1816 Sixpence and 1896 Shilling

[Guest Stargazer]

Hi all, I live in Northland, New Zealand. My friend is a very keen metal detector user and searches his local beach alot. In his travels he has found these two coins. Both are in what I would call excellent condition with no scratches or dents. I have photos if anyone would like to see. I only recently googled the writing on them (no one on nz public forum told me what they were). I didn't even realise they were Bristish coins but it explains alot. My friend would like me to list them on an nz site called Trade me but I have no idea what they are worth or anything really. Have really learnt something in my research and now am quite blown away by how far the coins have traveled and how they must have got there. If they were mine I would keep them! I am quite intrigued by these sorts of historical things. Anyway, does anyone have an idea of value or what to set the reserve at in NZ money? Are these coins rare? Thanks in advance.

[Peckris]

Hi all, I live in Northland, New Zealand. My friend is a very keen metal detector user and searches his local beach alot. In his travels he has found these two coins. Both are in what I would call excellent condition with no scratches or dents. I have photos if anyone would like to see. I only recently googled the writing on them (no one on nz public forum told me what they were). I didn't even realise they were Bristish coins but it explains alot. My friend would like me to list them on an nz site called Trade me but I have no idea what they are worth or anything really. Have really learnt something in my research and now am quite blown away by how far the coins have traveled and how they must have got there. If they were mine I would keep them! I am quite intrigued by these sorts of historical things. Anyway, does anyone have an idea of value or what to set the reserve at in NZ money? Are these coins rare? Thanks in advance.

Hi Stargazer - Welcome to the forums

Neither coin is particularly rare, but condition is absolutely everything. Photos would be a great help, or a scan (both sides of each coin).

To give an illustration of how important condition is - either coin in Fine (partly worn but still respectable) would be worth around £5. In Mint condition the shilling would be worth £50, the sixpence around £100.

[Peter]

Apart from hammered or gold metal detecting silver or copper won't be above fine values.....on a beach...even worse

[Chris Perkins]

And I don't suppose much hammered gets found in New Zealand!

[Peckris]

And I don't suppose much hammered gets found in New Zealand!

Oh I don't know - a few tinnies of Fosters, perhaps?