unidentified coin

Discussion in 'Silver Coins' started by octapotamus, Oct 7, 2011.

  1. octapotamus

    octapotamus Member Silver Stacker

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    I've found a coin on eBay, that I cannot find anywhere else on the net (other than sites that aggregate listings from eBay). No online catalogue (colnect.com being the most comprehensive I can find) has it listed, and my searches unearth no discussion on any forums.

    Apparently there are only 2500 minted, and I consider it to be an especially unique and attractive coin (if it is genuine). I posted in the Numi forum but have had no replies so thought I'd try here too.

    It is (allegedly) a 1 oz .999 ag proof, accompanied by COA and in box/capsule. 2010 Palau 5$ Memento Mori * Carpe Diem Proof coin.

    [​IMG]
    Source:

    [​IMG]
    Source:

    I am going crazy trying to substantiate the legitimacy of this coin. I have one on the way, and will test it as best I can when it arrives. This will be tricky as gravity testing a proof will obv require great care (I'm thinking zip-lock baggie tared with the water)

    So, my questions to you guys:

    What are your impressions?

    Has anybody seen or heard of this coin?

    What would be the best way to test a supposed Proof silver coin to establish whether or not is indeed .999 ag, without spoiling the finish?

    Am I foolish for pursuing something that might obviously be a fraudulent listing/unofficial issue?

    I figure I have recourse to refund (PP, CC) so my downside risk is limited only to time/return postage.

    If it fails testing, I will be returning it and opening a dispute with the seller if they don't play ball with a refund.

    If it is indeed .999 ag but not an official Palau Issue, I would still be tempted to keep it..
     
  2. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    dead end!

    You know you can load a photo into Google images and it will look for a match? It works!
     
  3. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    http://www.zlate-mince.cz/email/09102010_.htm

    Seems to be a Czech coin, Google will have a go at translating it for you but when I copy and paste it goes all foreign!

    Diameter: 38.61 mm, weight: 31.1 g
    ryzost: 999/1000 Ag Fineness: 999/1000 Ag
    nominl : 5 Dollars nominal: 5 Dollars
    hrana: vroubkovan Edge: milled
    proveden: proof design: standard
    nklad: 2500 ks load: 2500 pcs


    On a side note, the write up says it is sterling silver with a plastic skull motif but the specs say it is .999 silver
     
  4. octapotamus

    octapotamus Member Silver Stacker

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    brilliant work Jislizard! Thanks.

    I've never tried that image search thing, does work huh.

    I'm hoping the sterling/plastic specs are a translation confusion.. time will tell.

    an interesting bit of info from that site:

    "Palau: One of the three countries (with Brunei and Liechtenstein) which has zero debt."
     
  5. Capricorn

    Capricorn New Member

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    Interesting that it's a Czech coin inscribed with two Latin phrases .... roughly translated - remember your mortality (memento mori) -- seize the day (carpe diem)
     
  6. Jislizard

    Jislizard Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Cost average them!
     

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