The Coin Doc's Answers

Return to the Coin Doc's Answer Archive Menu

Comments: As a beginning coin enthusiast, I am very impressed with the site. The information presented on the site, the ability to ask questions, and the links from the site seem to be a real asset to your visitors. Thanks
Email Address: jahunter@bellsouth.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jon Hunter
Your Question: Dear Doc:
I am a real novice at numismatic matters and I need your expert assistance in providing general, reasonable retail price guidelines for Spanish treasure coins. Specifically, I have recently become interested in buying coins from the Atocha wreck. What would you consider to be reasonable retail prices for 2, 4, and 8 Reales from the Atocha (apparently these coins are graded from 1 to 4, with 1 being highest grade and 4 being lowest). Also, do you know of a book or other publication providing guidance to pricing on such coins? Thanks for your help! I've bookmarked your site so I guarantee you I'll be returning often!

The study of the coinage of Spain and The New World is a vast undertaking and takes up history, politics, technology, religion, sociology, language and even mythology. To try to give you a perspective in a few paragraphs, suffice to say that the manufacture of the crude cob coinage at the New World Mints of Peru, Mexico and Colombia were a frantic attempt to turn the bonanza of precious metals found in these locations into measurable weights later to be turned into acceptable coinage at the Mints of Spain. Spain had come to depend on these riches to finance the almost constant wars with England and France and to cement its stature as THE world power.

Had no calamity befallen any of the many ships traveling the Columbus route from the New World to Spain and back, the cob coinage produced in The New World would be rare indeed. Spain knew that the frail ships were no match for nature and knew that it would lose ships to storms, accidents or by attack from hostile nations.

Though many shipwrecks have been found and their contents recovered over the years, none has gotten has much publicity as the ship, Atocha. It's a case of: If You Publicize It They Will Come. The saga of Mel Fisher and his search for this treasure stayed in the public press for years. When the ship was finally found it was rich indeed. Hundreds of thousands of coins, bars and other artifacts were found strewn on the ocean floor.

Remember that these coins were essentially weights or counters.The only quality control was the actual weight of silver guaranteed by the assayers initials. Many of the best material from the Atocha and her sister ship the Margarita were sold at auction in 1988. The remaining material varies greatly from jewelry quality to occasional finds of collector quality examples.

You are correct about the grading system. The coin are graded from I - IV. The grade is primarily assigned by the weight of the coin not the look or the amount of design detail remaining. After being under the ocean for almost four centuries, many of the coins weigh much less than when they left the mints. For example a 8 Reales that weighed 27 grams when it was minted might only weigh 14 grams today (Grade IV).

Prices of the Atocha coins varies greatly. For instance the jewelry industry uses many of the common undated pieces for framed creations that appear extensively in tourist areas of Florida and the Caribbean. The coin of choice for jewelry is the small 2 reales. The price of these has skyrocketed as the supply of this denomination is much smaller than the larger size 4 and 8 reales. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for decent Atocha 2 Reales.

In contrast the run-of-the-mill 8 and 4's can be had for as little as $80 for a "one-sided" Grade IV with a certificate or if you have money to burn Mel will sell you the same piece for $650. but that's Mel ringing up the cash register. Fancier pieces with dates and more weight left on the coins can bring up to $500 or so. The important word here is "certificate". Without Mel Fisher's famous cert, the coin is worth far less.

If you just want to own a bit of history and aren't concerned with the collector aspect, stick to the less expensive examples. There are lots of these coins around.

Email Address: George24@webtv.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: GEORGE FORTIER
Your Question: What is meant by the letters FLB or FBL after the grading of a coin

FBL stands for "Full Bell Lines" and is usually listed after the Mint State Grade (MS60 and up). It is a statement of the quality of strike on an United States Franklin half dollar (1948-1963). The Mint had a hard time striking the fine horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell motif on the reverse of the Franklin half. Mint state examples with these lines complete bring a premium over Franklin halves in the same grade but not showing FBL.

This kind of strike problem also plagued the Winged Liberty dime (1916-1945) and you will also hear collectors and dealers discussing "Split Bands", the horizontal cords tying the rods together on the reverse of this dime.

Comments: Nice, all-around coin site. Need more pictures of recent coins, though.
Email Address: scottb@ldd.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Scott Barnes
Your Question: How much does having a coin certified by PCGS or NGC increase its value, if any. Always wondered?

It doesn't increase its value but it does standardize its price. This can be both good and bad. If your coin has flaws that collectors don't like, the slab will tend to give the price of your coin a floor. If the coin is particularly attractive it will have a hard time bringing any more money than a typical coin in the same grade. The more attractive pieces tend to be sent in to be regraded. This has become the "Peter Principle" of coins, that is, all coins eventually reach their least believable grade.

Email Address: KENPELL@PEOP.TDSNET.COM
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: KENNETH PELL
Your Question: 1. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY MODERN COIN WITH A GOAT ON ITS FRONT OR BACK? 2. HOW BIG IS THE "HUGE O" ON THE "HUGE O" 1854 QUARTER?

The only "goat" coin I can think of immediately is the 1979 Hong Kong $1000 gold coin. It's the "Year of the Goat" issue and was part of the Chinese Astrology issues (1975-1987) (US$200-$250). I'm sure there are others. You might check the F.A.O issues (Food & Agriculture) issued by many countries from the late 60's to the early 80's.

Since one usually only has a coin at a time it's difficult to identify mint mark types by size. There isn't another coin to compare it to. The better way is to identify by characteristics. Several distinct punches were used to strike the 1854-O (New Orleans) quarter's mint mark. The "Huge O" mint mark is characterized by very thick sides and a very crude shape. If you have a microscope with a built in measuring device, it should measure 1.75 x 1.65mm.

Comments: I don't know yet.
Email Address: duchnow@velocity.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jim Duchnowski
Your Question: What would the cost be for me to buy a 1955-D Washington Quarter?

For circulated pieces about a dollar or so. They are bullion related. Uncirculated coins $2 and up.

From: junder@cvn.net (junder)
Reply-to: junder@cvn.net
To: rokogrp@aol.com
Dear Sirs,
I recently came across a two-headed 1958 Washington silver quarter. Any idea on its value? Thanks for your help. Jerry

Yet another "magic shop" coin. Search this page and the archive pages for "magic".

Comments: Very interesting.
Email Address: Trainman98@aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Joe Bica
Your Question: I have a coin here and I do not know where it is from. On one side the following letters are printed at the top: eIRe and at the bottom is the date 1994 (but upside down). there is a picture in the middle which looks like a harp laying on its side. On the other side is a picture of a buffalo and under the buffalo is the following 5P Do you know where this coin is from? Thank you, Joe Bica

Ireland. The animal is a bull. There are no buffalo in Ireland. The denomination is 5 Pence. (100 pence=1 pound)

Email Address: linkboy@bellatlantic.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Angela Lancaster
Your Question: A friend if mine has a $20 bill that is about 40 years old. How can she find out how much it is worth?

That would make it one of the 1950 series Federal Reserve Notes. It's only currently worth face value in circulated grades. Uncirculated notes (no folds, four sharp corners) bring a $10 premium. You can look up U.S. currency in a variety of source books. Check with your local coin shop for a selection.

Email address: liljer21@yahoo.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jerry Ronsley
Your Question: I received a coin for christmas and was wondering it's worth The coin is a 1922 silver dollar,and instead of "IN GOD WE TRUST" it says "IN GOD WE TRVST".
and
Email Address: jcbsalan@flash.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Alan Jacobs
Your Question: About how much is a 1923 Peace silver dollar, San Francisco mint, with "IN GOD WE TRVST" worth? Note that the V in "TRVST" is correct. It looks like a typo on the coin. Thanks.
and
Email Address: liljer21@yahoo.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jerry Ronsley
Your Question: I recieved a coin for christmas and was wondering it's worth The coin is a 1922 silver dollar,and instead of "IN GOD WE TRUST" it says "IN GOD WE TRVST".

This is one of the most asked questions about United States coins. All Peace Dollars (1921-1935) use the Roman "V" (U) which looks like the English "V". This was a common style of the time and can be found on buildings as well as coins.

Email address: melajoe@gte.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Shane & Joanne Seeley
Your Question: Hello there. We have a question for you regarding a 1909 wheat penny. Do you know what the value of this penny being a double die in ms-60 condition. It is not in the black or red book, only want an un-biased opinion. Is there someone we should contact for an honest appraisal? Thank you

Double dies are the result of an improperly made die. All the coins minted from this die would be identical, therefore there would be other specimens in existence. I have no knowledge or records of the existence of a 1909 double die. If it exists, it would be a new discovery and there would be more than one example.

There is another type of doubling called "shelf doubling" which can occur when the collar that holds the coin in place comes loose causing the coin to move (chatter) when the coin is struck. This type of doubling would be unique to that coin only. This phenomenon is fairly common and the mint workers are always going around tightening the collars in each working coin press. It has a totally different look than a true double die. The shelf doubled pieces look as if the devices have slid a bit, that's the "shelf part", but a double die exhibits at least two distinct, complete images. Unfortunately, shelf doubling, though interesting, doesn't bring a premium in the numismatic market.

Severe errors are another story. Multiple struck coins, for example, could bring $15 and up.

Comments: Quite the site..Very diverse
Email Address: mf.sabados@sk.sympatico.ca
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Murray Sabados
Your Question: I have a 200 Mark A, 1923 German coin. Can't find it in any books. Can you give me an approximate value?? Also have a coin of unknown origin. It is brass colored and has the following stamped on it... 50 CONSOMMER...It has a small 5 point star stamped from the center with the letter "A" under it..Any ideas ??? Thanks for your help

There are no regular issue coins of 200 Marks, only 20 marks and 1000 marks dated 1923. This was the period of great inflation in Germany. There are "Not-geld" coins struck with the 200 Mark denomination. These coins are really tokens and were emergency money issued by State or town authorities and even by commercial interests. They were made out of various materials, from iron to porcelain, and are interesting to collect. The "A" represents the Berlin Mint.

Your other token sounds like a tax token, maybe from the same source.

From: danalyn@bellatlantic.net (Danalyn)
Reply-to: danalyn@bellatlantic.net
Hi I found a gold coin with a pic of George Washington and it says 1789 lst president USA 1797 don't know what kind of metal it's kind of tarnished it's round as big a Susan B Anthony dollar thanks

There are many Washington medals. He was a popular theme in the 19th century. Most of Washington medals were issued in bronze or copper with one or two silver pieces. The brass (gold doesn't tarnish) token you have seems modern and is reminiscent of the Presidents series put out by the Shell Oil Co in the 1950's and 1960's.

Comments: Pretty new to the whole thing.
Email Address: hjmicka@la-z-boy.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Harry J. Micka
Your Question: If I am just starting out in coin collecting could you give me some advice on how to get started? I have some old coins but I don't know what they are worth or what to do with them. Can you help? Thanks Harry

Here's a list of things a beginner to coin collecting should find out:

• How coins are made?
• How coins are used?
• What's are the differences between a coin, a medal and a token?
• What kind of materials are coins made from?
• How do coin collectors evaluate their coins?
• What is meant by condition or grading?
• Coins use various terms that describe elements of their design or quality of manufacture. Find out what is meant by obverse, reverse, edge type, legends, exergue, strike, mint mark, die numbers, mint luster.

Coin Collecting goes far beyond the coin. It gets you involved with history, legends, mythology and many other subjects. It is a real adventure that can take you far beyond the coin that you hold in your hand. Start your quest at your local public library. Begin with the coins you already have and try finding them in a coin catalog to see how they are valued by grade. Good luck!

Email Address: wildride@brazosnet.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Larry Shepard
Your Question: How much is a Confederate coin worth not a reproduction?

There were no circulating Confederate Coins (see other articles about this subject below or in the Coin Doctor Archives). There were a few half dollars made at the New Orleans Mint with a Union obverse and a Confederate reverse but this coin can only be considered a proposal. There were dies made for a Confederate cent with a die sinker in the Philadelphia but only twelve were minted.

Both the half dollar and the original cent are quite rare and valuable. There are no current records for the original half dollar but restrikes do appear and bring about $5,000 in uncirculated condition. An original copper-nickel confederate cent would bring about $30,000 or more in today's market.

Email Address: Smileybread@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: G WhiteBread
Your Question: I have an old coin I inherited and I would like to know about it.It is gold in colour, 2.5cm in diameter and quite thin. On one side is has "Georgivs III Dei Gratia" On the other it has "A. Fattorini", "Goldsmith" and "Harrogate"

Great Britain went through an economic and political upheaval during the period of the 1790 to about 1812. The emergency money produced by private companies and even individuals were cataloged by James Condor and was first published in 1798. It wasn't until 1892 that this body of information was formally updated.

The tokens were half penny and penny size and were used as these denominations in lieu of money from the government. The tokens became almost a directory of all the names of the small towns in England as well as a record of historical events and political attitudes of the time.

Years after the Condor tokens, jewelers sold them as nostalgia or as badges of the Town mentioned on the token. Your piece sounds like a bronze token that has been gold plated. It is signed by the Jeweler and has his location, Harrogate, probably in London. Though this token is probably not a Condor piece, though it follows the style, it might have been made to commemorate the death of George III in 1820.

From: pyrate@wwdg.com (Pyrate)
I have come across two old coins in a jewelry shop that say "California Gold Half" and have what I assume to be a Liberty head, facing left, circled by 13 stars. They are in very good condition.
Could you find it in your heart and schedule to give me an approximate price range for these coins? The owner of the shop passed away and my sister-in-law inherited the business, she asked me to help her, now I am asking you.
Happy Holidays, Pyrate

There are lots of varieties of "California" fractional gold coins all made by private mints. Most have the denomination on the reverse with a date surrounded by a wreath. The half dollars come round and octagonal and all have a Liberty head facing left. You would have to be more specific but the range of prices runs from about $100 to $500 for the most common types, depending on minter, type and condition. Note that there are also both brass and gold reproductions of these pieces. I suggest having them authenticated by The American Numismatic Association. See the Numismatic Links Page for more information.

Comments: Pretty neat. I was looking around the net for a friend who is a collector and am finding the coin word very interesting.
Email Address: saly@connect1.reach.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Warren Chandler
Your Question: We are trying to determine how rare a 1967 Canadian Gold piece with the word "Sudbury" might be. Other than the Sudbury it appears identical to the standard $20 coin for 1967.

The 1967 $20 gold is a Canadian Centennial coin and was only, as far as reported by the Royal Canadian Mint, made with one design and only as a proof. It's possible that "Sudbury" was stamped into the coin for some other purpose after it left the Mint. If this is true then the coin would then be "mutilated" coinage and would only bring bullion value.

Subj: Question
Date: 97-12-16 19:54:37 EST
From: JPruzkowsk
I would like to know the value of a 1971 Eisenhower Proof Dollar. Thank you in advance.

The 1971 Eisenhower Dollar was the first dollar coin minted since 1935. Only the proofs were made in silver and at that, only 40% fine silver. They were popular at first with the public but the mintage was too large. More than four million silver clad proofs were minted for collectors. The market is still flooded with this issue. This proof year is easy to acquire and will cost you abut $4.00 or less to purchase one in the original brown box.

Comments: this in a neat site.
Email Address: wayneb@tamu.edu
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: wayne beyer
Your Question: dear sir. i have a 1988 6 troy oz. silver coin called "America In Space" to celebrate 25 years in space,it is 3 inches in diameter and originally cost $200 and was minted in Philadelphia. My question is how much is it worth because I have not been able to find a listing in any book.

That's because it isn't a coin, it's a medal made by a private "Mint". There is nothing wrong with making your own medals but the price that they were sold could be considered excessive. Contrived issues like this rarely find a collector base therefore the value lies in the precious metal content only.

Comments: so far so good ,first time here.
Email Address: mneedham@mnsi.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: michael
Your Question: why aren't you suppose to clean your coins?/whats the way to do it without losing their value?

Cleaning coins often removes or disturbs the surface of the coin. Since value so much depends on state of preservation, altering the surface of the coin tends to reduce its value. Cleaning the coin never raises the grade, i.e. you can't make a coin with wear uncirculated again simply by polishing the surface. The term uncirculated has nothing to do with "shiny" or "bright". (See other articles that address this question here).

Email Address: g.halperin@juno.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: gene halperin
Your Question: What would be the best source for trading approximately a dozen Chinese coins which were collected by a relative around the turn of this century? I am not a collector and would like to dispose of these and other coins which might be of value and interest to real enthusiast.

You fail to mention the type of coins but I'm assuming that these are Republic issues and not provincial issues. The age of the coin is meaningless in terms of value. Collectors are looking for rarity and condition. For example, many of the small and large bronze cash from around 1900 are common in low grade but quite rare and expensive in high grade or uncirculated condition. Some China Republic examples could be:

• 5 cash, yr 1 (1912)-rare in any condition value from $650-1500 depending on grade
• 10 cash,yr 1 (1912)-common- In copper, worth from $1-$20, in brass 25cents to $4.
• 2 cents, yr 19 (1930)-Rare $100-$500
• 20 cash, yr1 (1912)-common-in copper $1-10, in brass 25 cents to $5.

You need to determine what coins you have first. A valuable collection will work better in a public auction such as those held by Sothebys, Stacks, Christies and others that sell rarities. Common pieces might serve better as keepsakes.

Email Address: alxborg@juno.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your ame: alex borg
Your Question: I have managed to acquire several misprinted coins with recent mint dates. They are mostly dimes and pennies. I make sure they all have dates, many don't, before I obtain them. If you could shed light on their worth and where to best sell them I would be very grateful. I am not a formal numismatist and does that become an obstical? Happy Holidays, Alex

There are many types of potential errors that coins can acquire when they are minted. I suggest making your own personal adventure to a local coin shop and buy some books on the subject. You may also see error coins on display at various coin shops or local coin shows. When you discover the type and rarity of the errors that you have, you can contact an error specialist through any of the excellent coin publications available at newsstands and by subscription.

Comments: Informative and easy to navigate
Email Address: WesleyG106@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Wes Schroeder
Your Question: Well I started my search with the basic question of is a pre-65 nickel... well nickel or silver and I think I figured it out, but, I was looking around and saw that for the pennies, there was a limited number of '43 pennies that were copper, and as I looked through my limited collection I found a '44 copper wheat penny... It passed the magnet test... My imagination is racing... if a '43 copper is worth 5 to 10K, what could a '44 copper be worth???? Please put me in my place.... Thanks.

The "normal" 1944 penny was minted in copper. There were a few 1944 steel cents that were accidentally minted and these are quite rare and valuable.

Comments: It's great - hadn't thought about my coins 'til I stumbled across it. Now I'm my coin interest has rekindled.
Email Address: kwesterfield@vnet.ibm.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Kelly Westerfield
Your Question: Entire collection got caught in the Mississippi River flood of '94 and coins are black. How should the coins be cleaned/handled now?

It looks as if there was a lot of sulfur in that water and it oxidized the coins. If they are very valuable, you might want to send them to a professional who will know how to remove the black oxidation without damaging the coins. This process requires skill and is best left to a pro. If the coins are not specifically valuable leave them just the way they are.

Email Address: Mikes1hog@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Dr. Mike Eckstein
Your Question: How much is a five dollar 1880 uncirculated gold coin worth? Also, same coin, uncirculated 1894. Thank you.

I'm going to assume they are Philadelphia Mint coins since you don't mention a mint mark. Both Philadelphia issues are common and bring about $200 in typical uncirculated condition. Superb pieces would bring many multiples of this price. The 1894-S and 1894-O Mint issues are far rarer.

Email Address: bey@shadow.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Bey
Your Question: I have a bronze indian cent from 1907. There's is an indian head on the dated side and a wreath on the next. It is is fairly good condition except for the fact that most of the detailing is worn away like the fine print of "liberty" I noticed on a mint condition indian cent. I know the details are very important but I wonder if my coin is still worth anything all all? if so, about what price range?

The 1907 Indian Cent has the highest mintage of the whole series (108,138,618) and is the most common date found of the Indian cents. They were also heavily saved since it was one of the last few years of the series. 'Worth under $1 in circulated grades.

Comments: I enjoy this site very much.
Email Address: mccoy@nw ol.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: M McCoy
Your Question: I recently found on a ranch in west Texas a trade coin from Troop B 15th Cavalry. On one side it reads Exchange Troop B 15th Cavalry on the opposite side it reads Good for 5 in Trade. I know that Gen. Pershing camped there with his troops. What can you tell me about this trade coin?

Sutlers, were the traveling merchants of their day and primarily serviced army forts and stations during the Civil War and later in the West. They supplied many of the "extras" that weren't included in the military diet as well as gifts and leather goods. They were the forerunners of the Post Exchange that military personnel enjoy today. Often, they would give change in tokens that was only good at their establishments. The "good for" you describe in your note is a good example.

You are very lucky to have found such an example. There is strong collector demand for such items as they have so much history associated with them.

Comments: I've added it to my bookmarks.
Email Address: jhs3e@virginia.edu
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Joe Spear
Your Question: I always go through my change looking for the stray anything of any value. I have been holding a 1996 Jefferson nickel which has been perplexing me for some time. If I had to choose a word, I would say that it looks "mushed" - not in the way a broadstrike might look mushed (the planchet is of the correct thickness and size). Rather, the lettering and date are sort of squashed and, despite having relatively little circulation, Jefferson's hair is fairly smoothed out on top. The star separating the word "Liberty" from the date is ill-defined and seems to have an extra glob of metal around it and smeared off to one side. The obverse looks a little bit screwy as well with lettering and detail sort of mushed. Some of it's characteristics suggests that it was possibly double-struck, but if so, it was struck in almost exactly the same place. I don't really see any multiple contours, although with the right light and magnification, there is a strange shadow around! the "P" (from Philadelphia) and elsewhere. Anyway, it's probably worth about a nickel, but based on the above vague description, does any of this sound familiar? Thanks for your time.

If you took a nickel and put it on the pavement and whacked it with a hammer, you would have something like what you described in your message.

Email Address: rene@lvdi.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Rene
Your_Question: Hi, I had an earlier Question about the 5 reichsmark coin. This is an follow up question. the one I have only says 1934. with the eagle and the 2 swatizka.on top it says Deutsches Reich, and on the bottom 5 reichsmark. on the other side is a picture of the potsdam military church. Below the church is the letter E and that's all on this side. On the side of the coin it says Gemeinnutz geht vor eigennutz
Could you tell me the value of this coin. And could you please recommend a good price guide on coins and paper money. Best regards
Rene Nezhoda
P.S. Love your Website, if you could recommend a good site foir german coins I would appreciate it.

This is another answer to a message earlier-see a few messages below

Dear Rene,
The 1934 Germany 5 Mark only comes two ways, one with the 21 MARZ and one without. The "E" represents the mint mark of the Muldenhutte Mint. The inscription and the swastikas were engraved on that (or other examples) privately and was not done at the mint. The inscription is kind of a pun and is a derogatory expression saying something like "vile or base individuals go before self-interest (of the country?). Sorry, my German is a bit rusty.

This kind of coin is called a reengraved coin because someone altered the coin after it left the Mint. Coins like these were used for political purposes and therefore alter the main purpose of the coin as money. Known that you can't price these coins the same way you would price unaltered examples. There are collectors for counter stamped and re engraved coins. I think that your piece might bring $40-60 at an appropriate auction but this is only a guess.

There are many good references on German coins such as the books written by John S. Davenport and a new general reference published by Krause Publications in Iola Wisconsin, Standard Catalog of German Coins. You can also find additional information by checking our Numismatic Links page, or any of the Internet Search Engines under "German Coins".

Comments: Very informative site!!!
Email Address: dstrong@tgtel.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Lisa Strong
Your Question: I have a 20.00 bill dated 1929 with a red seal it has 906 stamped on both the right and left front side and "First National Bank and Trust of Lexington KY on the front also. Can you give me some history on this bill and tell me if its worth face value or more?

Dear Lisa:
The note that you have is a National Currency Note. This type of currency was issued for a period of about 50 years beginning in 1863 and ending in 1929. The original concept served two purposes. One, was to create a truly national banking system and two, to provide a ready market for United States bonds issued to finance the Civil War. It also replaced the very unreliable state bank notes in circulation at the beginning of the National Bank Note series.

The note that you have has a brown seal, is the first and last of the "small" size National Currency. The "906" is the bank's charter number. The note comes in two types, one with black serial numbers and one with brown serial numbers.

A little of the history of this bank: The bank was first chartered on March 17, 1865 as was called The Lexington City National Bank. It was merged with another bank in 1913 when its name was changed to The First and City National Bank of Lexington. It became The First National Bank & Trust Company of Lexington on March 2, 1929.

According to The Standard Catalog of National Bank Notes by John Hickman and Dean Oakes, there were 25,788 type I notes issued and 5,386 type II notes issued. Both seem to bring about $35-45 in average circulated condition when offered in the paper money market. Uncirculated notes are rare!

Collectors enjoy collecting National Bank Notes and start with collecting notes from their home state. The stories about the notes are as interesting and collecting the notes themselves. If you have an interest, apply for membership in the Society of Paper Money Collectors (Bob Cochran, Secretary, P.O. box 1085, Florissant, MO 63031). They produce and exquisite bi-monthly journal about paper money, including extensive coverage of National's for $20/yr.

Comments: Love the Site.
Email Address: rene@lvdi.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Rene
Your Question: Hi!

I have a 1934 German coin. It is 5 Reichsmark with the eagle on it. Plus 2 swatiskas below the wing. On the other site is a picture of the Potsdam Military Church. It is in pretty good condition and I was wondering how much it was worth.
Best regards
Rene

The 5 mark series beginning in 1925 was a expression of renewed German pride after the terrible experience of WW I and the destructive inflation of 1922-23. The series was suppose to highlight the positive side of German history. 5 mark commemoratives celebrated anything from the 450th Year of The University of Tubingen to the Graf Zeppelin. When the Nazi's took over, the series took on a much darker tone. The Potsdam Church commemorative celebrated the first anniversary of Nazi Rule. It comes two ways, with the date 21 MARZ 1933 and without. I don't like collecting this era and like to stop with the commemoratives prior to this piece. Many collectors include these pieces anyway, after all,they are a part of history.

The market value depends on which Mint produced it, the type, and the condition. There are also proof examples. The regular issues can bring as little as $6 on up to several hundred dollars.

Email Address: bananarama@compuserve.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: JC
Your Question: I am looking for a coin/token from 1930-40s era I believe. It's bronze/brass colored and says Heads/Tails with pictures of bust and derriere on it. My grandfather had one that was stolen and I'm trying to find a replacement. I don't know where he got the original. Can you help? Thanks.

This token, or variations of it, are still in use today. Have someone or yourself, if you're old enough, check an adult book store. They often sell tokens like that for use in their "peep" shows. Also check you local coin dealer. They are prevalent enough to be often found in "junk" boxes.

Comments: :)
Email Address: tree@whitleynet.org
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: chris carpenter

Your Question: i have the ronald reagan first day cover comemritive coin still in envelope,post marked 18 july 1984,from Antigua-Barbuda.i was wondering how many of thes were struck and what is their current value?

I think that this was a medal, not a coin (there is no denomination) and as many of these contrived issues, have little value as a collectible.

Date: 97-12-04 14:59:55 EST
From: bigprint@highway.com.py
Subj: conocer precios
Hola. Les estoy escribiendo desde Asunción, Paraguay. Por favor deseariamos saber el valor aproximado de esta moneda, ya que aquí no contamos con casas especialisadas en el tema.
Desde ya muchas gracias.

(translation)
subject: I want to find the value of this coin.
Hi, I am writing to you from Asunción Paraguay. I would please like to know the approximate value of this coin (he sent a image of a Austria 100 Corona dated 1915). There is no one here locally that is a specialist on this subject. Thank you in advance.

Mi estimado señor de Asunción:
La moneda es un Cien Corona de Austria. La moneda que ud. tiene is solamente un vehículo para posesión de oro. En realidad, la fecha última de esta moneda fue 1914. El gobierno de Austria lo usa la fecha 1915 para distinguir entre las moneda original y la pieza rehaciendo. Su moneda es oro solo y se venden en el marcado por no más que dos or tres porciento sobre el precio del oro. La moneda contiene .9803 onzas troy del oro puro.

(translation)
Your coin is a Austria 100 Corona. The coin is just a vehicle for the ownership of gold. Actually, the last year of this coin was 1914. The government of Austria uses the date 1915 in order to distinguish between the original coin and the restrike. Your coin has only gold value and is sold in the market for no more than two or three percent above the price of gold. The coin contains .9803 troy ounces of pure gold.

Comments: very helpful
Email Address: madman@mscomm.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: linda
Your Question: what is the value of a 1907 liberty head nichol

Again, condition is everything in terms of value. 15 cents and up.

Email Address: dritten@olypen.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Doug
Your Question: What is going to replace the eagle on the new US quarter? Thank you.

I'm not sure if the new quarters will be minted in tandem with the commemorative quarters but each state commemorative reverse will replace the eagle side on the new quarters. This program will continue for about 6 years until all the states are represented. I think this is a great collecting opportunity, a set of 50 U.S. coins for $12.50.

Comments: I'm not really at a point to judge. I am terribly new at this.
Email Address: pacemakr@erols.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Robyn Beaugez
Your Question: I have a 1862 Confederate States of America Half Dollar. I would like to know the worth on it. It is very light and seems to be in pretty good shape for being so old. There is a date printed on it: Feb 22, 1862 and underneath that is Deo Vindice. I'm new at this so I thought I would ask your opinion. Thanks

Look further down this column for an answer to the identical question.

Email Address: sweetgirl_15@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: amanda
Your Question: i have a friend that has a 1934 $20 bill, a 1950 $20 bill, and a 1963 $20 bill. They are all made in Washington, D.C. Are these bills worth anything?

Dear Amanda,
At the moment these Federal Reserve Notes are only worth a premium in brand new condition but that might change in the future. The government plans to destroy all the old money as the new designs are produced. The new $20 notes will be out next fall. In a few years these very common notes may no longer be so common.

Email Address: msimon@us.ibm.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Mark Simonsen
Your Question: I just read that there were 3 women on U.S. currency, Martha Washington, Pocahontas, and of course Susan B. Anthony. I know of the Susan B Anthony dollar but what currency were the other two on?

Martha Washington is on the front of the 1886 $1 Silver Certificate AND on the back of the 1896 Silver Certificate.
Pocahontas appears on the United States Note series of 1869-1878 in the vingette on the right of the front of the note, Pocahontas Presented at Court. On the left is a portrait of Daniel Webster. There is a small eagle in the center. If the note is inverted, the eagle takes on the appearance of a jackass, which became the nickname for this $10 note.

Comments: I knew the internet was the place to go for information!
Emai Address: Dflguy@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Richard Kowalewski
Your Question: Sir: I have a 1963-D, uncirculated, Roosevelt Dime, in plastic baggie with this information printed on it. It has a price written on it of $ 849.60. Is this realistic? My father passed a year ago, and I have this. He was not a numismatist, nor am I. I've had this in my sock drawer for awhile now, and it does not spark me to begin acquiring these things as a hobby. I am a 47 year old horse farmer in Florida, and would like to sell this. Thank you for any help.

Sorry to say, but 1963-D silver dimes are essentially bullion items worth about 30 cents at the moment. They are still available in rolls of 50 in the coin market. The mintage was rather high as there was an acute coin shortage during this period (the mintage for 1963-D dimes was: 421,476,530). I don't know of any errors or any special varieties that would make this particular coin special.

Email Address: sbakke@bitstream.net
Your Name: steve bakke
Your Question: I have found a 1927 silver dollar at the bank I work for, it is in pretty good shape but it is a little tarnished and worn. I s it worth anything? I also have a $5 silver certificate, but I don't know what year.

The 1927 dollar issues from Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco are all better than the common dates of 1922 or 1923 but even this date doesn't bring much excitement unless it's close to uncirculated condition or higher. It sounds like a $8-$20 coin.
$5 silver certificates of the post 1928 size exist in only the 1934 and 1953 series dates. Value can be from face value up to $100 or more for the 1934A "North Africa" yellow seal issue. Like coins, paper money condition is an important factor in determining price.

Emai Address: Bhersh@seic.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: bryon hersh
Your Question: What is the value of a 1928 Silver certificate $10 bill?

Ah, you try to test Coin Doctor....there is no 1928 $10 silver certificate!!

Email Address: renfroja@swva.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Steve Johnston
Your Question: A friend of mine has a 1862 half dollar.The markings on the front of the coin are outside edge has confederate states of america and a soldier on a horse with deo vindice on bottom. The front has shield and confederate states of america around outside and half dol on bottom. Would like to find the value of this coin.Thanks Steve

The Confederacy never struck coins for commerce. There was enough bullion stored at the New Orleans Mint to strike coins, but the CSA probably had neither the steel or the expertise to make dies. The closest they got was to mint a hand full of "half dollars" made from the existing Union Seated Liberty obverse and a reverse made from a single die made by A. H. M Patterson, a die sinker in New Orleans.
The new reverse showed the Confederate Shield under a Liberty Cap with the words CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA around and Half Dol. below. The coin is dated 1861. The original pieces are quite valuable due to their small numbers and tremendous historical importance. (One of the original pieces was in the possession of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, when he was captured by Union troops attempting to escape while wearing women's clothing).
Later in the 19th century, additional pieces were struck from the rusted but useable dies, in other metals. The piece you mention, is probably one of the many medals struck in the 1960's to commemorate the centennial of the Civil War. The value of these medals are nominal.

Comments: I think is great for coin collectors.
Email Address: lpb3@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Lenore Brooks
Your Question: I have a $1.00 coin that is dated, 1901. There is a woman on the front. I don't know her name and there is the American eagle with his wings spread upwards on the back. Can you tell me what other information you need to know so that I can know how much it is worth.

The coin that you have is a Morgan Dollar and was the standard dollar coin from 1878-1904. The coin is know for its designer George T. Morgan. The mints made hundreds of millions of these coins over the years. The base value is the silver content, .77 of a troy ounce pure. In order to be able to determine the value you need to report the date, grade (statement of condition) and the mint mark Philadelphia issues have no mint mark.

Email Address: plmarmol@usaor.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: James Marmol
Your Question: Dear Coin Dr.,
My question is "How do you determine a grade on a 1910 $5.00 gold piece?" On the obverse is an indian head with all the features of the face and even the feathers in the head dress. The reverse has a standing eagle that I can see its wing feathers, and the eagle is standing on a tree(?) with striations in the bark. Also, can you tell me the approx. value of this coin? My research has determined a value between $200 to $350. Any professional appraisal would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

The Indian $5 and $2.50 are unique to American coinage in that in design, instead of being in relief, is actually inset into the flan or incuse. This presents a different grading challenge in that even lower grade pieces (vf or so) usually show most of the complete design. To be considered uncirculated, the indian's cheek bone, and the decorative headband (below BE) must have no trace of wear or rub. On the reverse the eagle's feathers on the shoulder (direct center of the coin) must be complete with no wear or rub.

If you are not sensitized to these differences you may not be able to grade the coin properly. My own experience has shown that novices often rationalize that their coins are uncirculated even with no luster or with much of the design detail missing.

It seems that your opinion is that the coin is MS60 or so based on your estimate of price. In actuality, superb uncirculated pieces (MS65 or higher) will bring many multiples of your estimate with average circulated coins bringing between $100-$150.

Email Address: al@digitalexp.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Al
Your Question: Have a double headed Kennedy Half Dollar, 1974 Trying to find out what it's worth.

Yet another "magic shop" coin. See other questions like it below.

Email Address: mbuck
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: marty
Your Question: I want to know how I can go to here in Houston to sell some old coins and paper money. I have a few odd pieces like a "half dime" and some old silver dollars. Who should I see as a reliable and fair dealer so I don't have to search for three or four buyers?

Check your paper's classified for local coin show listings. There is usually a "bourse" on a regular basis in most cities where you can bring your coins and show them to several dealers.

Comments: Two-thumbs up!
Email Address: rhughes@netdoor.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Ron Hughes
Your Question: I have two coins that I can't find any information about. The first is a small 1860 California Gold piece that has a Liberty head facing left, 13 stars and 1860 on the front and California Gold and a single star on the back. The second is a 1788 halfpenny with the head of a bearded man in a hood on the front and the words "The Anglesey Mines Halfpenny" 1788 and an ornate set of initials I believe are "PMC" on the back. Thanks for any information you can give me.

Around 1852 small gold coins with a denomination of a 1/4 dollar, 50 cents and one dollar were produced by jewelers, bankers and others in California to help alleviate the shortage of small change. Their use declined by about 1856 as regular United States coinage began to flow into the area. These little coins were either shaped round or octagonal but they all stated the denomination on the coin.

There were many later issues produced as souvenirs, many struck in low-grade gold or copper with a gold wash. There are also 20th century souvenir versions, some struck in 1917, without denomination and even modern versions with bears minted in brass. These "non-denominated" pieces have nominal value.

Your second coin is a "Condor" token. Aptly named after the gentleman who cataloged these interesting emergency pieces that were minted privately in the late 18th and early 19th century. Your halfpenny is a "company" token that was paid to the workers and passed as a standard half penny. The PM Co on the reverse is the Parys Mines Company located in Angelsey, England. This token worth $10 to $25 depending on condition.

Email Address: mcatee@inetnow.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Stan Weathers
Your Question: I have an Indian Head Cent dated 1864. Can you direct me to a source for determining its value.

There are several important types of this date. It comes in both copper-nickel and copper, with "L" (the designer, Longacre) and without the "L". The "L" is located on the lower neck near the ribbon. One way to tell on worn coins is that the point of the bust is sharp and pointed on the "with L" and rounded on the "no L".

Only high grade uncirculated specimens of any of the types are worth significant amounts of money in the coin market. The most valuable type is the "with L" copper. Average circulated specimens bring $8 to $20 dollars depending on type.

Comments: informative
Email Address: doowasil@aol.com
Your Name: lisa wood
Your Question: Is there any 10 dollar bills with mismatched serial numbers?
Have been looking, never came across one. Found your site from show on WIOD radio

Mismatched serial numbers are a function of the counter, not of the denomination. I think that they are more chances for errors on $1 notes simply because there are vast numbers of this denomination printed. Thanks for listening to the radio show!

Subj: Japanese coin
Date: 97-11-29 19:03:45 EST
From: AkwrdAngel

I have a World War II issue Japanese coin that I would like to get information about. It is a 1941-1943 issue 1 sen piece. I would like to know the approximate value of this coin. I collect foreign coins and paper money. I have money from all over the world. Laotian, Caribbean, Asian, Bahamian, Canadian, Mexican, Korean, etc. I would like to know where I could find out more about foreign currency. Could you please assist me in obtaining more information relating to foreign monetary forms. I also have some paper money from different countries. I realize that most of what I have is just "pretty" or for the intrinsic of the piece itself. I have no problem with that, and will continue to collect for just those purposes. But I am VERY interested in foreign currency, and would like to more. Could you help me, please?
Thank you very much for you time and the ability to view your site. This is a nice web site and I will visit it often I believe to rekindle my love for coins and other forms of currency. Thank you.

The one sen are minted in aluminum and show Mt. Fuji with a "rising sun" on the obverse, a ribbon with Japanese characters on the reverse. The 1941-43 issues weigh .65grams but there is a lighter version of the 1943 issue that weighs .55 grams and is noticeably thinner. The issue deteriorated further in 1944 when the composition was changed to tin-zinc. All these coins are interesting and were issued during a stressful period in Japanese history but their rare coin value is nonexistent. The 1945 issue is a souvenir issue only and is minted in reddish brown clay. That coin brings about $5 in the market.

You should find where the local coin club holds their periodic shows in your area. That's a good place to meet other collectors, see coins and paper money, and buy books that will help you build some numismatic knowledge.

Comments: I haven't been to many sites like this but I would like to see a searchable directory of coins. That would probably take too much space though
Emai Address: adams@ts.slctech.org
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Daniel Adams
Your Question: I have a Canadian coin that has a picture of the chamber of commerce and is inscribed "Chamber of Commerce -House of Commons" on one side and a picture Of John J.C. Abbott and the year of 1891 on the other side. Is it worth anything? could it be a fake? I think it's made of lead. Anyway, any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The fact that it doesn't have a denomination makes it a medal. There are lots of unofficial, private commemorative pieces made. Maybe our readers can shed some light on this medal.

Email Address: GooMac@Aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Morgan
Your Question: I have a gold coin from 1787. It says on it "Nova Eboraca Columbia Excelsior", i have no clue how much it is worth or anything about it, if you know of any information about coins from this time period please e-mail me about it.

You mean you have a Brasher Doubloon. This was a pattern made by Ephraim Brasher, George Washington's neighbor and friend. All of the known pieces, 6 I think, with Brasher's oval stamp on the reverse eagle's wing and one with the punch on the eagle's breast. This is probably the most important of all American coins. The "punch on breast" example being currently offered for over one million dollars. The same piece, originally from the Garrett collection via John Hopkins University brought $400,000-$750,000 depending on whose story you believe,in the early 1980's. There are lots of "museum" copies out there in polished brass and I think all the existing pieces are currently accounted for but you never know. You can get your coin authenticated by the American Numismatic Association. Look for their link on our Numismatic Links page.

Email Address: dust1@juno.com
Your Name: dustin
Your Question: I own many $5 silver certs, many red stamped $5`s, and many $1 silver certs. dilemma: I am not a collector but I came into so many that I want to get rid of them, deposit in a bank. What would you do? please e-mail back. Thank you

Spend them and enjoy, Christmas is coming......