70 + SHIPPING.

1864 Civil War Tokens - Here are 3 tokens struck during the War Between the States in 1864. From left to right they are:   THE FEDERAL UNION MUST BE PRESERVED (cent size) $21 + shipping.   UNION FOR EVER. Patterned after gold dollar. $20 + shipping. COMPOSITIONS SPIEL MARKE. Patterned after and the size of earlier half dollar. Holed at 12:00. This last piece was most probably struck by a German metallurgist in Pennsylvania. $8 + shipping. ALL THREE FOR $45 +shipping. 

NOTE: A few of the following currency notes will show a yellow vertical line on left border. This is a scanner artifact, not to be seen in the note. 

Virginia State Treasury Note $1 1862 - Excellent condition with no tears, pinholes, or missing borders.   Dated July 21 1862. Ceres seated center. Bust of Governor John Letcher left. Engraved by Hoyer & Ludwig Richmond Virginia. Criswell #17. Hand-signed. Reverse blank. $45 + shipping.

Series 1862 $100 Confederate States Note - Excellent condition with no tears, holes or missing pieces.   All borders complete. Hand signed and dated Nov 24, 1862. Criswell # 315. Negroes hoeing cotton in center. Senator John C. Calhoun lower left, Columbia lower right. Engraved by Keatinge & Ball, Columbia, SC. These were interest-bearing notes. Reverse has 2 written entries showing interest was paid 1 January 1864 and 1 January 1865. $100 + shipping.

1934A United States Hawaii $20 Note (AU) - These were printed after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and intended only for circulation in the Hawaiian Islands.   There was concern the Japanese would invade Hawaii and capture these notes which would become demands on our Treasury. Brown Seal and stamped "HAWAII" both front and back. They could not be used anywhere else in US. This note is almost uncirculated in condition with complete borders and no pinholes, missing borders or other problems. Friedberg #2305. $160 + shipping.

Confederate $100 Interest-bearing Notes (Milkmaid) - These are the two varieties of these Series 1862 notes.   Criswell numbers T-39 with straight steam from locomotive   and T-40 with diffused steam from locomotive. Each in excellent condition except as described:

T-39 - Bottom left. No tears, pinholes, or missing pieces. Hand signed and dated June 20, 1862. Reverse seen at left on right shows two stamps "Interest Paid To..." 1st January 1863 and 1st January 1864 at Augusta. $70 + shipping.

T-40 - Top left. Small missing piece at upper right. Hand signed and dated September 25 1862. Reverse seen at right on right shows 4 stamps "Interest Paid To..." 1st January 1863, 1864, and 1865 at Augusta. First stamp says "Issued at Montgomery, Ala. Depository 25 Nov. '62.  $75" + shipping.

1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note - Large size note from the first year of the Federal Reserve System which was created in 1913.   This is a circulated note from the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Signatures of White and Mellon.   Number 851 Friedberg. Reverse depicts Columbus in sight of land at left and landing of the Pilgrims at right. One horizontal fold and several vertical folds with minor grime from use. No holes, tears, missing pieces or dog ears. We would grade this note as Fine(+). $67 + shipping. 

$10 Silver Certificate WWII North Africa - These notes were made in denominations of $1, $5, and $10 for use by USA troops in North Africa.  Quite uncommon now. Their purpose was to prevent them from being used by the enemy as demands on our silver stockpile since they are silver certificates (demand notes). They are identified by the YELLOW seal.  Series 1934A with signature of Henry Morgenthau. This circulated note in in generally excellent condition except for the obvious missing upper right-hand corner. Two midline vertical and horizontal slight folds. $75 + shipping. 

$3 North Carolina Confederate Note! - Really! An honest to God $3 note from the sovereign State of North Carolina dated 1st January 1863.  This is a quite uncommon note in uncirculated condition. Pictures LIBERTY standing and CERES seated. Hand signed. $61 + shipping.

$100 Confederate States of America Note Picturing Lucy Pickens - The only Confederate note to picture a woman, Lucy Pickens from South Carolina, after whom  Pickens County, South Carolina is named.  George W. Randolph at lower right. Hand signed and in excellent condition except for a couple minor flea bites in lower right corner. $85 + shipping. 

UNITED STATES COINS

1857 Flying Eagle Cent (Fine) - This uncommon type coin was struck for only three years.    This 1857 issue is in Fine condition. $45 + shipping.

1864 Two Cent Piece Small Motto - This coin has a lovely obverse in full extra fine condition, lighter than the scan suggests.   The reverse has an unfortunate verdigris although it is fully very fine as far as wear is concerned. $25 + shipping.

1800 Draped Bust Dollar Fine12 - Beautiful Coin with no problems, representative of this type.     Draped Bust Dollar slabbed and certified as Fine 12 by PCGS (Professional Coin Graders Service). $1800 + shipping.

1890 Indian Head Cent - Beautiful example of this type! MS-60 Red-Brown with considerable original mint luster. Much  brighter than the scan suggests. $45 + shipping. 

1855 S Uncommon two year type coin in  Extra Fine ++ condition with full LIBERTY, facial features, lots of drapery folds,  all lines clear in eagle's breast shield, eye, nostril, etc. Attractive light gray toning overall. $355 + shipping.

1825 Capped Bust Half Dollar (XF) - Essentially no wear at all! Even gray toning overall. Brighter    than the scan suggests.  $135 + shipping.

1819 Coronet Large Cent (AU+) - We believe this coin is uncirculated,     but will only claim AU+    and have priced it well below market value. Even some slight original mint luster. Slight weakness to the strike at 12:00 obverse. Lovely red-brown. Scan seems to show slight porosity, but there is none. $500 + shipping.

Beautiful collection of Mercury Dimes! Here are 15 Mercury Dimes encompassing those from the mints at Philadelphia, San Francisco,  and Denver for the years 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945. Every one of these coins is AT LEAST MINT STATE - 63! It is impossible to get a scan showing their beauty in the plastic holder, but the holder separates, and  we have examined the coins carefully. There is not only no wear, but not a blemish or any toning on any of them. Each coin is beautiful brilliant uncirculated, although a few appear to have some toning due to the way they are seated in the holder during scanning - particularly in the reverse view. A splendid starter set and a great investment at this price. $200 + shipping.

1851 3 Cents Silver (AU-58) - First year of issue and Type I   with one outline to the star.   We believe this coin to be uncirculated, but we will only claim "almost uncirculated." It is bright with no discernable wear and some original mint luster. $165 + shipping.

1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel -  AU+ This coin may be completely uncirculated, but we will only claim "almost uncirculated." Full buffalo horn! Buffalo on mound. $25 + shipping.

1893 Quarter Eagle ($2.50 Gold) (MS-62) - Nice flawless example of the liberty head type of this coin.   Philadelphia Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated. $465 + shipping.

1915 Quarter Eagle ($2.50 Gold) (MS-60) - Nice Indian Head    Quarter Eagle with no wear or    problems. Brilliant Uncirculated. $450 + shipping.

1867 $3 Gold Piece Certified AU-58 - Beautiful coin of this type!! Graded   as   Almost Uncirculated, certified and slabbed by NGC (National Guarantee Corporation.)  $4600 + shipping.

1904 Half Eagle ($5 Gold) (MS-62) - Choice Liberty Head half eagle    certified and encapsulated by    Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) as Mint State-62. Beautiful coin.  $400 + shipping.

1893 Eagle ($10 Gold) (MS-60) Liberty Head - Brilliant Uncirculated. Only a few very minor  bag marks. Bright. More pretty and  bright than the scan suggests - especially the reverse.  $700 + shipping.

1909 Eagle ($10 Gold)(AU) - Choice and relatively uncommon gold coin in almost uncirculated condition. Really much prettier  and brighter than the scan suggests - particularly the obverse. $700 + shipping. 

1857 Seated Liberty Half Dime (VF) - Nice little  type coin with no problems.   Slight Orange/Gray early toning.   All folds and full LIBERTY.  $50 + Shipping. 

1894 Barber Dime (Brilliant Uncirculated) - These are going up in price rapidly. This one is a semi-key date and is priced well below market. $270 + shipping.

1917 Type I Standing Liberty Quarter (UNC) - This type coin was first struck in 1917. At first, MS. Liberty had a bare breast as in this coin. However, this offended the sensibilities of the country, and the design was changed to cover her breast with mail. The second design was used as long as this coin was struck. Thus, 1917 is the only year in which the bare breast is seen. This coin is uncirculated, but has an even copperish toning at the periphery as can be seen. Reverse shows almost no toning. $275 + shipping.

1821 Capped Bust Half (AU-50) - This is an absolutely exquisite coin! Struck when James Monroe was  President!  Unfortunately, the deep gray toning makes a scan difficult to see detail. It has been graded AU-50 by ANACS. Reverse not quite so deeply toned. $520 + s+i. 

1780 40 Shilling Note from the State of Connecticut. - This is a fascinating and original piece of Americana: an original note promising the Treasurer of the State of Connecticut will pay the "Possesor" 40 Shillings in milled Spanish Dollars - the type of coinage circulating at the time in the Colonies, 7 years before the ratification of the US Constitution and establishment of the United States Mint. The note is hand signed(J. Chester & Gringel Burroughs) and numbered (3504) and dated July 1st 1780. It also has a round cancellation hole as most of these notes do. It  is in quite good condition, but unfortunately, someone encased it in plastic to preserve it, and we are reluctant to try removing it for fear of damage. Were it not encased, the note would easily bring upwards of $150, but we have priced it to sell at $60 + shipping costs. 

WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLARS

1936 Walking Liberty Half Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-64) - Absolutely beautiful blast white    walker. $85 + shipping. 

1938 Walking Liberty Half Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-64). - Lovely Walker with absolutely no blemishes or wear. Slight early frosting overall. $175 + shipping. 

1939D Walking Liberty Half Dollar from the Denver Mint (MS-64) - Pristine Walker. Beautiful! $115 + shipping.   

1941 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (MS-64) - Pristine Walker. Beautiful! $70 + shipping 

1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (MS-63) - Beautiful Walker. $50 + shipping. 

1883 LIBERTY NICKLES: The liberty nickle was first minted in 1883 and initially without the word "CENTS" anywhere on the coin.  Unscrupulous people sometimes gold-plated these coins and passed them for $5 gold coins to the unwary - especially immigrants. For this reason, the design was changed later in 1883 to include the word "cents" on the reverse bottom. That design was kept until  the "buffalo" nickle was introduced in 1913. The nickle with "cents" is less common than  type I, and, therefore, more expensive. We offer 3 choice specimens: Type I at top left, and Type II at right, both MS-63. Absolutly uncirculated and pristine with nice steely toning. At bottom is an interesting TypeI which has actually been gold-plated and passed as $5 gold piece. Gold shows only as black in the scan, but is quite evident on the coin. This coin grades Extra Fine. Prices including shipping with full insurance in USA are as follows: Type I at top- $45; Type II at right- $175; "Racketeer" nickle at bottom left- $25. Buy all three for $225 including shipping.

1837 Feuchtwanger Cent - This is a quite uncommon collectible. The following description is from Yeoman's Red Book of Coins: "Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger produced a metal which was really a variety of German Silver consisting of nickle, copper, and some zinc. He suggested as early as 1837 to Congress that his metal be substituted for copper and made one cent and three cent trial pieces." These coins circulated in early United States. This example is circulated, but in quite nice shape as can be seen. Slight ding in middle of reverse, which does not, however, destroy its impressiveness and collectibility. $110 ⁺ shipping in USA.

United States Coins Philippine Islands - Claimed by Magellan for Spain in 1521, the Philippines have been controlled by several countries.   They were taken from Spain in 1762 by the British but returned to Spain in 1763 by the Treaty of Paris.   Ceded to United States in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War. Established as a republic after World War II in 1946. From left to right these 3 coins are: 10 Centavos 1944D(AU+)(.750 Silver), 1 Centavo 1944S(XF)(Copper), and One Peso 1907S(Fine)(.800 Silver). These latter were virtually ALL sunk in Manila Bay to avoid capture by the Japanese during their WWII occupation. Hence, like this one they bear some discoloration due to exposure to salt water. All 3 coins $13 + shipping.

$2 Broken Bank Note from the State of South Carolina hand-dated in Charleston "Jan. 27, 1861." - No tears, holes, folds, dog ears, or missing pieces. A couple minor edge nicks clearly visible in the scan. Choice note hand-signed just 4 days before the 7 Confederate States formed the Confederate States of America! Item S-938 Criswell. $35 incl. s+i in USA

1828 Half Cent (13 Stars Variety) (Uncirculated) - A beautiful coin! Darker than the foto suggests, but does even have a tiny bit of original mint luster. Uncirculated with no problems, but we are listing it at an almost uncirculated price. $275 + s+i 

1870 Shield Nickle (PCGS PR-64) - An absolutely exquisite PROOF shield nickle, graded PR-64 by PCGS. Very light copper-color toning overall and beautiful to behold! Lighter than the scan, which is pictured through PCGS plastic holder. Reverse has identical toning. Field of stars and large "5." $615 + shipping.  

1925P Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar (UNC) - Lovely Commemorative half dollar struck at the time of building the monument in Stone Mountain Georgia.   Depicts General Robert E. Lee and General Stonewall Jackson on horseback. $60 + shipping.

1920 Pilgrim Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar (Brilliant Uncirculated) - Excellent example of this desirable and uncommon coin. Struck in 1920 and 1921 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Pictures the Mayflower on reverse and Governor Bradford on obverse. This is the earlier edition, struck in 1920 and bears no date except "1620-1920"  on reverse.. Those struck in 1921 had "1921" on the obverse. This coin is pristine and beautiful. $150 +  shipping.

Large $1 US Silver Certificate "Horseblanket" Series 1923  3 1/8" by 7 3/8," these were the last of the large United States notes. Called "horseblankets" because of their size. Reverse is the same as the first smaller Silver Certificates, often referred to in later years as "Funnybacks." Much brighter in color than the scan, this note is Friedberg #238 with signatures by Woods and White. This note is almost uncirculated with no folds, tears, holes dog ears, smudges, or missing pieces. $55 incl s+i in USA 

MORGAN DOLLARS 

1921D Morgan Silver Dollar from the Denver Mint(MS-62) - Last year of issue. Nice brilliant uncirculated coin certified MS-62 by Professional Coin Grading Service. $65 + shipping.

1904o Morgan Silver Dollar from New Orleans Mint(MS-64) - Beautiful and certfied by Professional Coin Grading Service(PCGS) - $80 + shipping. 

1902o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-64) - Beautiful Morgan with no wear or bag marks and unusually well struck for New Orleans this late. $80.

1901o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-62) - Certified Mint State 62 by PCI Coin Grading  Service. $45 + shipping.

1900/2000 Morgan Dollar and Silver Eagle - This is an attractive pairing! A 1900 Morgan Dollar in brilliant uncirculated MS-63 condition from the Philadelphia Mint and a 2000 Silver Eagle like the day it was struck, both set in an attractive plastic holder. Cannot get good detail due to plastic holder covering coins, but they are lovely. $65 + shipping. 

1900 Morgan Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint - Brilliant uncirculated. No wear or  bag marks. $40 + shipping

1899o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-63) - Beautiful untoned, unblemished Morgan     conservatively graded and certified as Mint State - 63 by National Guaranty Corporation (NGC). $50 + shipping.

1898 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-60) - Lovely and    uncirculated with no wear or bag marks. Very light early copperish toning at the periphery on the obverse. $40 + shipping.

1897 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-64). - Beautiful and unblemished. Very light, even  copperish toning at the periphery on obverse and reverse. Certified MS-64 and slabbed by NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corp.) $80 + shipping.

1897S Morgan Silver Dollar from the San Francisco Mint (MS-63) - Pristine with no wear,  bag marks, or toning. Brilliant Uncirculated. $135 + shipping.

1896 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-62). -  No wear or toning. One or two very minor bag marks. $45 + shipping.

1891S Morgan Silver Dollar from the San Francisco Mint (MS-60). - No wear, bag marks, or toning.  Brilliant Uncirculated. $75 + shipping. 

1890 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-64) - Choice Morgan dollar  brilliant uncirculated with no problems or blemishes. $120 + shipping.

1889 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-63) -  Lovely Morgan graded MS-63 and Certified by NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corporation).  Brilliant Uncirculated with no blemishes. $50 + shipping.

1888 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-63). Beautiful Morgan with no toning or blemishes  conservatively graded and certified as Mint State 63 by National Guaranty Corporation (NGC). $50 + Actual Shipping Charges. 

1887 Morgan Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint - This coin is brilliant  uncirculated and quite pleasing.   $40 + shipping.

1886 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-63) Beautiful Morgan with no blemishes. Certified   MS-63 and encapsulated by NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corporation. $50 + shipping.

1885o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-63) - Absolutely beautiful brilliant uncirculated Morgan conservatively graded and certified Mint State 63 by National Guaranty Corporation (NGC). (I would have called it at least MS-64.) $75 +Actual Shipping Charges.

1885 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-64). - Beautiful and pristine! Very light even copperish  toning at periphery obverse and reverse. Certified MS-64 and encapsulated by NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corporation. $80 + shipping.

1884o Morgan Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-62) - Choice Morgan with no wear, bag marks, or toning. Brilliant. $45 + shipping

1883 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-62)- Choice brilliant uncirculated Morgan with no wear or problems. $45 + shipping

1883o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-62) - Lovely Morgan with no wear or bag marks. Bright with just a touch of early toning overall. $45 + shipping. 

1882CC Morgan Silver Dollar from the Carson City Mint. (MS-64)   The silver for this coin was mined from the rich Comstock Lode near Carson City, Nevada.   The mint was established in 1870, and was only in existence for 24 years.   A Treasury audit in 1964 discovered a large supply of these dollars which somehow escaped the massive coin melts of the early 1900s. Under President Richard Nixon, the General Services Administration released the last of these beautiful uncirculated coins to the public in 1972. This is one of those specimens which had been buried in a vault for nearly a century. It is in pristine condition and truly "Mint State." Complete with box and description from the US Mint. $325 + shipping.

1882o Morgan Silver Dollar from the New Orleans Mint (MS-62) -  Brilliant uncirculated Morgan with no wear or toning. $45 + shipping.

1882 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint(MS-63) - Beautiful uncirculated coin with no  wear or problems. Brilliant! Early very slight peripheral toning on reverse. $55 + shipping.

1881S Morgan Dollar (Brilliant UNC) From the San Francisco Mint. (MS-62). Beautiful early Morgan with no  wear or bag marks. Prooflike surfaces. $40 + shipping

1879S Morgan Silver Dollar from the San Francisco Mint (MS-64) - Absolutely beautiful pristine  Morgan with Ms Liberty's bust frosty. $80 + shipping.

1879 Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-60) - Choice coin and second year of issue.    Brilliant! No wear or problems. $40 + shipping.

1878S Morgan Silver Dollar from the San Francisco Mint(MS-62) - Beautiful brilliant uncirculated coin!  No wear or problems. First year of issue. $50 + shipping.

PEACE DOLLARS 

1922 Peace Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint - MS-63 - $35 + shipping. 

1923 Peace Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint - MS-64 - $55 +shipping.    

1923D  Peace Dollar from the Denver Mint - (MS-64) - Brilliant uncirculated and exquisite condition. $200 + shipping. 

1924 Peace Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint MS-64 - $55 + shipping.

1925 Peace Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (MS-63) - Brilliant uncirculated with   pristine fields! A couple tiny bag marks on obverse only. $35 + shipping.

National Bank Note: $10-Charleston, SC - Series 1929 (XF). Item #1801 Type I Friedberg. Brown Seal with signatures of Jones and Woods. Signatures of 2 officers of the South Carolina National Bank of Charleston,SC. Circulated note with only 1 fold which can be seen vertically at the left. A few minor creases, but no holes, dog ears, tears, or missing pieces. Brighter than the scan appears. All borders complete. The apparent cut off right border is a scanner artifact. $85 + shipping.

1976 Bicentennial Silver Proof Set - Most beautiful US Mint Proof Set ever. Eisenhower Dollar, Kennedy Half, and Washington Quarter, all in brilliant silver proof in red, white and blue slip case which shows both sides. This set has been in its original sytrofoam package since it came from the mint 30 years ago. $40 + shipping.

Cuba 3 Pesos - (Che Guevara) Crisp Unc. - This note features the head of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, one of the most important communist revolutionaries in this hemisphere in many decades. An Argentinian physician, Guevara was one of Castro's chief lieutenants as the latter waged guerrilla warfare against Batista in the 1950s. He wrote a classic treatise on "Guerrilla Warfare." Then he became one of Castro's chief assassins in the 1960s, and later head of the Cuban National Bank. But he missed excitement. He was finally killed in an ambush by US Green Berets leading a squad of Bolivian communist insurgents in the mountains of Bolivia about 20 years ago. The note is watermarked on right and reverse shows worker harvesting sugar cane. $25  incl. s+i in USA

United States Trade Dollars: 1875s(VF+) + 1877(VF/XF)  -   These coins were struck between 1873-1885 for circulation in the orient to compete with the trade dollars of other merchant countries. They are often found with one or several  "chop marks" placed  by Chinese merchants when they tested for silver content. We show the 1875s  with single chop mark at 3 o'clock  on the reverse and the deeply toned obverse of 1877. Some collectors favor those with chops for their historical flavor and some favor those without, feeling the chops are "defacements." 

1875S Trade Dollar (Extra Fine) -  $225 + shipping. 

1877 Trade Dollar (Extra Fine) - Lovely lavender toning overall $190 + shipping.  

Emperor Nero of Rome(A.D. 54-68) Gold Aureus.  Nero  was the first emperor to be declared a "Public Enemy" by the Senate.     Along with Caligula and Domitian, Nero has come to be pictured as the incarnation of evil. He sent Poppea's husband into war to be killed, so he could have her for himself. On this very  fine coin, obverse has Nero's laureate bust facing right, while reverse has Jupiter pictured as Custos or "Protector" for his role in saving Nero from the Pisonian conspiracy. $4000 

FOREIGN CURRENCY, CROWNS AND MINORS

Austro-Hungarian Empire

1698 Austrian Thaler (Taler) Holy Roman Emperor Leopold (the Hogmouth).  Leopold I, son of Ferdinand III on obverse. Struck at the Halle Mint.  Extra fine condition with no problems. Habsburg shield on reverse. $230 + shipping.

1869 Belgium 5 Francs - Choice extra fine condition. Edge says "GOD PROTECT THE BELGIANS" in  French. Struck   from .900 silver. $35 + shipping. 

British Commonwealth:

1912 George V Half Sovereign(BU) - Brilliant uncirculated! Nice representative  piece. $157 + shipping. 

1932 George V Sovereign(BU) - Brilliant uncirculated! Full sovereign.   Compare with above.   $190 + shipping.

1797 George III Bronze "Cartwheel" 2 Pence - This GIANT coin is 1 1/2" in diameter and weighs almost 2 full ounces! Minted the first year English pence and 2 pence were minted in copper. It was minted with the same amount of copper as the coin's intrinsic purchasing value and was soon replaced with a less hernia-inducing penny. About extremely fine condition. These are rare coins, which, if seen at all, are usually deeply scored and banged up owing to the fact British children of the time used to delight in bouncing them off the cobblestones in the street. A  beautiful deep brown copper coin which makes foto extremely difficult. Foto appears as if coin is porous, but it is not. $90 + shipping.

1973 Bahamas $10 Silver Proof - Struck 37  years ago in 1973 for the Bahamas to celebrate their independence from Great Britain in STERLING SILVER PROOF. Packaged in a velvet-lined presentatin case and still covered by its original cellophane wrapping, this coin is pristine!!. Reverse has "1973," Ten Dollars," and a beautiful 3-masted frigate. Whether for a gift or an investment hedge, remember this coin contains more than 2 1/2 ozs. of pure silver, making it one of the few relatively modern coins still containing an intrinsic value greater than its face value. $55 + shipping. 

1908 Straits Settlements Dollar (Almost Uncirculated) - Formerly a British Crown Colony, Straits Settlements was situated on the Malay Peninsula of Asia, and its name was changed to Malaya in 1935. Reverse design gives the denomination in Chinese characters and Malay script. $40 + shipping. 

1887 British Double Florin (XF)(.925 silver) - Middle aged bust of Queen Victoria obverse.   Latin inscription, "British Queen Defender of the Faith" reverse. A few minor bag marks obverse. $70 + shipping. 

CANADA

1820 Half Penny Nova Scotia - This exceedingly rare and well-worn coin illustrates an interesting point!   The obverse is the laureate head of George III of England,   and the reverse shows the Irish harp and date 1820. The Irish settled Scotland and gave it its name Scotia. Later they came to Canada and founded Nova Scotia(New Scotland). $25 + shipping.

1936 Voyageur Dollar (XF)(.800 silver) - King George V obverse. Indians in   canoe reverse. $40 + shipping.

CHINA

1790 Spanish (Bolivian) 8 Reals with Chinese Chop Marks. - It's difficult to know just where to show this coin. It was minted in Potosi, Bolivia  and bears the Potosi mintmark at 8 o'clock on the reverse. Bolivia at this time   was part of the Spanish empire, and the coin bears the head of Charles III with the legend of Charles IV.This was done after Charles III's death before they had a bust of Charles IV. As many of these coins did, this one found its way into international trade in China where it underwent several assays for silver by Chinese merchants who then put their respective "chops" on it. Many would regard this coin as "damaged," but we see it as improved in value because it definitely tells a story. $55 + shipping. 

1914 Silver Dollar President Yuan Shih Kai - Very Fine  coin with no problems. After the abdication of the last Manchu Emperor,  Pu-Yi in 1912, General Yuan Shih Kai assumed the title Provisional President and became President in fact in 1913. $80 + shipping. 

1927 Silver 1 Yuan Sun Yat Sen - Extra Fine + condition and deeply toned a rich lavender gray.  Founder of the  Republic of China served as Head of Government in Canton from 1917 until his death in 1925. A couple rim dings clearly apparent on reverse. $35 + shipping. 

1943 Ecuador 5 Silver Sucres Uncirculated - Pristine Silver dollar size coin!!  Slight frosty  finish. $30 + shipping

France:

1877 French Gold "Angel" - These 20 franc gold coins are relatively common and track the price of gold fairly closely. They are, therefore, often    regarded as "bullion" coins. However they are lovely and artistically designed collectors' items as well, as are most 20th Century gold coins from around the world. This one is in brilliant uncirculated condition and absolutely pristine.  $190 + shipping. 

1908 French Gold "Rooster" -  This is another and later variety of the French 20 Franc  gold denomination coin shown above. These too are not uncommon and track the gold price fairly closely as "bullion" coins. This one has a bust of the Revolutionary female figure, Marianne on the obverse and a crowing rooster or Le Coq d'OR on the reverse. $185 + shipping.

GERMANY

Mainz (City-State) 1397-1419 - Beautiful example of this hammered coinage!   One Gold Gulden Saint John II. Mainz today is an industrial city across the Rhine River from Wiesbaden in the Southeastern section of Germany. Almost Uncirculated!! $1000 + shipping.

1745 Elector of Saxony Gold Ducat (Vicariat Issue) Almost Uncirculated - A choice, pristine coin much sharper than the scan can show.   Absolutely no wear at all. Considerable original mint luster.  $950 + shipping.

Notgeld After WWI, Zionist Jews and other communists brought Germany to its knees financially. The national economy    collapsed entirely, and individual cities and States were forced to print their own currency called "Notgeld" or "necessary money." Here are 5 pieces all from that period between 1919-1921. Characteristically, they had little poems and/or jokes or pictures about people, buildings or other things of interest to the people in the local area.  All 5 for $8 + shipping. 

1836 Thaler from Principality of Hesse-Cassel - Extra Fine example of this coin. This is really a fascinating  coin! To begin with, the edge inscription reads "Gott Beschirme Uns" (Protect) instead of the more common "Gott Mit Uns") seen on Prussian coins. Also, it is the only Taler from Hesse-Cassel with no bust. Inscription on reverse tells why: Wilhelm II was reigning jointly as regent with his son Friedrich Willhelm, who would succeed him as Elector. Hesse-Cassel would be fully incorporated into Prussia in 1866. Deep lovely  lavender-brown toning to the silver. $155 + shipping. 

1818 Prussia Taler (F/VF) - Obverse Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia.  "Gott Mit Uns" on the edge.  $55 + shipping.

1877 Wuertemberg Gold 5 Marks - Beautiful brilliant uncirculated 5 Marks gold with  head of King Karl on obverse of this  small German Principality. Prussian seal on reverse. Mintmark of Stuttgart. No problems. $445 + shipping.

1907 Prussia 5 Marks Silver - Extra Fine condition overall, but has been cleaned  sometime in the past.  Kaiser Wilhelm and the Imperial German eagle. "Gott Mit Uns on the edge. $50 + shipping.

1929 5 Marks Silver Coin Under the Weimar Republic. - This is a quite collectible coin in extra fine condition. It is a commemorative  coin to the "1000 year town and city  of Meissen." It has a couple rim dings evident in the scan. But also some original mint luster. In XF condition, this coin books at $450, but we are only asking $155 + shipping.

1935 5 Marks Silver Coin Under the Third Reich (note swastikas on reverse) - Obverse shows the Potsdam Garrison Church  where Hitler took the oath of office on March 21 1933. These coins were struck to commemorate that event and the first in early 1934 bore the date, 21 Marz 1934, divided by the church spire.  The date was dropped late in 1934 and all subsequent coins were struck without it for the few years in which these were struck. This coin is brilliant uncirculated with no problems. Only a few light bag marks can be seen which are much less obvious in the coin than on the scan. $28 + shipping.

Hungary

Here are 3 early hammered silver coins from that eastern part of Hungary known as Transylvania made famous by Vlad Dracule, more commonly known as Dracula.    From left to right they are:

1510 Denar of Vladislav II of Bohemia (1490-1516),

1568 Denar of Maximillian (John Sigismund),   

1612 Groschen Gabriel Bethlen, Prince of Transylvania. All 3 for $120 + shipping, or, in order, $55, $23, and $60 + shipping.

Italy

1818 Sicily 120Grana ( Fine) - This is a quite rare silver crown coin. In 1733 Don Carlo of Spain was recognized as King of Naples and Sicily and from that time until becoming part of the United Kingdom of Italy, Sicily was contested for by Spain, Austria, France and the monarchical and republican factions of Italy. Their coinage is therefore quite complicated. Coins bearing the legend Ferdinand IV were intended for circulation in Naples and southern Italy and those such as this one bearing the inscription Ferdinand I were for circulation in Sicily. Reverse shows Ferdinand's shield and crown and says "Hispaniarum Infans G 120." $35 incl. s+i in USA.

Japan: 

1860 Beautiful Gold Manen Koban from the era of Shogun Iyemochi and Emperor Komei (Osahito). -       Iyemochi was next to the last of the shoguns of Japan. This coin is in almost uncirculated condition and quite rare. $1575 + shipping.

100 Mon (Tempo Tsuho) (1835-1870) (Uncirculated) - Fascinating coin! These are 2" long by 1 1/4" wide and struck from copper. From the Ryukyu Islands (Present day Okinawa).  Very deep bronze color makes foto difficult. Absolutely no damage or wear. $15 + shipping.

Mexico:

1768 2 Reales Mexico City Mint - Increasingly hard to find. Obverse legend translates   "Charles III By the Grace of God King of Spain and the Indies."   Reverse has the Crown over the globe between 2 pillars. $60 + shipping.

1813 8 Reales Oaxaca - Interesting coin from Oaxaca in Southwestern Mexico from the time when Ferdinand VII was Emperor of the Spanish Empire and Francisco Javier Vanegas was the Spanish Governor of Mexico. At this time, Mexico extended from Guatemala  northward to include the current States of Wyoming and California. Oaxaca was the hub of insurgent and revolutionary activity, and much of its coinage like this piece was struck under various insurgents from 1811-1814. This coin is in Very Fine condition, but all these coins were crudely struck to begin with. Obverse picture at left was taken with flash to show detail, while reverse at right was taken in regular light to show color of coin which is a deep bronze. $35 + shipping. 

Russia: 

Here are 3 quite rare ancient silver coins of Russia from a bankrupt museum in Minsk. They are from the reigns of (left to right): Ivan IV(Grozhny-"The Terrible")(Denga 1535-38); Boris Godonov (Kopeck 1600); Peter the Great (Kopeck 1702). Ivan is probably most famous for having    killed his son in a rage, but should be better known for having fought the boyars and earned the title "Czar of All the Russias" in 1547.   Czar Boris Godonov became czar by murdering his nephew and is the subject of Moussorgsky's excellent opera, Boris Godonov, in which a kopeck such as this one figures prominently. Peter I, "The Great," is famous for many things, but probably most especially for his vision in bringing Russia into the modern world and establishing the Russian Navy. These coins are priced as follows: Ivan $37, Boris $42, Peter $23. All 3 for $95 + shipping. 

South Africa

South Africa's history is tragic. Discovered by the Portuguese and settled by Dutch and Germans  in 1795, it was conquered by the British in 1810 who took permanent title in 1814. This resulted in several internecine wars throughout the 19th century. In 1910 the Boer colonies joined with the British colonies to form the Union of South Africa which became one of the most advanced nations on earth, even developing nuclear power during the 1970s. However, international pressure forced the minority White government to turn over power to the Black majority under the African National Congress, which has succeeded in destroying the infrastructure and creating the zoo South Africa is today.

1895 6Pence (XF) - Obverse Stefanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, President of Transavaal, 1883-1902.   Nice overall gray   patina to this .925 silver coin. $30 + shipping.

1950 South Africa 5 Shillings (XF) (.800 silver) - Produced during its peak development.   These coins are heavier than a US silver dollar.   King George VI obverse. Reverse shows Springbok, one of South Africa's principal symbols. Lovely early orange silver toning. $30 + shipping.

1952 South Africa 5 Shillings (XF) - Struck for the 300th Anniversary of the founding of Capetown.   Obverse shows King George VI.   Reverse commemorates the ship which discovered South Africa. $25 + shipping

Spain

1715 8 Escudos (Gold Doubloon) - When Carlos II died in 1700, he left no Spanish heir, touching off the War of Spanish Succession from 1701-1714, among Austria, England, France, and Spain.   It is not often we can detail the history of a single coin with as much detail as we can with this one!! When Philip V gained the throne of Spain in 1715, he resumed the practice of sending fleets of ships to the new world to mine and plunder gold and silver, ship it to Mexico to be minted into coins, etc. and shipped back to Spain. This coin was one which came from a fleet of 12 ships which sailed from Havana Harbor to Spain on July 24, 1715 and which were lost in a hurricane off the coast of Florida between Sebastian and Vero Beach off Florida's east coast. It was recovered by Mel Fisher's salvage operation in the late 1960s, from whom we purchased it at that time. According to official government manifests, no gold coins were listed in this fleet, and since several were recovered, most experts have concluded these were obviously contraband being smuggled with the rest of the cargo. This coin is uncirculated and bears the Mexico City mint mark as well as a faint date of 1715. It also has a slight encrustation of coral seen on one side which could be removed chemically without damage to the coin but we have not attempted to do this believing its presence enriches the provenance. "Cob coins" such as this one were made by casting the gold into long bars or cobs and cutting off approximate pieces and hammering them and then filing and weighing them repeatedly until they contained the appropriate weight of gold. Hence the numerous file marks on the edges. $4500 + shipping.

Switzerland: 

1885 Swiss 5 Franc Shooting Taler - From the Canton of Bern with the bear of Bern shown on  obverse and reverse. Absolutely beautiful coin and exquisitely toned. A few minor rim dings. $180 + shipping.