Bavaria Mike
Gold Member
- Feb 7, 2005
- 8,340
- 177
- Detector(s) used
- Minelab XT70, Fisher 1280, Garrett Ace 250 and MH5
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
I can't think straight as it's only been about 45 minutes since I found it. I've updated the original post and have IDed the coin. ITALY-Venice (1595-1605) Gold Ducat Obverse portrays the Doge (Duke) of Venice kneeling before St. Mark, the Patron Saint of Venice. In abbreviated Latin the legend has the name of the Doge (Marino Grimani). The reverse portrays a standing image of Christ surrounded by the stars of Heaven, holding his right hand in Benediction and a book of Gospels in his left. The legend reads "may this Royal Ducat be dedicated to Thee, O Christ. Weight is approx. 3.45 gm and is slightly smaller than an American Nickle. Gold is 23.65 Karat. Value around 240.00 USD. Found it on a farm field at 4" deep using my White's XLT, it IDed as foil (69-71) and even had that scratchy tone foil gives but fortunately, I usually dig it all. There was a farm/hotel here until the mid 1600s.
Obverse.
Reverse. I hope I don't have to sell it, under German law they could force me to do so. What a natural high it is finding a gold coin, especially an old one. HH, Mike
Explanation why I may have to sell the coin. I have a detecting permit and will have to show the Archaeology dept. all my finds when the permit expires in October this year or they will not renew the permit. I really am honest with them and don't want to lose my privilige of detecting legally. They could deem the coin as treasure and take it, giving me and the land owner a finders fee but now that I have researched the coin, I doubt it is treasure in Archaeological terms. I have to figure out what to do about the farmer who owns the land and allows me to detect his planted fields, he is a great guy and deserves something from this find. The coin will probably end up in our museum voluntarily by me, I also have their backing and I'm a member of our Historical Society which runs the museum, just have to get through the hassle first. Could have kept my mouth shut and not told the world.com but it's to great of a find not to share with my detecting friends. HH, Mike
Obverse.
Reverse. I hope I don't have to sell it, under German law they could force me to do so. What a natural high it is finding a gold coin, especially an old one. HH, Mike
Explanation why I may have to sell the coin. I have a detecting permit and will have to show the Archaeology dept. all my finds when the permit expires in October this year or they will not renew the permit. I really am honest with them and don't want to lose my privilige of detecting legally. They could deem the coin as treasure and take it, giving me and the land owner a finders fee but now that I have researched the coin, I doubt it is treasure in Archaeological terms. I have to figure out what to do about the farmer who owns the land and allows me to detect his planted fields, he is a great guy and deserves something from this find. The coin will probably end up in our museum voluntarily by me, I also have their backing and I'm a member of our Historical Society which runs the museum, just have to get through the hassle first. Could have kept my mouth shut and not told the world.com but it's to great of a find not to share with my detecting friends. HH, Mike
