atocha coin value?

Question

I have a coin from Nuestra Senora de Atocha shipwreck. Demomination:2 reale; grade:one; mint:potosi; assayer:R; weight:6.3; reign: Philip iii. Does anyone have an idea of the worth or where I can find someone who might want to purchase it?

Answer 1

1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.

2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp

3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.

Good luck!

P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.

When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.

Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.

If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!

I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.

Answer 2

Atocha Coins Value

Answer 3

Well Philip III ruled Spain from 1598-1621. The Potosi mint was in Bolivia. I am not up on the treasure finders grading system. They seem to be the only one that use it but one good thing not all do. It is listed as KM# 8. The 6.3 is a little under weight for the denomination but that does not matter for back then things were crude and most mint employees dishonest. I really do not have an up to date price guide due to the expense of the books, I use mine for reference only, so that I can tell what I have got, when I get new coins, they help on undated coins. Right now value means little to me, my heirs can argue about it. The R assayer is a common type, I would venture to say it is worth $55 and well over $100 if in top grade. No dealer will offer you anything without seeing it. If you can send a scan or photo you can try Bob Reis of Anything Anywhere a top notch dealer but you need to send him a pix [e-mail] Hope this helps. Also any real large coin dealers in your area should know it's value. The ones that sell U.S. only will have no idea of what you have let alone a fair value.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
atocha coin value?
I have a coin from Nuestra Senora de Atocha shipwreck. Demomination:2 reale; grade:one; mint:potosi; assayer:R; weight:6.3; reign: Philip iii. Does anyone have an idea of the worth or where I can find someone who might want to purchase it?