Rare Coin founnd in the Middle East. 1897 Ethiopian and 1862 5 lire!!

S

swabi

New Member
Dear All,

I have come across two coins today in the local market that grabbed my interest. I had to barter with the guy and he finally sold them to me for about US $30 a coin. Not much of a coin collector and really picked them up because of the silver.
So here is what i have:

1. Ethiopian 1897 Bir Menelin ii, silver weight .754 finesse .837
2. Italian Sardinien Vittorio Emmanuel ii 5 lire 1862 (can some one tell me the silver content of this coin)
He does not have more but is it worth looking for more or is not worth the premium. I have seen both online now and they are selling for US$ 150-400 each. Can a coin collector help me out here.


Finaly I also came accross a pamp suise 1 oz silver pendant in its blue cover with a hologram picture of Makkah on them the seller wanted US $ 80, I have never seen this kind online before and was wondering if they are worth the premium.
 
I found them in a silver shop in the old city, the store had old half dollars and some foreign coins and these. Out of the bunch I just liked these two and had the oldest dates on them. The US stuff was from 1975-1976 centennial and 1974 half dollar, he was asking the same price for each coin.

I will put up a picture of the Makkah bar tonight for you, really nice and never seen one like it before with a hologram.
 
Wow. I love going to such coin shops. They have really interesting finds. Not many of those over here. Or maybe I'm not looking hard enough!
 

Source:
How do you add pictures?
 
Just been checking Ebay and I think it is crazy what people are asking for these coins.
900 Euros for the Italian 5 lire
600 US dollars for the Ethiopian Bir

I dont understand how some one would pay that kind of money for 50 grams of silver?
I was thinking of holding on to them but now maybe I should sell them and buy bullion, what do you guys think?
 
About $50 each depending on the condition - i got a Ethiopian Bir on this site last year for $35 AUD in aVF, nice coin.

Ebay BIN prices are always mad, especially if they are not sold
 
Thats got me interested in Pamp silver pendants, Some amazing designs. They dont seem to be sold in Oz though
 
as long as it is worth more than the US 28 i paid for each I am happy, as stated i am not a coin collector and bought them for the silver value. My boys had fun playing with 100+ year old coins.
Anyone have a clue in regards to the Italian 5 lire?
 
i had a few birr, at the moment left with a few gersh only, same design just smaller denominations, but that birr coin looks a bit weird just check it for size and silver content
 
Argentum said:
i had a few birr, at the moment left with a few gersh only, same design just smaller denominations, but that birr coin looks a bit weird just check it for size and silver content
Click to expand...
I weighed it and it came out to 28 grams, could it be a half bir?
I am taking it tomorrow to an Ethiopian friend to see if he can translate what is written on it.
 
I know.. Start a new thread in the numismatic section and ask the values after already doing so on this thread.

You may even get a different answer from a different stacker .. I take it you have access to the internet.. This World Wide Web has lots of information about event he most specialised search term including Ethiopian Birr..

Maybe you'll find you'll save your "friends" time for a more useful occasion in the future

All the best with your extensive research
 
I only find a regular type pamp mecca pendant on ebay. Seller wants like $200 for it.

The one you found looks cool IMO and probably even more collectable than the regular one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top