Pianotech

  • 1.  An odd coin found under the keys

    Posted 07-11-2018 00:10
    I acquired a Stieff upright a little while back. When i removed the keys, i found this odd coin. I can't read the print on it. 
    Does anyone recognize it by chance?

    -chris


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  • 2.  RE: An odd coin found under the keys

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-11-2018 01:03
    A real quick search leads me to believe that it might be a European medieval hammered silver coin. 1500's or thereabouts. Or, it could just be evil. If there is anything written on it that you can pronounce I wouldn't say it out loud. :-)

    I once found a 1,000,000 Lyra coin in a piano. Don't remember from what country, but when I looked it up it was worth about 30¢.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 3.  RE: An odd coin found under the keys

    Posted 07-12-2018 12:53
    My client wondered why a key wouldn't depress on the 1918 Steinway upright. I removed an 1893 silver dollar from under the key and handed it to the client. "Oh, no Bob, keep it, that's your tip". Later I went on line and found out that it was worth a few dollars. I carry it in my upright piano tuning kit with a few other coins and other items I have recovered over the last 40 some years. None of them worth very much. 

    I hope everyone is enjoying the very fine Lancaster PA. National PTG Convention this week. 

    Bob Highfield

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    Robert Highfield
    Lancaster PA
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  • 4.  RE: An odd coin found under the keys

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-13-2018 10:35
    Hi, Chris.

    Looks like a subway or bus token.

    Geoff, Lyra is the denomination for Italian currency. It comes from the 
    musical term Lyre. Don't know why.


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