Coin Clinic: Different overdates on 1825 $5 gold

By Richard Giedroyc

QAre there two different overdates for the 1825 $5 gold?

AAll but two of the known specimens show the “5” in the date over a “1.” The other two have the “5” over a “4.” One of these was in the Eliasberg Collection, the other in the Kaufman Collection when sold in 1978. A mutilated “1825/23” specimen in the 1947 American Numismatic Association convention has never been verified.

Q What is the eight-ounce silver Bicentennial medal from the U.S. Mint worth?

A The issue price was $150 and 8,824 of the “National Medals” were sold. Melt value is $112.96 with silver just over $14 an ounce. Current numismatic value is somewhat higher.

Q Isn’t there a conflict on the French coins that say “Napoleon Emperor” and “Republic of France"?

AThe coins of 1804-1808 would seem to have this conflict, but the matter is resolved when we remember that the French Senate in May 1804 only conferred the title of Emperor upon Napoleon, and it was not until 1808 that he decreed France an empire and stated it on the coins.

Q King Victor Emmanuel III carried the titles of king and emperor, but didn’t his grandfather also carry two?

A King Victor Emmanuel II originally was King of Sardinia, but in 1861 became King of Italy.

Q Is the 1393-dated Peruvian 1-sol a true error date or has the date been altered?

AThe work was done with the die, using a “3” punch instead of an “8.” Coins are not altered.

Q What are the weights for the different fineness Canadian silver 10-cent coins?

AStandard weight for all three finenesses (.925, .800 and .500) is 2.324 grams. The weights are compensated by using different thicknesses. The nickel 10-cent pieces weigh 2.073 grams.

Q Is President Suharto on the Indonesian 1970 1,000- and 25,000-rupiah coins?

AThe bust is not that of President Suharto, but is instead Gen. Sudriman, the Indonesian chief of staff during the 1945 revolution.

Q How do you tell the difference between the Swiss 1968-B 5-franc coins on copper-nickel and silver planchets?

AThe silver coins weigh 15 grams. The copper-nickel weighs 13.2 grams. Weight is one of the best tools for the collector.

Q Why aren’t the Italian 1,500 lira coins listed?

AThe denomination is 500. The “1” is really the “L” designating the lira. There are no Italian 1,500-lira coins.