Charles ii Merk

[scotchaos]

I was lucky enough to find this coin whilst metal detecting and thought you may like to see it, its a Charles ii Scottish Merk 1672 with a reversed 2, the coin is in as found condition, thanks in advance for any help with a value.

[Rob]

I was lucky enough to find this coin whilst metal detecting and thought you may like to see it, its a Charles ii Scottish Merk 1672 with a reversed 2, the coin is in as found condition, thanks in advance for any help with a value.

You're a lucky person, it's obviously rare. Spink 2003 edition gives a value of Fine £150, VF £400 and EF £1250 or approximately twice that for a normal version. The value though will depend on the degree of corrosion. The obverse looks as though it is badly pitted and although in quite good grade probably doesn't make fine as a result. This will depress its value although the reverse looks better.

Edited May 25, 2006 by Rob

[krasnaya_vityaz]

I was lucky enough to find this coin whilst metal detecting and thought you may like to see it, its a Charles ii Scottish Merk 1672 with a reversed 2, the coin is in as found condition, thanks in advance for any help with a value.

You're a lucky person, it's obviously rare. Spink 2003 edition gives a value of Fine £150, VF £400 and EF £1250 or approximately twice that for a normal version. The value though will depend on the degree of corrosion. The obverse looks as though it is badly pitted and although in quite good grade probably doesn't make fine as a result. This will depress its value although the reverse looks better.

I believe that UK dealers would sell this as a fine, an example of grading up for age. The corrosion on the piece took a toll on an otherwise very nice piece. Typically these Merks are found in rather very heavily circulated condition.

[scotchaos]

Thanks for the comments Rob/Krasnaya, the obverse has more of a marled patination ? rather than pitted(maybe the same thing), this is probably due to the fact its been under salt water for quite some time as it was found at low tide on a beach. I take it that a coin like this would be left in the condition its in or would it benefit/can it be proffessionally cleaned ?