Kevin,

A coin dealer / antiques dealer would not give a good price. If he wants to sell it, a good auction house (and there are a couple in Melbourne who deal in railwayana) or sell it on eBay.

A Sydney tramway destination box with a Newcastle roll in it went for $1645 on eBay recently.

Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Kevin Sewell
To:kevin.sewell@...
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 8:40 PM
Subject: [TramsDownUnder] Potentially valuable ticket - probably a fair bit OT

First let me preface this with the up-front statement that I have not seen it and I am only going on a conversation so I don't take it as gospel (and neither should you) but it is, apparently, a genuine enquiry and prima facie a genuine article.

The other day the subject of trains came up, and I was asked firstly what would be the worth of a train ticket that a work colleague has in his possession. And secondly where one might go to seek valuation and possible sale.. You guys are more likely to have a better idea that I would, so I am open to your suggestions.
The thing which would probably make this one rather valuable is that it is a 1854 ticket from Melbourne and it comes in an (apparently) original leather folder which I take it looks a little bit like a modern business card holder. It is printed on what has been described as thick paper (probably ruling out it being of the Edmondson species) and copperplate hand written passenger details. He didn't say that it was first day of service or anything like that, and I suspect that is more likely to be because it is not rather than that he didn't know its history or provenance. Similarly the date may also be approximate as he originally thought (in that idle conversation) that it was 1853. When I explained to him the reasons that would be impossible he said "about" that date. He obviously realises its historic value and has kept it carefully and in good condition, but has no idea what it is worth.

Lets just assume for the moment that it is genuine (as I said, I haven't seen it) what would it be likely to be worth? And would someone like a coin dealer be likely to be interested in it?