Is there thought to be any interest in valuable coins that are likely ruined because of being cast or soldered into a sterling silver cup? Does the coin have value by itself even regardless of its unusual presentation? It is Frederik IV 4 Mark 1700 silver coin from Norway believed .833 fine silver weighing approximately 17.99 g with a 35 mm diameter according to others seen in auctions. Would hate to melt it down if historically it is meaningful. Meltdown for coin and cup is 114 grams. Removing it seems difficult though not impossible. Both faces of the coin are pristine but the edge is obviously the problem. Has anyone encountered this?
I have only met one person who collects these Norwegian bowls and similar things; so my knowledge of pricings are only from what they have told me. There is likely little to no added numismatic value unless the coin itself is quite rare or significantly historical. Take my advice with a pinch of salt.
Interrested in nordic numismatic history, and european history overall.
Always looking for damaged, holed or even unidentifyable coins.
Thank you, Elvi75; your thoughts are most appreciated. The same coin has received at auction in the range of $2,800 to $3,400, thus my hand-wringing over this. When I look at some of the very old coins on the forum, it seems the edges aren't perfect in some cases, either. I am a novice at this, which I'm sure is apparent. Your advice is valued - no pinch of salt there!
If the coin is indeed worth thousands, which I agree may be so, It may be there is an expert conservator who can be retained to de-solder the coin with minimum impact.
Jamais l'or n'a perdu la plus petite occasion de se montrer stupide. -Balzac
I was once given an ashtray with a similar silver coin placed into the bottom, it was a German State 5 Mark silver and was one of the quite rare ones. I too thought it could be removed and salvaged, the process of getting it in there had completely ruined the opposite side, and in the end it was worth nothing more than scrap. No coin dealer would go anywhere near it before I decided to get it out myself, I think many people are once bitten twice shy for this type of thing.
Maybe if it is just attached at the edge (I don’t know because there is only one image), you might get something out of it - expect to get a big bit on value if the coin ends up with significant rim damage though.
„If your reply or post in the Forum stinks of AI, I will call you out! Knowledge comes from experience, the I in AI stands for incompetence.“
These well-received replies are thought-provoking indeed. The coin is only attached around the rim, and both sides are completely intact. In fact, the adjacent cup silver appears very thin at the attachment point. I shall continue to pursue salvaging it in some manner. Thank you, everyone.
Bandsaw down the cup to just before the edge of the coin then pry the cup open. It may pop right off the coin and if it doesn't you haven't lost anything.
Wonderful ideas. My husband was suggesting something similar, rsirian1. I just sent in sterling silver, 9.5 pounds of flatware to a refiner and held onto the cup. I love old things anyway, and it would be an awful shame to deny its value, beauty, and history. BTW, this forum is outstanding.
Bandsaw down the cup to just before the edge of the coin then pry the cup open. It may pop right off the coin and if it doesn't you haven't lost anything.
I agree with this idea, it is actually the only way to save the coin.
