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Bob Fabien at fabe@stratos.net writes: I have collected the complete Austrian Millennium Coin set with presentation box. All coins are in their original plastic holder and are in mint condition. Any suggestions on how to determine the current value? Searches have turned up zip. Thanks!

Dear Bob,
As far as I know, their is no official Millennium "set" but there are some individual collector issues. The Austrians are very proud of their long history and minted many commemoratives to honor various ancient events and places.

There is a 1000 Schilling gold coin issued in 1976 that is the official Austrian Millennium coin (KM733 and 733a). It contains .3906 ounces of gold and even though 1.8 million were minted, the coin usually brings a 5% premium over the gold content. Just take the above decimal and multiply it time the current gold price and then multiply the answer times 1.05 to get the approximate market value.

Another "1000 year" coin issued was the 1977 1000th Anniversary of Carinthia. Other close issues could be the 1977 1200th Anniversary of Kremsmunster Monastery or the 1977 900th Anniversary of Hohensalzburg Fortress. All of the above are commemorative 100 Schillings in silver and are worth about $10 each. There is also an 1980 500 schillings that commemorates the millennium of the City of Steyr (about $40)

It's not unusual for a third party to take coins like these and put them together in a special presentation box for the purpose of promotion. If anyone knows something more about this particular "set", send us a message on the Soapbox.

gmarcum@indy.net writes: I have a coin that was found in an old box, it is a 1911 nickel. On the back it has a V in the middle. The front has a face with Liberty on the crown. You can still read it ok. Is this Nickel rare or are they common and what are they worth?

Circulated Liberty nickels are fairly easy to find in circulated condition and common dates such as 1911 are worth less than a dollar. Check out the FAQ to get receive basic information about nickels.

jjgoode@swbell.net writes: 'Looking for information on a 1861 confederate penny with (1/100) one back with the word copy stamped on it. Any information or Web site you can offer

The New Orleans Mint was seized by the Confederacy in 1861 but they had no engraver to create new coin designs for the new political entity. The story of the confederate cent goes something like this:

Secret Agents of the Confederacy approached Philadelphia engraver Robert Lovett through a contact at the jewelry firm of Bailey, Banks & Biddle and asked if he would be willing to create a design for a Confederate cent. Though Lovett actually went ahead with the project and even struck about a dozen specimens he suddenly got cold feet and hid the dies and the coins in his cellar.

He kept one coin as a pocket piece and in 1873 accidentally spent it in a bar in West Philadelphia. The coin eventually came to the attention of collector Capt. John W. Haseltine who tracked down Lovett and talked him into selling him the dies and remaining coins. Haseltine restruck the coins in gold, silver and copper but no one knows how many he actually made.

Other collectors subsequently owned the dies and eventually they were defaced. The dies were displayed by Judson Brenner at the American Numismatic Convention in 1911. The dies showed up again in 1961 and were in the possession of Robert Bashlow who made copies of the dies, damage and all, and struck copies for the Confederate centenary in 1961-62. The original Lovett dies now reside in the Smithsonian Institution.

The coin design shows a head of Liberty facing left CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA around. The reverse shows 1 CENT surrounded with a wreath of corn, cotton, maple and tobacco.

There have been many advertising copies and "confederate cent" fantasy pieces as yours surely is as there is no 1/100 on the original design.

Hi, My name is Carol Canton and I purchased a desk with a struck drawer. After opening it I found a large 1900 penny. On the front of it there is a man sitting down with a roman helmet on and a three prong staff/spear. And on the back there is a woman's head with the words VICTORIA GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP. Could you please give me some information about this item?

Dear Carol, The coin that you have is a English Penny from 1900. The woman's head on the coin is Queen Victoria of England. The reverse shows Britannia seated on a rock. The legend you describe translates as: Victoria By The Grace of God Queen of All The Britains, Defender of The Faith, Empress of India.

Though this coin is almost a century old, many of these survived and therefore are of very low value - 10 cents for average circulated pieces. There are good reasons for the large number of these coins:
1 - There were large numbers made - the penny was a basic unit and was used by all.
2 - The coin is dated 1900 - Though really the last year of the 19th century, most considered it a 20th Century coin. I'm sure everyone will want to save a coin dated 2000.
3 - It was at the end of Victoria's very long reign (1837-1901). In 1902 for the first time in 64 years someone else's portrait was now on the coins. People keep the last few years of an issue for nostalgic reasons.

Ron at ron@aol.com writes: I need the estimated value of an 1892 Liberty Silver Dollar. The coin is in good to near mint condition

Dear Ron:

That's a big range of grades since good represents a very worn coin and near mint, or as the industry calls it, About Uncirculated, represents a coin with only the slightest trace of wear. In any case we are also assuming that the coin was minted in Philadelphia as you didn't state a mint mark. Therefore the coin would be worth from about $6-$40 based on your description.

Eric Staats at estatts1@camelot.bradley.edu writes: This may sound silly, but do you know how much a nickel weighs? It's for a class (chem) assignment. Thanks

A current United States nickel weighs 5 grams and consists of .750 copper and .250 nickel. Do I get an A?

Kevin lopez at klopex@okla.net writes: I have a coin that is labled circa 400 BC silver (rare India) medieval enigmatic Europe with a certificate that it came from a King Umberto 2 of Italy collection. I'm trying to find some kind of value to it, can you help?

Dear Kevin,
The earliest you could date the medieval period in Europe is the reign of Diocletian beginning in 284 AD and the late middle ages probably ends with Martin Luther's death in 1546. So 400 BC ain't it. You also mention Europe (lots of countries there) and India but the word "enigmatic" gives away the fact that the person attributing the coin had no idea what the coin was (enigmatic means puzzling to those without access to their Swahili dictionary). I don't know what it is either unless you describe the coin in detail.

Matt T at mftunn@worldnet.att.net writes: I want to preface this note by mentioning that I am not a Numismatist but my recent inheritance of some coins has sparked my interest. I am particularly interested in any information you might have on an 1833 U.S.10 cent Liberty bust coin that is part of my collection. I would estimate it's condition at fine to very fine, but I have not had this verified yet. Thank you in advance for any information you might have.

Dear Matt, As you are new to numismatics, check out the FAQ for lots of basic information. As far a the value of your bust dime, in the grades you describe the value would be between $20 and $40 dollars for a uncleaned attractive specimen.

David Baccus at dba359@airmail.net writes:

Many years ago while out on the old family farm, my grandfather told me that he and his 3 brothers had hidden coins in leather bags in the three trunks around the yard. We decided to go looking and found several of the old bags most of them deteriorated, but many coins. He said I could have them. Long story short, I kept some and he put the rest in a lock box. Most of them being early 1900 dimes and virtually 1000's of 1901 Indian head pennies. Question, are these worth anything, possibly for my great grandchildren? My grandfather is longer here and grandmother insists I wait until she dies to look in the lock-box! Thanks. P.S. The farm has been sold but the old trees are still there

Dear David,

Condition is everything with coins, but the dimes, even if deteriorated, are silver and would be worth at least 30 cents each at the present silver price. High grade circulated pieces would bring from several dollars to as much as $35 dollars each. Of course, an uncirculated coin could bring a great deal more. The Indian cents, if original and uncleaned and at least just average condition, could bring from 25 cents to 80 cents each. Again uncirculated pieces are worth a good deal more. Take them to a reputable dealer, sell them and enjoy the money.

Rory Cuellar at rbenc01@sprynet.com writes:I checked in your FAQ area for info on an 1866 3 cent piece. I found where you mentioned them but not a typical value. I have one, that according to a traveling coin and gold buyer, is in good to fine condition. It has not been cleaned and has been sealed for at least 40 years. He offered me $18.00 for it. I did not know if this was a good price or not. I cannot find a mint mark on it, does this mean it is from the Philly mint? I realize that you cannot judge it without seeing it, but an estimated range would be nice. Thank you!

If it is a 3 cent silver (the design has a star on one side) and its in good to fine condition, the price that you were offered is fair. Don't forget that grading is very important, higher grade pieces can bring substantially more. Get a second opinion before you sell it. Yes,the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint.

L Kelly at kelkron3@nbnet.nb.ca writes: Requesting info on a coin which reads "Remember the Maine" on one side and "Cuba Shall be Free".

The medal that you describe is one of many pro-Republic items that were made to promote victory in the Spanish American War and create a Free Cuba. These items include the Souvenir Pesos of 1897 and 1898 and everyday items like cigarette lighters engraved with a similar legend as above. It seems that collectors of Cuban coins don't limit themselves to just coins. Cigar labels, paper money, postcards, steam ship menus, advertisements, political propaganda and hand written books by famous Cuban writers, painters and poets all seem to be included. These items always have a ready market in places where Cuba collectors gather.

As far as value, I've seen the above token in brass and in nickel. They usually bring between $10 and $20.

Orlando Tomás Flores Rodríguez writes: A friend of mine has a coin that appears to be Hungarian from 1543, on one side it has an eagle and a legend that seems to say VERB DOMI MANEI and something else that not clear, on the other side it has a bearded man and a legend with a cross that says FRIDERI DGDVXS, and the rest can not be read, the size of it is around 22mm.........

Dear Tomá:

You didn't mention if the coin was gold or silver but off the top of my head. the coin sounds like it might be a quarter taler of Duke Ferdinand I (1521-1564) who ruled Austria during this time. Bohemia and Hungary were added to his domain during his reign so your guess that the coin is Hungarian was partially correct. The legend, translates as Frederick By the Grace of God (DG) Duke (DVXS).

If any of you Austria-Hungarian Empire mavens would like to add your two cents, please leave us all a message on The Soapbox.

Rod Collins of rcollins@rocketmail.com writes: do you know anything about a coin called a Spanish Milled Dollar?

Dear Rod:
The Spanish Milled Dollar was a term English speakers gave to the Spanish 8 Reales that was minted on a coin press from the date 1732-1826. The term "milled" refers to the fact that the coin blanks (flans or planchets) were made on a milling machine and were of consistent weight and size.

Spanish silver coins minted before and even for years after 1732, were "cob" type coins made by hacking off a piece of hot silver, weighing it and stamping the design into the coin. Cobs were of crude uneven shapes making it difficult to ascertain that the coin weighed the proper amount (27.03 grams). The introduction of a technologically superior product kept Spanish coins as the basis for the world monetary system.

Many countries, European and Asian, countermarked Spanish Milled Dollars for use within their own countries. In the United States these coins were used and were legal tender up until the Civil War period. Milled Dollars had a powerful effect on the U.S. coinage system. Our dollar was based on the Spanish Milled Dollar and some of the slang expressions referring to this money still survive today. As an example, the 8 Real was often cut into 8 "bits" to make change. Each bit was worth 12 1/2 cents (100 divided by 8). Though rapidly fading now, the expression 2 bits still refers to a quarter dollar.

The first design consisted of the pillars of Hercules surrounding crowned globes, hence the other name for this coin, "Pillar Dollar". In 1772 Charles II decided that all coin of Spanish American would carry his portrait and so the pillar design ceased to be minted.

There are many Spanish Milled Dollars available in the Numismatic market place. They range in price from $35 for the most common portrait piece in average condition to a $100 or so for a nice pillar design. Of course rare dates or high states of condition can cost a lot more.

William Robinson at wprobinson@internetmci.com writes: Is there anything special about a 1941 penny made entirely out of copper?

The standard alloy of a 1941 cent is .95 copper and .05 tin and zinc. The coin weighs 3.11 grams. To tell if the 1/2 of 1% alloy was missing would take more than just looking at it. How did you determine the missing zinc alloy? You can respond on the Soapbox.

Bob Miranda at mmiranda@utech.com writes: Dear Doc, I recently purchased and 1801 bust silver dollar that had been holed and then repaired sometime in the 1930's. The coin is in very good shape and the repair looks very professional except for the difference in coloration where it was repaired. I paid 60 dollars for the coin. My friend thinks I am nuts what do you think. Sincerely Bob.

Dear Bob,
First you should ask yourself why anyone would put a hole in something as valuable as an 1801 silver dollar. The coin is quite rare. Only about 54,000 1801 dollars were minted and many of those were melted or destroyed early in the 19th century.

Even the worst "dog" would be worth sixty dollars but beware there were many "holed" pieces like you described, fabricated in Asia for Jewelry purposes. They found their way into unsuspecting American hands during the Vietnam War. I once saw several dozen "1804" dollars from the same source. Just to be sure, I recommend sending the dollar to the American Numismatic Association to get it authenticated. If it's authentic, congratulations!

American Numismatic Association
818 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279
719.632.2646
You can also go to the ANA and other numismatic sites by clicking on the Numismatic Links page in the menu below or just click here.

Rebecca Casiano at RCasi618@aol.com writes: I have a US 1857 one cent coin and would like to know the value of this coin?

Dear Rebecca,
You didn't mention if it was a large cent or flying eagle cent or what condition the coin is in. Click on the FAQ to find Frequently Asked Questions About Coins for basic information on cents and other coins.

Jim Farmer at jfarmer@itexas.net writes:I am not a collector. I found a two-headed 1974 quarter and would like to know the value, if any. Thanks for your help!

Well, Jim, of course it has value. Imagine all the coin tosses you could win and the magic tricks that you could do! That's what it is, Jim, a magic shop coin. It's made in a machine shop from two coins that have been hollowed out and fitted together. You can buy them in magic shops in various denominations. It can't be a Mint error because the obverse and reverse dies are made incompatible and can't be substituted for one another. Look carefully for the seam on the inner rim of the coin.

Ron at mattcoinc@aol.com writes: I need info on an old 1855 SAC. CALIFORNIA GOLD 20 DOLLS SMV .900, BLAKE & CO. ASSAYERS. Description: front: picture of a press, back: 20 in center of coin

Dear Ron:
This is a bit of a puzzle. The only Blake & Co. piece that I know of minted in Sacramento, is a milled edge pattern struck with the date 1856. It exists in brass and copper and show a Liberty Head to the left surrounded by 13 stars, date below, on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse with a design similar to that on the United State's Liberty Double Eagle. Around the edge, above, SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA and below TWENTY D. The coin has a milled edge. There also exists a gold-plated specimen that was sold at the McCabe sale sometime in the 1860's.

There were no private mints making coins in 1856 and the San Francisco Mint's output was not good enough to satisfy the needs of commerce. Blake & Co. created the above design as a proposal for a new issue of private coinage. Alas, the era of private coinage was over, the government was getting a bit sticky about unofficial coinage, and the coin was never minted. Only a few brass and copper patterns survive today.

The coin that you have may really be a token or even an advertising piece. Tokens such as these were in use in California as gambling markers, at a time when gold dust was the " coin of the realm". They are found with the denominations $10 or $20 and are usually dated 1847 or 1849 but other dates may exist.

If anyone out there knows something more about Ron's piece please respond on the SoapBox ( See menu in frame below). That way we can all read the response.

Richard Soto at covey@marketingally.com writes: I found a silver penny that has a flying eagle on the front and a torch on the back. I think it was minted by A.D. or A.O. the date is from 1856 and the coin is in real good condition. You can see the feathers on the eagle very clear, if that makes a difference. I would like to know what you think this coin might be worth? Thanks!!

Dear Richard:
You do not have a United States cent nor do patterns exist with the above design. The 1856 cent, which is a rarity with only 1,500 coin minted, was used to show the new design to Congressman and other VIP's. It has a flying eagle on one side and a wreath enclosing the words ONE CENT on the reverse. It weighs 4.67 grams and is .880 copper and .120 nickel, has a plain edge and is 19 mm in diameter. It was minted in Philadelphia and has no mint mark. See Frequently Asked Question About Coins located on the FAQ for more information on the small cent series.

Anybody out there know how this token was used? Respond on the SoapBox if you do!

Isaac Simmons at simmons@mskcc.org writes: How do you determine the differed between type I and II SBA 1981 proofs.

Dear Isaac,
Ah, this is the "broken punch" story. All the dies are made in Philadelphia and so were the mint mark punches. Mint Workers punched in the mint mark by hand just before the dies were put into service. About three quarters through the run of 1979 Proof Sets, the mint mark punch that had been in service for many years, broke. If you look at the coins made from dies using this punch, the mint mark appears as more of a blob than a letter "s". In the haste to make a new punch and get the proof sets production going again, they sent a punch that probably wasn't annealed properly. The rest of the run of 1979 proof sets have a distinct "S" but the ends of the "S" touch and the holes are very small. These are respectively 1979 Type I and 1979 Type II proofs. These mint marks appear on the other proof coins as well.

In 1981, the poorly annealed punch was still in use, but again broke giving rise to yet another mint mark variety. The type 1981 type I is the same as the 1979 Type II. The ends of the "S" on the 1981 Type II has separation from the body of the "S" There is a lot more space in the holes of the "S" and the holes are more "U" shaped than round.

LindaD@aol.com writes:
I have never been to this site before, so I may be asking the wrong person. I have some old coins (nickels, dimes, pennies) form as far back as 1892. How can I find out if they are worth anything?

You are asking the right person. To see the answer to your question, see the FAQ

Scott Keller at skeller@humana.com writes:
I just found a silver penny, 1943, wheat back. I was just wondering what it is worth?

Try using our Search engine....just click on Search on the menu below and type in the words - steel cents - ...to find some excellent articles on that subject.

Gregory Kosar at bronxkie@hci.net writes:
I have come across a coin dated 1764 in which I would like to know the origin. On the side with the date it reads "ZEE LAN DIA", and on the obverse appears to be a lion over some water. I apologize for the vagueness, but the coin is in pretty bad shape. I also would like any info on what the words mean in the English language and an idea of what this coin in bad shape may be worth. Thank you

The coin that you have is called a Duit (8 duits=1 stuiver) and was issued by a province of the Netherlands Called Zeeland (Zeelandia on the coin). It was a low denomination coin, like a U.S. cent and a fairly good number survive today in low grade. I would estimate the value of your coin at $2-$5.

Jason Savage at jmsavage@heald.edu writes:
I recently found an 1897 silver dollar. It is not in top condition, but I still know that it is worth some money. I would like to know how much it is worth.

The Morgan Dollar dated 1897 was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S). Average circulated pieces are only worth about $7 and this only because the century dollars are popular as gifts. The date is only valuable in Almost Uncirculated grades or higher with the 1897O being the rarer of the three

An uncirculated '97O would bring anywhere from $300 in MS60 to many thousands of dollars in gem grades. The reason for the great disparity in price is the scarcity of uncirculated pieces. I guess there weren't many collectors of this coin in 1897 to preserve them for posterity. The same fate may befall our own copper nickel Washington Quarters that every one believes are common. In the future, they be as scarce in uncirculated grades as the 1897O Morgan is today.

Scott Vance at scvance@earthlink.net writes:
I have a 1955 cinco pesos gold Mexican coin. It appears to be in Bright UNC condition. Not being a collector of foreign coins, I was curious haw much a dealer (on the average) would pay for such a coin?

Dear Scott:
The coin that you have is a bullion coin. That is, it is bought and sold for its gold content. It has no numismatic value. The coin contains .1205 troy ounces of gold. If you multiply that number times the current gold price, you will get a good idea of how much the coin is worth, not counting a commission to a bullion or coin dealer.

Chuck Hieronymi at lonih@aol.com writes:
I have what appears to be two gold coins dated 1915 from the Austria-Hungarian empire...a country that clearly no longer exists as it did back at the turn of the century. I would like to know how I can have these items appraised...museum, coin dealer? I live in Charlotte, NC, is there anyone you might recommend? Thanks.

You didn't describe the denominations of the coins or their physical size but from the date the coins are restrikes.. There are no gold coins from Austria with this date. When bullion coins became popular, Austria reproduced them for use as gold bullion items. They used that date to distinguish between original, numismatically valuable coins and restruck pieces.

You could have a 1 ducat, about the size of a dime, that contains .1106 troy ounces of gold, a 4 ducats, about the size of a silver dollar but very thin, containing .4430 troy ounces of gold or 100 Corona, about the diameter of a 4 ducat but much thicker and containing .9803 troy ounces of gold.

Multiply the above decimals times the gold price to get their approximate market value.

Jeff Thompsen at thompsen@sluvca.sluy.edu writes:
I understand that in 1952, certain pennies were accidentally released which were stamped with only half of the penny visible and the remainder of the circular coin showing a crescent of plain unprinted copper. I have this misstamped penny. Could you give me an idea of its value? How about a 1750's King George ha'penny from colonial times?

The weakly struck coin you described is not limited to 1952 and may be the result of improperly set striking pressure or the result of being struck through some foreign material. The cloth used in polishing the dies might be the culprit. These kinds of errors are not unusual and their value usually falls in the $2-$10 range.

As for your halfpence: This British denomination was the most common coin used in Colonial North America. There are several private and American state imitations of this coin but they were minted after 1781 and were an attempt to address the severe coin shortage that existed in Colonial America in this period. Earlier pieces circulated in both Colonial America and England. A Geo II halfpence in average circulated condition would bring less than $10. 'Just goes to show that age doesn't equate with value!

Mathhew Phillips at matthew@candc.co.uk writes an inquiry about 20 mark gold coins:
I saw your reply regarding the 20 Mark gold coins, and was spurred into wondering it any ones I have are rare.

Though you didn't state what mint mark or state of preservation your coins were in, the only better coins on your list, worth two or three times common would be the 1876 and 1878 dated pieces but they must have a "C" mint mark below the head. All the others on your list are bullion related.

Garry Loo of garryloo@pacific.net.sg writes: I used to polish my coins everyday...then one day I stopped polishing the coins, after a few months there is some green substance on the surface of the coin and I try to rub it away but I was unable to do it...can you tell me how can I get rid of it...thanx

Dear Garry,
Polishing your coins was a mistake. Anything that disturbs a coin's surface, whether it is dipping the coin in tarnish remover, polishing the surface with a cloth or with an abrasive substance or treating the coin with heat, degrades the specimen. Natural oxides of silver or copper that are formed over a long period of time are wonderful preservers of coins. You might note that the oxygen that is in combination on the surface of naturally toned coins, is the same oxygen that was present within a few years of the coins' minting. Possibly the same air that Julius Caesar breathed could be locked up in that beautifully toned silver denarius. Scrubbing away the patina destroys the protection built up over a very long period of time and leaves the coin exposed to modern chemical air pollution.

The green substance that you mentioned is is a corrosive called verdigris and is usually seen on copper coins but I have personally seen something like that on silver coins as well (possibly because of the presence of a copper alloy). You might go to a drug store and ask for some copper soap, Vitrolin. Try using a moist cloth,that has been dipped in the soap, and gently daubing the verdigris.

Martin Machnica at macabrae@geocities.com writes:
I recently found a 20 Mark gold German coin dated 1889. On one side has a coat of arms of an eagle, says Deutches Reich - 1889 - 20 Marks. The other side has a portrait of Wilhelm II Deutscher Kaiser Konig V. Preussen. I was wondering if you had any idea of its value

The coin is a 20 Mark of the Kingdom of Prussia, a city state located in Northern Germany. This piece was minted under King Wilhelm II under an already united Germany. The date is common with more than 10 million pieces struck and should have an "A" mint mark

The coin was a trade unit used as money between countries, though the coin was legal tender in Prussia and in all of Germany. Large numbers of these coins survive and today are bought and sold primarily for their bullion value. This coin has .2304 ounces of gold making it slightly less than a quarter troy ounce. If you multiply the above number times the gold price, you can get an approximate value for your coin.

Caution, not all of the dates of these coins are common. There are many rare date and mint mark combinations. Counterfeits of these are plentiful.

Wayne Elliott of welliott@dhc.net writes:
I recently found an old coin in a small container with some other items. Its smaller than a dime, silver, and on one side has a star encircled by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", and "III" in the center. What is it?

You have a silver three-cent piece. These coins were the smallest United States silver coins ever authorized by Congress. They were used initially to purchase postage stamps and to alleviate a terrible coin shortage. The coin was minted from 1851-1873 and includes three different design varieties. All were made at the Philadelphia Mint except for one issue minted at the New Orleans Mint in 1851. There is also a nickel 3 cent piece that was created to replace the silver 3 cent coins. They were a mainstay of small change from 1865 to 1889.

Sandy Davis at ssd1@ra.msstate.edu asked the following question:
What is meant by the slogan that appears on the Sear 1818 anonymous follis probably issued under Constantine VIII which reads "ihSUS XRISTUS bASILEU BASILE"?

First, excuse the use of Latin letters to approximate the Greek. The legend is a bit of shorthand for two phrases. The first part is missing the word nICA as in "ihSUS XRISTUS nICA" which translates as "May Jesus Christ conquer". This really is the same sentiment as the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" on U.S. coins. The second part of the legend translates as "Basil the King" and refers to Basil II who ruled jointly for a while with Constantine VIII. The coin was probably minted sometime around 1000 AD in the Byzantine Empire.

Joy@cetlink.net writes:
I have 1801, 1901 and 1898 pennies. How much are they worth?

Since no graded was stated, I'll assume they are average circulated pieces. I'm also going to assume that they are U.S. coins, though the term "pennies" usually refers to English coins.

The 1801 cent is a Draped Bust type which was minted from 1796-1807 and shows Robert Scot's depiction of Miss Liberty, date below, on the obverse and the words "ONE CENT" within a wreath on the reverse. There are many varieties and errors for this date but assuming that it is a common variety an average piece with full rims would bring around $100.

The other cents dated 1901 and 1898 would be Indian cents and are readily available in the coin market and bring less than $1 each.

Andy Krier at tkrier@biskytech.com writes:
What is the cost of a 1923 silver dollar (PEACE)? It is in O.K. condition, it has a couple of scratches and a few black spots.
It sounds ugly! Peace dollars of this date are very common and therefore nice uncirculated examples are a favorite of U.S. type collectors because of their relatively low price. Damaged pieces like you described above are sold for close to their bullion content (.77344 troy oz). At $5 silver you could probably realize $4 dollars for such a piece.

Bernard Boyer at burnddoogg@aol.com asked the following: I have a 1947 dime. I would like to know how much it is worth. Thank you

To all that have a few circulated U.S. 20th century silver coins lying around the house, this one's for you!
Precious metals were part of the intrinsic money system that existed in the world prior to the current era. By the early 1960's the silver value in dimes, quarters and half dollars reached or surpassed their face value and the public began to hoard them. To counter a growing coin shortage, the U.S. Congress passed a law removing silver from all circulating coins except for the half dollar. That coin remained with a reduced amount of silver (40%) until 1970 when it too began to be minted in base metal. The first base metal dimes and quarters and 40% half dollars were minted in 1965.

Virtually all the silver coins were withdrawn from circulation by the Public. Though a small part of the supply was melted, most of these silver coins still exist in large quantities and are used as a vehicle for purchasing silver. These coins are bought and sold in $1000 face value bags by bullion houses and coin dealers. In each bag are either, 10,000 dimes, 4,000 quarters or 2,000 half dollars. There are virtually no rare dates to be found in these bags. And so what is the value of your 1947 dime? At about $5.00 silver, 30 cents.

Ron La Cabe at BasqDevil@aol.com writes: I have 4 1921s silver dollars what is their value, they are in the cardboard holder from the mint, they have never been out of the wrapper

First of all, there are two dollar design types that were minted in 1921. A Morgan type, similar to the dollar that was discontinued in 1904 and a new type called the Peace Dollar that was essentially a World War I commemorative. The easiest way to describe the difference is that the eagle has closed wings on the Peace Dollar and open wings on the Morgan.

The 1921 Morgan is the most common of all U.S. silver dollars and is available in quantity even in uncirculated condition. There were no special coins sold or made or packaged for collectors in 1921 except for some specially engraved presentation pieces made at the Denver Mint with the words DOLLAR RELEASED FROM THE 1ST 100 EVER COINED AT DENVER MINT THOMAS ANNEAR, SUPT.

Only a small number of 1921 proof Peace dollars were minted and those are very rare and valuable. The regular issues are scarce and have a higher premium than the 1921 Morgan but there is no record of these coins being packaged by the Mint for collectors either.

Brent Eresman at beresman@ysi.com writes: How can one tell when an uncirculated older copper coin (e.g. early Lincoln cents) has been cleaned and retoned and when the toning is natural. The amount of luster seems to vary significantly on pre-1933 coins, or is that a function of cleaning?

When a coin is struck, the metal in the planchet (coin blank) momentarily melts and flows into the dies. The flow lines that are created by this process are what is responsible for mint luster. If you tilt a coin in the light you can see the mint luster travel in a circle around the coin. Under a microscope , one can actually see the radial lines that travel from the center of the coin outward. If you remove or damage the flow lines, the coin can no longer be considered uncirculated as broken flow lines are an indicator of metal being removed from the surface of the coin either by wear or cleaning. It is true that if coins are weakly struck there is less luster but the flow lines will still be unbroken.

Cleaning is bad for coins as it is easy to damage or remove the flow lines. On copper it is doubly so, as the color of a cleaned copper cent takes on a harsh orange color vs the red or red-gold color of a natural piece.

The subject of toning has been a running discussion among coin collectors for many years. Though this forum is too limited for a complete overview, here are a few tips:
- Since toning is the result of oxidation, that is air combining with the surface of the metal, the natural progression of oxidation would take a copper cent from red or red-gold to red-brown to brown.
- "Rainbow" toning with blues and other bright colors are the result of exposure to sulfur compounds. It is sometimes difficult to determine if the toning came from being in a high sulfur content cardboard holder for a long time or the result of chemical abuse. There is a difference, though in some cases even skilled numismatists have a difference of opinion.

If you would like more input from the numismatic community about this subject, you are welcome to start a Toning folder in The Coin Site Trading Room

Jack Przybylski at jackprz@worldnet.att.net writes:

The nickel in my sealed 1975 proof set has normal obverse, but the reverse is a flat dark grey with dark grey with slight brightness around 40% of the very edge. On the center, Monticello almost appears to have some coppery redness in the grey. I had sent the set to Tom DeLorey at Coin World in March of 1976 and he advised me not to break open the set. Any ideas?

Nickels are made of an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. When the planchets (coin blanks) are made, sometimes the alloy isn't mixed correctly. It wouldn't be impossible for some of the copper to have come to the surface as the metal mixture cooled. This problem occurred quite often on U.S. gold coins. Copper and gold alloy are even harder to uniformly mix so that the copper color is hidden (U.S. gold coins after 1834 are 10% copper).

The grey toning you mention is oxidation caused by contact with some chemical agent. The 1975 sets are not very well sealed allowing air and other pollutants to come in contact with the proof surfaces of the coins.

Bob Harwell at info@cardlinc.com writes:
What is the name of the buffalo on the nickel?
Ah, you've come to the right place for that question! Buffalo nickels are a favorite of mine. I always thought that James Earle Fraser's design had class even though it might not be thought of as being "politically correct" today. I like to think that it is our first coinage tribute to Native Americans.

The indian on the obverse is really a composite portrait of three indians, Iron Tail, the famous indian that beat the pants and scalp off of General Custer at Little Big Horn, Two Moons and Chief John Tree. And oh yes, the buffalo, actually really a bison, was named Black Diamond and he didn't get to thunder around much since it was a resident of the Bronx Zoo in New York.

Mark Hewitt at mhewitt@ncats.net writes:

Are you aware of any varieties or error types of 1948 Canadian Dimes?

I assume that you are talking about coins minted from double dies or dies that had mispunched elements. I'm not aware of any die errors but there may be accidents like broad strikes or off center strikes.

I think that any errors would be very interesting as the 1948 dime is a scarce coin. Only 422,741 coins were minted that year. That is very low if you consider that the 1947 issue, counting the maple leaf variety, had a mintage of over 14 million and the 1949 issue had a mintage of 11.3 million. It certainly would be nice to find a roll or two of this date in uncirculated condition.

Good Hunting.......

Janet at elektra18@aol.com writes:

I have a buffalo nickel from 1936, do you know how much it is worth?

If I had a nickel for every time some one asked that question I'd be......loaded down with nickels. Actually, the 1936 Buffalo nickel is one of the most common in the series. It was also a date that was very near the end of the life of the design (1938 was the last year). People tend to hoard the last few years and the first year of a coin's run.

You didn't tell me if the coin had a mint mark, (S=San Francisco, D=Denver No mint mark=Philadelphia) or what grade the coin was in. If it is average circulated its worth about 25 cents or a bit more. If it is in new condition any one of the 1936 issues would be worth at least $15 and a lot more if the coin was a superb specimen.

There is a valuable but elusive variety of the 1936-D Buffalo Nickel that has only 3 1/2 legs. This is certainly the result of late die state or in layman's terms, the die was way past its useful life. If you find this variety, even an average piece would bring $300.

Good luck......

Allen Coward at cwa@wilmington.net writes:

I have a 1934-A ten dollar bill (not stamped nor is it a silver/gold certificate) is it worth anything?

I assume when you say that the note isn't "stamped" that it is missing the third printing, that is, the Treasury Seal and serial numbers. The type of bill would still be readily recognizable by the words on the top "Federal Reserve Note" or "Silver Certificate". There wouldn't be 1934 series gold certificates as they were outlawed in 1933. Notes without Treasury Seal and numbers would bring a significant premium as there is a good collector base for error currency. The condition is very important as these error notes are usually collected in near uncirculated to gem uncirculated condition. If it makes the "grade" it would bring $100 or more.

Another letter about 1934 notes comes from Paige Murphy at PMurphy922@aol.com:

I found a five dollar bill from 1934 which is quite different from today's five dollar bill. Is it worth anything?

1934 $5 notes come both in Silver Certificates with blue seal and Federal Reserve Notes with green seals. The blue seal notes are no longer made and would certainly be recognizable as different. The FRN notes come in both a light and dark green on the seal. The light green seal is worth a bit more. If the note is in new condition it would bring at least $15. There are also various series letters and in the case of the FR notes which of the 12 Federal Reserve banks issued it.