Gold Crown

[Guest Laura]

I inherited what looks like a 1911 gold crown. Giorgius V on one side and knight slaying dragon on reverse, date on bottom. Coin is mounted in 18K bezel and was worn by G'ma for many years. It's shined with age, but details are very good. I don't want to part with it, for a while, but want to know more about it.

Is value compromised because it is made into a pendant (easily removed bezel)? What is the market value for such a coin?

Appreciate any comments. Thank you very much for your interest.

L

[Sylvester]

Is value compromised because it is made into a pendant (easily removed bezel)? What is the market value for such a coin?

In a word, yes. Very much so.

Collectors like original unaltered and uncleaned coins. If it's been worn then it's probably smoothed out some of the detail (i noticed you said it was shiny), which constant wear can produce.

Although don't be disheartened yet because it will most probably be gold. It could be one of four things;

Half Sovereign (About the size of a modern penny)

Sovereign (Size of a 10p)

Two Pound Coin (Size of a £2 coin)

Five Pound Coin (Size of those £5 coins commemorative issues they sell at Post Offices).

Because of the damaged nature of the coin (i.e jewelry), it won't have any collector value but it will retain it's gold value.

[Guest Laura]

So glad you could give me some advice on my coin.

I believe it is not one of those other coins you listed, because I looked on this web site and saw a 1902 crown, with King Edward on the front, the same knight on the reverse, which looked just like my coin, although more coppery colored. Its the one that sold to a collector for over $100.00.

My "crown's" lettering is nicely raised, King George's profile is quite distinct, not worn. You can definitely see the hair on his head and his fluent mustache..... Mine measures, the same 22mm across, and I am sure it is gold. It really was well taken care of as a piece of jewelery, through WW2 and beyond.

I am sorry that is not collectable as a coin, but I'll take it to my jeweler, as you suggest, just to see what it is worth in gold. I am going to take care of it and pass it on to my children.

Thanks a million,

L

[Sylvester]

My "crown's" lettering is nicely raised, King George's profile is quite distinct, not worn. You can definitely see the hair on his head and his fluent mustache..... Mine measures, the same 22mm across, and I am sure it is gold. It really was well taken care of as a piece of jewelery, through WW2 and beyond.

22mm, then it is most definately a gold sovereign.

Just like this one...

http://www.goldsovereigns.co.uk/forsalegeorgev.html

(Crowns are silver and measure 39mm).

[Guest Laura]

Yes, mystery solved! Now I know that I have a 1911 gold sovereign.

It appears to be from the London mint (no mark) according to the link you provided. I also read that these gold sovereigns were very common, that explains why my G'ma would have been able to easily purchase the one she wanted for herself.

Thank you, again. Regards, L