The value of money and metal

[UK Decimal +]

Two coins of similar format.

1820 5/- Crown - face value £0.25 - cost £18.80 - is Sterling (.925) Silver.

2000 £5 'Dome' - face value £5.00 - cost £20.00 - is Cupro-Nickel (in Mint Folder).

A surprising comparison, and even allowing for the fact that to us a coin is worth its interest value only, might be worth discussion.

The illustrations are from eBay, as the coins haven't arrived yet.

Bill.

[Figleaf]

To add perspective, I used this site to find out that, using the RPI, 5 shillings in 1830 (the data series does not go back further) is the equivalent of £15.10 in 2000. In terms of purchasing power, its value in 2000 was £13.30. Whoever held the 1820 coin before you, didn't make a good investment. Let's hope they got other forms of fun from it.

Peter

[UK Decimal +]

The 1820 Crown arrived this morning.   The black marks have almost vanished after just one scrape with the thumb nail.

I will add a few details about it under The British Crown, Part 1  heading.

Bill.

[Figleaf]

Try using a soft eraser on the coin.

Peter

[UK Decimal +]

It's a bit better, now looks like slight knocks with a little tarnishing.   I won't rub it too hard as I don't want to mess up the patina, but I will try my old trick of carrying it about in a pocket for a few days - this always helps to freshen-up an old coin.

Bill.

[UK Decimal +]

Found an interesting example on ebay (now closed, so scroll down).   No I'm not the 'lucky' purchaser.

I bet that most of the coins are post-1920 50% silver!

Bill.

[andyg]

Unless I'm missing something the silver content of that lot at 50% silver will be £276.88 at todays silver price.

[UK Decimal +]

Unless I'm missing something the silver content of that lot at 50% silver will be £276.88 at todays silver price.

So, maybe not such a bad deal.

Question - might it be illegal to melt the coins (probably all demonetized) in this country?   If no replies, I will try to check at a later date.

Bill.