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From: Darren5715@aol.com
Subject: Estimate on currency
I would like an approximate estimate for the value of large size one dollar bill series 1917.

Your note is a one dollar "United States Note", also known as a "Legal Tender Note".  It was issued from 1874-1917.  It has the signature pairs of Tehee-Burke (1917 issue), a small red seal and a large green "X' on the back of the note.

Collectors try to collect these notes in the highest grades available. Supplies of low grade notes are plentiful but notes about uncirculated (AU) or uncirculated are scarce. Choice or gem examples are worth far more than the prices listed here.  Value Range depending on grade: $10 - $200+.

To learn more about the many different types of money and how they were used, please see the Coinsite FAQ and see the section on United States Paper Money.

When I was in the service during the Vietnam War, I fondly remember the Post Exchange (PX) where you could get treats and comfort items not available anywhere else.  Sutlers were merchants, that during the Civil War (1861-1865) operated a kind of a mobile PX that visited Northern Army positions, especially on pay day. They offered tobacco, chocolate and other treats, razors and hundreds of other items that were not available from the Army. The Sutlers were private citizens but would often service the same Army units and follow them even into the battle field.

Small change was often in short supply during the Civil War and Sutlers would often give "good for" tokens in change.  Of course, the tokens were only spendable at that Sutler's stall. These pieces of Americana are quite popular with Exonumia collectors (They are my favorite too) and, of course, have a strong historical connection. Value Range: $35+

(see the message below)

You will want to get some books first.

Generally collectors do not clean coins. Cleaning disturbs the coin's surface and can cause damage which will lower the coin's value substantially. Coins can be kept in a coin box that stores coins in 2x2 cardboard or plastic flips.  The flips should be made from Mylar.  The soft vinyl ones will eventually damage the coin.

Series 1934A $100 FRN shows the signatures of Henry Morgenthau, Jr. as Secretary of the Treasury and W.A. Julian as the Treasurer of the U.S. The 1934A series was made until Fred M. Vinson replaced Morgenthau on 7/22/1945. The series changed to 1934B on this event. The series date and letter appear at the lower right of the front of the note.

This is one of the most common $100 encountered, at least until attrition reduces the number of survivors.  It is presently only collectable in new condition. Because the note is essentially money, it isn't usually offered for sale at a premium at therefore wouldn't show up on auction or dealer lists on the internet, therefore there is scarcity of pictures of this note.

You can learn more and see pictures, by purchasing a book on United States paper money.

Money was suppose to be a convenience. Instead of carrrying around a pig or a cow for trade, coins would substitute for those valuable entities. In order for coins to be accepted they had to be made from some material that everybody agreed was valuable.  Gold fit the bill since it was virtually chemically inert, didn't rust and was rare.

Just like now, in ancient times gold was very expensive so subsidiary, that is, cheaper materials were needed to make lower denominations so one could make "change".  Silver and copper fit quite nicely.  Today, everyday coins are made from base metals and are essentially tokens.  The value that was so important in a gold coin as been transferred to something else.  Electrons in a bank account, stocks in companies that make things or supply services are the 21st century's money.

Where can i find a site about world wide currency to learn more about them?

See the CoinSite Links page  and the FAQ for more information about money around the world.

What does some of the symbols represent on the other currencies?

Currency symbols are representation of how money was translated at some point in time.  These symbols became adopted by chance or by just plain usage and represent a main currency unit.  For example, the "$" symbol comes from the Portuguese  and Spanish (Called a cifrao or calderon) and at one time was used in a similar way we use a decimal point.

Note that many Latin American countries use the "$" symbol or one similar to it to represent their chief currency units.  In England the "£" (pound) is really a stylised "L" which was an abbreviation for "Libra" or pound in Latin.  England adopted this Roman symbol because at one time the main currency unit represented a pound of copper.

Why are they shaped the way they are?

Round coins are easier to handle and stack.  The Chinese and Koreans at one time made round coins but with a square hole in the center.  These coins were stored on sticks that had four sides to accomodate cash coins.

What does some of the sayings represent?

Legends on coins, tell the reciever useful information such as the coins value. In ancient times, coins were a perfect propaganda vehicle. The legends would praise the emperor, tell of a great victory, celebrate a good harvest.  From about the 14th century to the 20th century, Latin was the universal choice for legends.  A entire system of Latin abbreviations developed so rulers could get all of their titles and country names on the coin legends AND their portrait and family crest as well.  Here is one of my favorites:

The full title of this particular German coin is: REX POLONIAE MAGNUS DUX LITHUANIAE RUSSIAE PRUSSIAE MASOVIAE SAMGITIAE LIVONIAE NEC NON SVECORUM GOTHORUM VANDALORUM HAEREDITARIUS REX. Translation:  King of Poland, Grand duke of Lithuania, Russia, Prussia, Masovia, Semgallia, Livonia as well as hereditary King of Sweden, Gotland and Vandalia.

Imagine what the die sinker must have felt like when he was asked to put all that on a single coin die. Below is the same legend as above but abbreviated for use on the coin:

REX POL.MA.DUX.LIT.RUS.PRUS.MAS.SAM.LIV.NEC NON SVEC.GOTOR.VANDAL.HAERE.REX.

I guess having just E PLURIBUS UNUM on U.S. coins is not so bad.  By the way, use the CoinSite Search Engine and search for "e pluribus unum" to learn what that Latin coin legend means.

Coin Dies are the same size as the coins they strike.  Galvanos, the plaster and metal casts, that are used to trace the original design into a master hub are much larger than a silver dollar. In addition, dies are the negative image of the coin. (By the way the first year of the two cent piece is 1864).

Over the years, especially in the mid 20th century, private mints have made coin copies either in miniature or in a far larger size than the original for novelty purposes or as way of creating an interesting silver bullion round. Because their creations look different enough from the originals, they avoided being accused of counterfeiting. Recently, the United States Mint has taken to copyrighting the Mint's designs in order to prevent further confusion by privately made replicas.

It was decided from the start that living people would not be portrayed on the coins of The United States.  The new country wanted to completely break from the European traditions of placing the ruling monarch on their coins. The United States didn't have a King but an elected leadership.  In fact, no real person living or dead, appeared on regular issue U.S. coins until the Lincoln cent made its debut in 1909.  Prior to that, only versions of Lady Liberty graced United States coins.

The first U.S. cents were minted in 1793 in Philadelphia and portray Liberty on the obverse and 13 interlocking chains on the reverse. This first cent is known as the "Chain Cent" because of its distinctive design. Washington first appears on the quarter in 1932, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth. The design replaced the Standing Liberty quarter.

Many commemorative medals were made with Washington's portrait and date from the Revolutionary period to modern times.  In fact, George Washington has the distinction of having been the subject of more medals than any other figure in United States history. Some private token issues were even minted in England and WERE called penny or half penny (England was going through a coin shortage at the end of the 18th century and tokens were all the rage). These tokens may be what you've heard about.

Double struck coins made when a finished coin accidently is mixed in with blanks and struck again. Value for a modern double-struck Jefferson Nickels: about $15.

See the Coin Sites Coin Prices Menu for more prices on coin errors.

Series 1928 $2 notes are called "Legal Tender" or "United States Notes" and have a red seal (Use the CoinSite Search Engine and search for "red seal"  for information about this type of money (keep the quotes or click "exact phrase" to keep the words together).  Only the note that has the Tate-Mellon signatures were actually printed in 1928. Series 1928  terminatied in 1952 with the 1928G series.  

Value, to a collector, depends on condition (grade) and type (normal or replacement. Replacement notes have a star next to the serial numbers).  The term "excellent condition" has no meaning to a paper money collector (you have to know the code).

Value range: face value - $300. depending on grade and series letter. The rarest of the group of 1928 notes are the 1928B (Woods-Mills).  These range in value from $20 -$1,000 depending on condition. Uncirculated "Star" notes range from $200 - $20,000 depending on series letter. (1928B Star is the rarest combination).

Bank notes should be stored in either acetate or Mylar holders. Do not use vinyl holders, they will damage your notes.  See your local coin or hobby shop.

  The 1883 Hawaii dime was one of five official coin denominations that were issued by the Kingdom of Hawaii. The 1883 issues show the head of King Kalakaua I facing right.  Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. Many of these coins were melted and their legal tender status was withdrawn. The following lists the coins and their original mintages:

1847 cent.......mintage:100,000
1883 Dime.....mintage:250,000
1883 Quarter..mintage:500,000
1883 half dollar..mintage: 700,000
1883 Dollar....mintage:500,000

The dime, quarter, half dollar and dollar were also issued as proofs. Value depends on condition (grade).  Value Range: (Fine -MS60 $25....$700+).

You can have your coin authenticated and graded by PCGS, NGC or ANACS. Please see the Links page for more information.

Yes, the error was a 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar mistakenly struck on a Sacagawea Dollar planchet (coin blank).  The coin was purchased by a dealer and was eventually placed with a private collector.

Both the SBA and Sacagawea dollar weigh exactly the same. The managanese and zinc content give the new dollar its distinctive color. Neither dollar has gold as one of the ingredients. Don't mistake privately gold plated SBA's with the above error.

Have your coins appraised by a trained numismatist.  You can contact the American Numismatic Association for qualified people in your area.  A written appraisal should give you a fairly close estimate of market value, about plus or minus 10% if sold near the time the coins were evaluated.

You can then take your coins to dealers for the best price or if  appropriate,  place them in an auction. Since the range of coins are so vast, many dealers tend to specialize.  For example, you wouldn't get the best price for ancient Greek coins offering them to a dealer that specializes in only United States coins.

There are two coins that commemorate the Centennial of Independence in 1922. Value depends on condition (grade).

-1922 1000 Reis.  Aluminum-Bronze, Jugate busts on obverse, torch with 7 DE SETEMBRO above. Value Range: 10 cents - $4.).  Also, an error of this piece with BBASIL instead of Brasil. Value Range: 50 cents - $15.

-1922 2000 Reis .900 Silver and struck later in 1922 in .500 silver. Same obverse. Two shields on reverse. Value Range - bullion value - $10.

You have a penny from Great Britain. The portrait is of King George V, King of England. The legend: GEORGVS V DEI GRA BRITT OMN REX FID DEF IND IMP=George V King by the Grace of G-d, Defender of The Faith and Emperor of India. (Quite a grand title)

The figure on the reverse is Britannia, symbol of England.  She is holding a trident in her left hand, symbol of the sea and the god Neptune), there is a shield with the crest of Great Britian resting on the rock where she is seated. Value range in Average Circulated Condition: 10 cents - $1.

The Washington Mint is a private firm with no connection to the United States Mint.  They purposely named their firm "The Washington Mint" so hopefully you would THINK they were an official government body.  Collectors usually do not have in interest in these contrived issues and so there is no ready market for such an item (That doesn't mean you couldn't sell it, just that the market doesn't buy and sell these items) It's chief value would be in the silver content.

I assume the weight is a Troy pound (12 ounces of 31.1033 grams each) and not a Avoirdupois pound (16 ounces to the pound of 28.34 grams each).  Metals are measured in Troy. Take the world silver price and multiply it by 12 to get the value of your silver bar. (see the message following).

You can sell this bar at any coin shop or metals refiner

Medals are usually commissioned by an official organization to commemorate an historical event or the celebration of such.  Medals are very expensive to make as they must be commissioned to a medallist or sculptor and then struck at a foundry.  They are viewed as works of art.  Collectors pursue medals just like collectors of paintings, by the designer and his execution.

The Franklin Mint is to Motel art as works by Brenner or St. Gaudens are to Degas. There is also the fact that the Franklin Mint creates events to which to make their medals and then they promote them through advertising.  That is not to say they don't do commissions (but you'll rarely see these).

Collectors are aware of this shenanigans and avoid these issues like the plague.  That is not to say that someone might not fall in love with your set but the market at large places no premium on these concoctions.

Remember that the Franklin Mint is a private business, though they have instilled in the vague, cloudy mind of the public that they are somehow doing the "official" work for "some" governmental body.

The chief value of your medals is the silver content. Usually, but not always, the weight of the medals is mentioned somewhere in the literature. Also, check the edge of a sample piece.  Most of the Franklin Mint pieces will be stamped ".925".  That represents that the medals are Sterling.  All that means is that the medals aren't pure metal but 92.5% silver.

To determine the base value, weigh all the medals (or use the weights in the literature).  Some will weigh more than others.  You must use a gram scale. Add the total weight in grams and divide by 31.1033.  The result is the total number of troy ounces.  Multiply that times the world silver price to get a fairly good idea of the intrinsic value.  Once you know the melt value, you'll at least have a starting point for negotiations when someone falls in love with your set and wants to buy it.  Alternatively, see your local metals refiner.

For more about the Franklin Mint, see the CoinSite's Search Tool and search for "Franklin Mint".

You have a Mexico Portrait 8 reales minted under Spanish Rule at the Mexico City Mint. The assayer was "F.M".  The Portrait is that of Charles III of Spain. Value depends on condition (grade):  Range: $50 - $450.

For more information about this type of coin, use the CoinSite Search Engine and search for "Portrait 8 Reales".  Click the "Exact Phrase Button" or put the phrase above in quotes when you search.

Hope you can be of some help to me.  First of all my sister has one of those two headed coins made in the 70's and it doesn't seem to do the things you warned us about making it fake.  Also my husband came across a penny made in 1942 and we were wondering if it had any value? Thanks for your patience and time, Sincerely, Anxious and Hopeful Paulita

Two headed coins or coins with two tails, without exception, are made from two genuine coins that have been machined out so only one side remains. The pair of shells are machined so that one fits inside the other. Obverse and reverse dies are constructed differently because they function differently in a coin press.  Two obverse or reverse dies just wouldn't fit (see the article in the FAQ called "Magic Coins"). Visit a magic or hobby shop to see more two headed or two tailed coins.

You can also authenticate the coin by weighing it. A U.S. clad quarter (1965- ) weighs exactly 5.67 grams.  Any variation from this weight would indicate something other than a standard quarter.

If you still believe that your coin is a genuine mint product you can send the coin to the American Numismatic Association (see the Links page) for authentication.  A positive authentication would make you quite a fortune as you would have the only known genuine double obverse quarter.

Average circulated 1942 cents are worth ......one cent.

The coin is an Italian States issue from Naples & Sicily.  It is a crown sized coin of 120 Grana and features the head of a bearded King Ferdinand II (1830-1859) facing right.

The obverse Latin legend is: FERDINANDVS II  DEI GRATIA REX (Ferdinand II, King by the Grace of G-d.... The legends continue on the reverse: REGNI VTR.SIC ET HIER (...of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies and Jerusalem). The center design shows an ornate crown over the family crest.

Value depends on condition.  There are also collectors for varieties of this coin. Approximate Value Range: $15 - $100

Again, there are NO gold Susan B. Anthony Dollars.  Gold is extremely malleable.  That means that it can be stretched to micron width.  A single one ounce Kruegerrand could be made into a strand of wire 50 miles long. Gold plating adds little or no value but it sure looks attractive.

Of course I could be totally incorrect and you have the only Gold SBA dollar in existence struck on a specially made gold flan. It would be priceless, at least worth far more than the gold content. How can you tell if it is really gold?  Weigh it!  A standard copper-nickel SBA dollar weighs 8.1 grams. One struck on an identical sized gold flan would weigh about double that weight.

Though I think the gold plating is cute, don't turn the coin into the U.S. Treasury. They consider plated coins mutilated coins and only pay 80% of face value.

The most likely coin that matches your description of a "extra large copper coin" would be a Russia 5 Kopek. The most common of this type dated 1763 was struck at the Ekaterinburg Mint. The mint mark is "EM" and appears on the reverse separated by a eagle with open wings. The obverse shows a crowned monogram that divides the date surrounded by a wreath. The coin was minted under Catherine II of Russia, 1762-1796, (Catherine the Great).

Value depends on condition. The most common grades in which the "EM" 5 Kopek is found are between VG - EF (Very Good to Extra Fine).  Value Range: $3 - $25.  Very high grade pieces, AU - Uncirculated, examples are rare and bring far more.

Collectors tend to value coins by their rarity and condition.  Uncirculated coins are far rarer than circulated examples, especially on high denomination coins where people couldn't afford to keep a new example indefinitely. Low grade examples 1900 Newfoundland half dollar are often available in the market, high grade pieces are rare. If your coin is a high grade piece, EF or better you should have the coin graded by one of the third party grading services.  (See the links page for ANACS, NGC or PCGS).  Approximate Value Range (G4-MS60) $5 - $4,000.

Canada 25 cent note, depending on series date, type and grade:$1 -$50.

I think you are referring to the 1925 Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial half dollar.  This coin is part of the United States commemorative half dollar series. A statue of a "Minute Man" is shown on the obverse, the Old Belfry at Lexington, Massachusetts is on the reverse.  The designer was Chester Beach. Mintage: 162,013.  Value depends on condition. Range: $25 - $500.