William IV 1836 Half Crown

[colliewalker1]

I came across this interesting item while browsing in Ebay.

The staining is a pity as the detail e.g the momarchs head is superb.

Any ideas as to value - could the staining be removed?

Quote from Ebay Description

This is an 1836 William 1V halfcrown with a slice of history. It was found on the banks of the Great Fish River in southern Africa by a native sheperd in 1960.It is thought to be part of a military pay chest buried during the Kafir wars. Although stained it is in EF condition and a very nice example of it's type. I have three other coins from the same source on Ebay at this time. Pay Personal cheque or Paypal. Postage £2.00 Recorded or £4.00 Special Delivery.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...3929855223&rd=1

[Emperor Oli]

That's in super condition under the staining, but it will devalue it significantly. I suppose it could be removed with a cleaner of some type, but that would probably upset the tone of the coin.

[colliewalker1]

This must be a very difficult one to value - I suppose that it's extremely unusual history adds to the value and in a way, the staining is part of it's special characterand origin, which would disappear if it was cleaned - assuming that would even be possible.

A tantalising one!

It seems that William IV coins are rather scarce - no doubt due to this king's short reign.

[Sylvester]

It seems that William IV coins are rather scarce - no doubt due to this king's short reign.

If you think that you should watch out for James II!

[colliewalker1]

That's in super condition under the staining, but it will devalue it significantly. I suppose it could be removed with a cleaner of some type, but that would probably upset the tone of the coin.

Can anyone say if this staining COULD be removed - does it depend on what has caused it?

Did I read somewhere that 'silver dip' can be effective

[Chris Perkins]

To be perfectly honest, the history of that coin in my opinion is completely irrelevant. Not that i'm doubting the person listing it, but unless you can speak to the African that found it (or better still, get him to sign a piece of paper describing where and when he found it etc) then there is no way you can guarantee it was found where it says it was.

The African gentleman who bought it at a boot sale in Harare (or wherever) could have sold it to the Englishman telling him he found it by a specific river in order to sell it for more. The African gentleman could have even claimed it came out of the belly of a wild Tiger that he shot while it was attacking Michael Caine during the filming of Zulu if he wanted to!

1836 was a long time ago, who knows where the coin has been since then. Maybe it was dropped by the river a week earlier by someone on their way back from the previous weeks boot sale!

What I'm saying is, buy it if you like the look of it, but take the history with a pinch of salt. Removal of the stain will depend on what it is, I also think the stain should stay as it would be better than a hairlined cleaned surface, and any future keeper of the coin would have the option of cleaning it should they want to.

[Geoff T]

It seems that William IV coins are rather scarce - no doubt due to this king's short reign.

Actually the 1836 half crown is by far the commonest of the reign, although good specimens don't go for peanuts. One to watch for is the 1836/5, although even that's not that uncommon compared to some overdates.

Of the standard circulating half crowns, the much rarer 1837 in good condition is worth seeking out.

Geoff