GOLD MEDIEVAL HAMMERED DUCAT COIN, YESSS...

[Bavaria Mike]

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

[Sand]

It's great!!! I can't believe!!! Congrats!!!

Sand

[dg39]

A work of Art!!!!!!!!!
Some folks have all the good luck!
My family was from Bavaria, wish I could visit that beautiful place.

[birdman]

Holy smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING. That is the motherload Mike!!!! CONGRATS!!

[SomeGuy]

Beautiful! So how did you find it?

[hollowpointred]

YYYEEEEHHHAAAWWW way to go mike!! that is stunning!!! well done!!

[Raoul]

WOW what a find,i would sh#t my pants if i found something like that.Congratulations Raoul

[tsgman]

I knew it was just a matter of time before you pulled a gold coin out of the ground. Thats really a beautiful coin! Congratulations. Tsgman

[EDDE]

BOOM!!!!

[bookfisher]

Congratulations on finding that incredible gold coin. As I was told on finding my 1825 George IV gold sovereign, you're now a member of the gold coin club for life. I know you'll always remember that day!

[Boobydoo]

Wow, beautiful coin and a great find.
Congrats for sure. I am really happy for you.
I am glad you shared it here with us, thanks!

Golden smiles!
BDoo

[comfyinvermont]

Mike, fantastic find. Absolutely beautiful. Make sure to send it in to W&E best finds. Congrats on an outstanding find....Lance

[southbound]

Congrats Mike!!!!! I am so happy for you! That is one incredible find!!!!

Vern

[Michigan Badger]

WOW! I don't care what everybody else said about you Mike I always knew you could do it.

Really great find.

I run my Tesoro to accept foil and this is how I got the gold heart and 1902 V nickel.

Congrats!

Badger

[jeff of pa]

Nice coin Mike.

Congrats !

[trk5capt]

MIKE, Talk About Finding The Holy Grail, Congrats. You Are The Man!!! trk5capt...

[Gypsy Heart]

Excellent find and many many congratulations! May I ask why they would make you sell it? Too Who? Its beautiful and I hope you can keep it!

[caratjuice]

What a beauty that is, I hope you get to keep it.

[Trond]

What a beautiful coin. I am still searching for those really old coins.. Hope you can keep yours.

Goldhamster.

[The Bulgarian]

[/quote]BRAVOOOOOO