Hi Everyone, I was going through my old storage garage the other day and found this 1938 Australian One Crown wrapped up. I have no experience in coin values or collecting. I have googled as much information as I could find re the coin, But have found it hard to get any solid information on value etc it has changed from book to post that I have seen. I have included pics of the coin (Best quality I could) and for a non coin person can see its in great condition for such and old coin (seen very bad quality ones) any information anyone would like to share on this please do Lastly the biggest difference in the price of this coin is being a PROOF or not how do I tell this as I have only seen a photo online of the proof version of this coin to me looks very similar to this coin? Thanks In advance
See http://forums.silverstackers.com/message-59503.html#p59503 for image help 1938 Crowns are valuable even in low grade - whatever you do, don't try cleaning it at all!
Hi storm, welcome to the forum, your photos dont seem to have been uploaded, cant help you with this function - beyond me, im sure some one here can point you in the right direction. look foward to seeing them when they are up. to add damn fat slow fingers
Welcome ,blackstorm. Posting photos is sort of a "rite of passage" here on SS..you will get it soon enough. Having said that,I still can't get an avatar up If you do a search for 1938 crowns using the search button at the top of the page ,you will find mention of this great coin.
I checked my regular sites and only found this: http://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/items/1938-crown-about-unc It depends on condition, but they are worth more than the 1937 Crowns.
Without seeing the coin we can't hazard a guess. Also the photos won't be like in real life. I can tell you. 1) NEVER clean the coin. Leave it! I've seen a $50,000 cleaned coin reduced to $200. 2) For starters they are worth $150 minimum upward from there. 3) Keep the coin from being worn or in contacted with anything that could damage it. Liquids, abrasives etc. Getting it appraised. I don't own one at the moment but have a little experience got some nUNC 1937 crowns. Good Luck, Oz Edit: Photos aren't clear enough... needs to be sharper. Having said that I wouldn't accept anything less than 225 for that so far, probably worth more. Nice Coin!
Here's the photos: [imgz=http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/5_img_1319.jpg][/imgz] [imgz=http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/5_img_1329.jpg][/imgz] Click to expand. Very clean - looks like some wear to the raised ridges on the fleur-de-lis though, particularly the left one - there's other members here that could give a better idea of an actual grade. Looks like a superb example though - but sorry, it's certainly not a proof I'd stop handling it with bare fingers too.
Thanks again Gold pelican I just worked it out how to put them on with your link. Shame on the proof But Yes its in pretty great nick. So can I ask how do you tell a coin is a proof. Been interesting to learn about coins now!
Well there were only ~52 of them struck, and it would look like this (note the superb lustre on the field): Source: http://www.coinworks.com.au/coins-offer-archives/arc_id/126
Take it to a coin dealer see what they offer you for it, and then bring it back here! If you're a seller you'll do well.
What city are you in? If you were in Melbourne you could pop into the forum sponsor Universal and ask for an opinion. I wouldn't let it go in a hurry though. Looks like it's got nice clean fields without any visible bag marks or rim dings (apparently they fell into buckets as they were minted and lots have marks from the rims of other coins hitting them). The high points look a little worn though, so some circulation.
Oh yeah you found a much better pic this is what I found for the proof http://www.bluesheet.com.au/Australia/Commonwealth_Coinage/Crown/George_VI/1938_Proof_(PR)
looks like a nice coin, soft strike but nice..... keep ur greasy mits off it as CK says take it to a dealer get a price and bring it back here, i think you will get a better deal. If any one remembers last sunday i traded a VG plus cash for an EF was lurking today and saw my VG go for 250
Ok, Those photos have a bit more detail. Cannot offer a guess at the grade, can tell you that it's better than I thought originally. Still around $225 +/- $25 is my ball park opinion. The Obverse needs to have a bit more hair (high point) above the ear and ear itself. Reverse the lighting for the shot is poor. The globus cruciger is a bit better than original photo... Again more clarity is better and it is really hard to do. We are looking for detail and sometimes trying to see if it is there or not is difficult, especially when I'm not holding the coin and able to move it around. Good example, a bit of discolouration and corrosion (superficial- green colour affects lustre). Take it to a dealer, ask for a grade and value and then what they're willing to offer. Put it into a mylar holder or plastic case. These never saw circulation because they were just too heavy and large. VG aren't worth $250. That's all I can offer. Cheers, Oz
