Columbus 500 Coin

[DrJoePrime]

Found this silver coin today at the beach after a lot of erosion. I'm in Southern California.

It's just slightly larger than a quarter but is about 1-1/2 times thicker and weighs 7.8 grams (silver quarter is 6.25 grams).

I've had no luck with Google my goto helpmate. So hopefully one of the crew here can help.

Thanks, Joe

 

[Mackaydon]

Dr. Joe:
In 1992 many collections were created commemorating the 500th anniversary of the voyage of 1492. I believe you have one of those commemoratives.
Don.....

 

[DrJoePrime]

Don, any idea as to the purity of the silver? 90% or .999?

At 7.8 grams it's almost exactly 1/4 troy ounce (.251) so it seems .999 might be likely?

Where could I look for the origin of this particular commemorative?

Regards, Joe

 

[Mackaydon]

Dr. Joe,
My guess is it's pewter.
You may choose to ask your jeweler to assay it but any cost of that process might offset the resultant value.
Part of the original marketing spin at the time was to use the word 'Quincentennial'. Have you Googled that word with others in combination?
Don.....

 

[DrJoePrime]

Don, it's definitely Silver. It was tarnished purple and my aluminum foil in hot water with a baking soda rub cleaned it up to the point I have now.

The "500" seems to include elements of a hallmark to me..what do you think?

 

[Mackaydon]

Can you read the letters on the mainsail?

 

[DrJoePrime]

There's only a cross on the mainsail.

Joe

 

[Mackaydon]

Anything on the rim?

 

[DrJoePrime]

nope nothing on rim

 

[Mackaydon]

The 'star' and 'x' may be a hallmark or simply decoration. As to the rim, I was hoping it might say 'sterling' as some commemorative pieces do show that word there. I think your piece is generic, created by an opportunist during the 500th yr. of the Columbus discovery anniversary. It may be silver in some form, but, IMHO, I doubt it's sterling.
Don........

 

[qkslvr]

I found it, it's a quarter oz .999 silver commemorative coin, part of a 3 piece set from American Founders Mint.

 

[Mackaydon]

Here's the mark:
http://trade.mar.cx/christopher_columbus_quincentenary_jubilee_commission

 

[Breezie]

Awesome find; congrats! Breezie

 

[DrJoePrime]

Hey qkslvr ..great result...THANKS! <you guys are Amazing>

I suspected it might be .999 silver since it was so close to 1/4 oz. Bummer on the corrosion but it's still a keeper.

Odd thing I have found a Franklin half there also and today a Walking Liberty half. It's in the wet sand of the beach.

HH Joe