2 shilling confusion

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   I am stuck as to the origin of a coin. I've searched the Internet to no avail. It's in bad shape as per grade but I'm curious as to the minting place and quantity. I've had this coin for over 30 years...lost it and found again as was packed away while moving a couple times. The coin is approximately 1 5/16" in diameter. Since the coin is in such bad shape I said what the heck and scratched the edge to see what color was beneath the tarnish and it's gold colored...(possibly brass/bronze?). The date is readable and is 1794. The obverse has a profile (facing left) but I can't make out if male or female with a ruffled collar and the date is beneath the profile. The reverse has what looks like a torch with a lit flame atop and a number 2 to the left and a letter S to the right of the handle of torch. 
Any information about this coin is much appreciated. Thanks

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KnotRough Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote KnotRough Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 2 shilling confusion Posted: 20 Sep 2007 at 4:01am
	I am stuck as to the origin of a coin. I've searched the Internet to no avail. It's in bad shape as per grade but I'm curious as to the minting place and quantity. I've had this coin for over 30 years...lost it and found again as was packed away while moving a couple times. The coin is approximately 1 5/16" in diameter. Since the coin is in such bad shape I said what the heck and scratched the edge to see what color was beneath the tarnish and it's gold colored...(possibly brass/bronze?). The date is readable and is 1794. The obverse has a profile (facing left) but I can't make out if male or female with a ruffled collar and the date is beneath the profile. The reverse has what looks like a torch with a lit flame atop and a number 2 to the left and a letter S to the right of the handle of torch. Any information about this coin is much appreciated. Thanks

bart Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 36	Post Options Post Reply Quote bart Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Sep 2007 at 5:51am
	You have a French coin with the denomination of 2 sols, issued after the French Revolution in 1789. I suppose the date must be 1791, as this type was issued only in 1791,1792 and 1793. It bears the effigy of king Louis XVI, who was beheaded in 1793. The year is also given following the Revolutianary Calender: "L'AN 3 DE LA LIBERTE" or year 3 of liberty. This is a coin of a period, which was a turning point in history. The "Ancien R�gime" had ended, but the king was still head of state. So, on the coin you read: "Louis XVI, roi des Fran�ois" or, Louis XVI, king of the French, instead of "by the grace of God, king of France". On the other side you can read: "La nation, la loi, le roi" or "the nation, the law, the king" . The king, who used tho reign "by the grace of God" was now subject to the nation and the law. He stayed only as a sort of first citizen. I see the letter A after the date, which means your coin was struck in Paris. Most of these coins were struck in bell bronze. bart

KnotRough Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote KnotRough Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Sep 2007 at 6:03am
	I truely appreciate the information Bart. Any idea of the value of such coin even though in heavily circulated condition ? I seached and searched and sent emails to several coin clubs and collectors and no one replied back except to say they couldn't evaluate the coin without looking at it in person. I wasn't trying to get a stipulated quote,was only shooting for a rough estimate. Once again...thanks. Paul

bart Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 36	Post Options Post Reply Quote bart Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Sep 2007 at 6:18am
	I am afraid the historic value is much higher than its intrinsic value. The Standard Catalog of World Coins (better known as "Krause"), gives the coin a catalog value of 3US$ in VG(= very good) condition. In fact, despite of its meaning, a VG-condition means the coin is quite worn-off. Looking at the picture of your coin, I should grade it as being in a G(or good) condition, so catalog value must be around 1 to 2 bucks. bart

KnotRough Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote KnotRough Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Sep 2007 at 6:27am
	Oh well...guess I wasn't born to be rich. Thanks to you I was able to run a few more searches and on Ebay there's a couple for sale and as you state...weren't selling for much. Thanks again for your time and effort.

Royalist0007 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Coin Expert Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Location: New Zealand Status: Offline Points: 311	Post Options Post Reply Quote Royalist0007 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 2007 at 9:21pm
	Paul,it is well worth looking for information,as the 1793 King Louis XVI issue is the most interesting date in the series.I reckon that the 1793 issue should be worth around US$5 in V.G. grade,as it is the date that seldom turns up.You see more of the 1791 & 1792 issues turning up. Aidan.

hasbin555 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 03 Apr 2011 Location: London Status: Offline Points: 28	Post Options Post Reply Quote hasbin555 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Apr 2011 at 2:00pm
	Yes this coin is French as i have a similar one but it is actually 12 Deniers.