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From: Ricardo S. Rocha
Subject: 2 Reales
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My name is Ricardo Schuck Rocha and I'm Brazilian (I feel sorry but my English is not good). This message is to asking your help to recognize this coin. I've been investigating Spanish history and consulting numismatics in my city (Porto Alegre - Rio Grande do Sul) to try to identify it. I found similar coins but not with the stamp "1280". The numismatist here said me that the only explantion for this is a error of striking the coin. Is it possible to find it in your catalogue? I really would like to do an evaluation of this coin and know more about it. Can you help me? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

This is a Spanish 2 Reales struck in Madrid, Spain sometime between 1813 and 1820 (the dates of the Assayer GJ. You provided the reverse but it is not published here).  All the elements of the design were punched into the die not the coin.  Therefore, one could assume that the "8" and the "2" were accidentally punched in the wrong location creating the date 1280 instead of 1820. However, in my opinion, this is not the case for the following reasons: 1. There would be many more coins with the same error as one set of dies was capable of striking tens of thousands of coins. 2. The style of the date is close but incorrect.  If you view other examples of coins from the same mint in the same year, you will see that the numerals are the incorrect style and shape.  What has happened here is that the date was planed off and a new date punched in to create a provocative error.

The image above is a black and white negative for analysis The top date is from a Madrid 8 Escudos. Notice that the "8" has equal spaces.  The diagonal of the "2" in the "error" date intersects the base before its end  The top of the "1" is wrong in the bottom picture

The date is worn off. This is typical of Buffalo Nickels, the date was too high and easily wore before other elements of the design. "No date" Buffalo Nickels bring about 25 cents.

You have a bullion "round", like a bar of silver but round.  Its value is approximately the value of one ounce of silver.

I also have another coin that has no nationality written on it, but does have the date 1894, the number 2, and a leaf branch on it. On the back it has 2 birds with a crest in front of them. Half of the crest has what looks like stars on it. One bird is holding a sword and an arrow, and the other is holding some sort of object with a cross on the top of it. On each birds head is a small crown, and above their heads is a larger crown. Do you have any idea what this coin is, where it came from, and how much it may be valued at? Thanks!

Your 5 reichspfennig from Germany 1942 is a common coin to find in Dealer bargain boxes. The "A" represents that the coin was struck at the Berlin Mint. Approximate value in average circulated condition: US 5 cents.

Your second coin is an 1894 Austria bronze 2 Heller (100 heller = 1 Corona). Approximate value in average circulated condition about US 10 cents.

Flawless pieces, especially of a heavy coin, like the Morgan Dollar are quite rare.  Most uncirculated coins have some evidence of coin contact as the coin were packed in canvas bags and shipped over long distances. Collectors pay substantial premiums for coins that have no contact marks and clean surfaces.

Uncirculated Morgan Dollars of high quality should be graded. You might contact NGC through the American Numismatic Association or PCGS through a local coin dealer. You can find their web sites at the CoinSite Links Page.

Mint marks are small letters or monograms that indicate where the coin was struck.  This is a quality control device.  Throughout United States history the following Mints existed:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark or "P" in modern times) - 1793 to present
• Dahlonega, Georgia "D" - 1838-1861
• Charlotte, North Carolina "C" [gold coins only] - 1838-1861
• New Orleans, Louisiana "O" 1838-1909
• San Francisco, California "S" 1854 to present
• Carson City, Nevada "CC" - 1870-1893
• Denver, Colorado "D" 1906 to present
• West Point, New York "W" 1984 to present.

Coins are issued by governments of countries and usually show a denomination or value. There might have been some commemorative coins made by foreign countries, sixty-three countries participated in the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, but you don't mention which country that might be. The United States didn't issue commemorative coins for this event.

There were many different tokens and medals made, some were used as "good-fors" at specific events, there were 50,000 exhibits.  There were many Federal displays but none by the United States Mint. There were both official tokens and Official Medals issued.  The most common are 1 1/4 inch in bronze and brass, 2 1/4 inch and 3 inch in bronze. These are of nominal value and quite plentiful. The most collectable are listed below:

Oval shaped - Trylon and Perisphere, NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR around, the date 1939 below. Rev: within a beaded oval  OFFICIAL TOKEN CREATED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MARCH 27TH 1939.  Grover W. Whalen (his signature) PRESIDENT.  Around the beaded border NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939 INCORPORATED.  This medal was designed by H.C. Kreis and struck by the Medallic Art Co. and sold by Manufactures Trust Co. at a branch established at the Fair.  It was called the "World's Fair Dollar" probably because they charged $1 for each one.  This medal was struck in silver and is very scarce.   Value Range: $150+.

Palladium "Dollar" - This was privately issued by Baker & Co. which eventually became part of Engelhard Industries.  They were sold in four sizes at Baker's booth at the World's Fair: 1/2 ounce, 1 ounce, 5 ounce and 10 ounce palladium coins at $26 per ounce. The obverse shows the Trylon and Perisphere with a circular ramp, above, GOLD SILVER AND PLATINUM METALS. Around, BAKER & CO. - PRECIOUS METAL REFINERY - NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A. N.Y.-CHICAGO - SAN FRANCISCO-TORONTO-LONDON-PARIS-TOKIO, below, NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939. Rev: Statue, at left PALLAS to right, ATHENA. THIS CHARM IS GENUINE PALLADIUM, below,  GODDESS OF WISDOM*BESTOWER OF GOOD FORTUNE*GUARDIAN OF HEALTH. 

Most of the Palladium pieces were redeemed over the years and so the remaining pieces are quite rare. They are even more valuable if supplied in the original black leatherette jeweler's box labeled "Baker & Co., Inc Newark, N.J. (note that as of 6/23/00 palladium was trading at $654 a troy ounce.  The numismatic premium would exceed that in multiples).

A "doubled die" error is not an error of striking a coin but an error in manufacturing a die.  It is the die that would have the doubling.  All coins struck with that die would be identical and show the same defect.

The doubled die effect is caused by multiple hits by the master hub to create a deep impression ( in a negative image) in the potential working die.  The error comes when the hub rotates slightly so that the subsequent hit to the working die is out of alignment with the previous one. There are many instances of minor doubling on some dies, only the spectacular ones become desirable.

The latest techniques are suppose to eliminate the possibility of doubled dies but then again anything is possible. For your coin to be a doubled die there would have to be many more coins exactly like it.  A more likely explanation is that the coin was struck in a loose collar. The collar is a device that holds the planchet (blank) in place while the dies strike the planchet. The collar also contains the reeding that is imparted when the coin is struck. Coins struck with loose collars show "shelf doubling" caused by "chatter" when the coin is struck.  A workman who discovers the loose collar, simply stops the press and uses a screwdriver to tighten the collar.

Since shelf doubled coins are unique they don't have the attraction that a doubled die coin would have. To check on this, I suggest that you send the coin to the American Numismatic Association for authentication. See the CoinSite's Links page .

Comments:         Great site!
Name:        Rafael Leal
Email Address:   lealrj@prodigy.net
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Question:        I have a 1741 Philip V.d.g. hispan ET.IND. Rex. 8.reales MF Two globes in the front and the pillars of hercules in the back.  Is this worth anything?  This coin was found in the streets of Chicago aproximately 58 years ago.  It is not in the best condition because it looks like it was ran over by a car.  You can read everything and see all the markings without a magnifying glass.

You have a 1741 Mexico 8 reales (pillar dollar). MF is the assayer.  It is a common date, which means that there are many in the market.  VF examples go for about $80, damaged pieces,  a lot less.  It still is historic, even if it was run over by a car.

Name:        Christina
Email Address:   chris_tina_1976@yahoo.com
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Question:        I have a coin with no date on it. The coin has a picture of a man and women on the front and back.  It has heads and tail on it also. On the side it has comic-coins do you have any ideal what it is? thank you.

You have play money.  See the American Play Money Society on The CoinSite Links page.

Name:        Bill Pittman
Email Address:   wpittman@cwf.org
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Question:        Did Latin American mints occasionally use 1 and/or 2 reales dies to strike 1/2 reale cobs in the 17th or 18th centuries? I have one that is the size of a 1/2 reale, but the Hapsburg shield on the obverse is disproportionately large - the same size that appears on the larger denominations.  Thank you.

Yes, not necessarily for denomination purposes but to qualify a coin as a particular denomination for emergency purposes. Counterstamps are known on late cobs as well as milled coins.

Comments:        I have found the most useful information here and access to more. Thank you.
Name:        kim
Email Address:   inez44@hotmail.com
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Question:        I found some info on french bronze coin here circa 1854..the one I have has the Napoleon III facing left as you said and the eagle on the back with a 'k' underneath. The words on this side are very faded but seem to say 'CINO CENTIMES' I was wondering if I am reading that correctly and what it means and also if you know what the 'k' means in terms of where it was minted? also is it worth about US $1 to US $50 like the one I found discussed here? My friend found this in Arizona while ground construction/landscaping was happening. I thought it neat he found a french coin out here.

You have a 1854 France 5 centimes (CINQ CENTIMES) 100 centimes=1 Franc.  The Mint Mark is "K" which means it was struck at the Bordeaux Mint.  It is a very common coin to find, even at a construction site however it is most often found in dealer bargain boxes.  More than 28 million were struck.  Value range in average circulated condition: US 50 cents -$5.

Comments:        Quite interesting and informative!
Name:        Wayne Vogel
Email Address:   wvogel1@optonline.net
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Question:        I have a gold German coin dated 1777 with a bust on the obverse lettered "Fridericus Borussorum Rex", and a crowned bird clutching banners, with the 1777 date and a large "A" on the reverse.  Other web searches revealed nothing about this coin.  Perhaps you could help?

You have a 1777 Prussia gold friedrich d'or.  This was minted under Friedrich II, The Great (1740 -1786).  The "A" indicates that it was struck at the Berlin Mint.  The legend "FRIDERICUS BORUSSORUM REX" translates from the Latin as Friedrich, King of Prussia.
Value Range, depending on condition (grade): $200 -$3,000.

Comments:        very good, I think he can help me to find the information I need.
Name:        Emilio Portuondo
Email Address:   emil2999@yahoo.com
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Question:        Hi, i am very interesting in knowing the current value of a cuban peso(cuban paper money) from 1896 in excellent condition; if you have the information please let me know.  Thank you very much.

The 1896 Cuba One Peso is part of the last issue printed under Spanish rule. The note is dated 15.5.1896, shows the Spanish Arms at center surrounded on each side by a "1".  The back is blue and in the center is a portrait of Queen Isabel II of Spain.

The note was issued with and without a red overprint of the word PLATA. Value range, depending on type and grade (VG-Unc): $1 -$50.

From: William Fox
Subject: Question on Bicentennial set
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Do you know of any special bicentennial pure silver coins minted as gift sets to mint employees?  I have been told there were a few of these special pure silver proof sets, is it true and if so what might the value of these coins be?  Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank You.

No, it is not true. The normal composition of U.S. clad coins from 1965 to the present is a copper-nickel sandwich over a pure copper core.  The Bicentennial design was issued for two years 1975 and 1976, shows the regular head of George Washington and the dual dates "1776-1976" (There are no quarters, half dollars or dollars dated 1975 ).  The United States Congress mandates or approves coin compositions.  Forty percent silver clad issues of the Bicentennial quarter, half dollar and dollar were authorized by Congress, minted at the San Francisco Mint and sold to the public in any quantity until 1982. These sets are abundantly available in the coin market in proof and uncirculated versions for a small premium over their silver content. 

The Mints would not have had silver strip available to make planchets (blanks) as there had been no silver coins minted for ten years.  If they did, they wouldn't have been pure silver.  Pre-1965 dimes, quarters and half dollars were 90% silver.  I will add this story to my collection of Urban Legends.

Name:        Lisa Ramos
Email Address:   ramos9999@msn.com
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Question:        I just bought a roll of Sacagawea dollars at the bank. When I brought them home and opened the roll there was one dollar in there that was not struck (It's blank on both sides.)  Is it worth anything?

Blank planchets are of two types, one with no rims (Type I) and one with upset rims (Type II).  The planchet just never went through the press. Finding blanks of most denomiations is not a rare occurrence but dollar blanks are popular right now: Value Range for either type: $10+

Comments: The Coin Site is very interesting and educational.
Name:        Mary Beth
Email Address:   gutapa@aol.com
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Question:        I can't find any question in the FAQ's that refer to my 1945 Lincoln cent. It is very thin, but other than that it is a normal penny with printing on both sides. Is it an unusual error? Thanks, Mary Beth.

You are looking at the height of the rim not the thickness of the flan. It is possible to have a low rim.  Note that all small copper cents weigh the same, 3.11 grams.  You can weigh your coin to check it.

Comments:        This is the first time I've been here.. I need to check it out better.
Name:        Karsten
Email Address:   gkarsten@accn.org
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Question:        I found a 1999 Connecticut quarter that is so faint it is hard to make out much of any detail. I can see just enough to tell that it has the tree on the back. And the neck of Washington on the front. I can't tell if it's a miss hit or if it was worn out by acid or something else... Is a miss hit worth anything? Have you heard of any other such miss hits? Thanks

You might have a "die adjustment" coin, struck under low pressure to test the dies and their position. You can confirm this by checking the edge, the reeding will be very weak. If you think that you have a die adjustment coin, you can send it to the American Numismatic Association for certification.  See the CoinSite's Link page for more information. Value: ??

Name:        edward york
Email Address:   benteyork5432@juno.com
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I have a 1876 dime that had the back ground off and in its place are the letters p.k., the letters are very fancy. The dime has four small holes drill into it as for a necklace? Any idea about the coin or the value? Thank you Ed York

You have a "Love Token". During the 19th century it was popular to give a gift of a coin with one side ground off and elaborate initials placed on the coin. The initials could be that of ones sweetheart or a monogram of the couples initials. Sometimes intricate designs were added or geographical scenes engraved. Love tokens appear most often on U.S. silver coins and sometimes on gold coins as well. World reengraved coins have equal charm.

Collectors look for the skill of the engraver as a barometer of value. The other side of the coin is not considered. Reengraved coins are often holed to accommodate a chain or bracelet and in really good work the hole will be considered as part of the design.
Value Range: $5 - $500.

If love tokens appeal to you, join The Love Token Society. Dues are $10 per year. Contact:

Love Token Society
Dr. Robert C. Newhouse
5840 Tuttle Cove Road
Manhattan, KS  66503

Comments:        Excellent site. Thanks for it.
Name:        Pavel
Email Address:   pavel@radion.co.il
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Question:        Hi !
I have coin that i want to know about it much more. It's gold coin without  a denomination from Austro-Hungary 1915, 20 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. On one side writen: Franc Iosif T D G Austriae Imperator and profile of him. On the secon side: LOD ILL REX 1915 Hungar Bohem Gal and two had griffin. Please inform me about this coin and advise it's possible price. Thank you very much.

You have an Austria 20 Corona dated 1915. This is a "restrike" date and is still being minted. This date is used as there is no 20 Corona dated 1915. You can buy this coin in quantities from your local bullion dealer.  Value is its gold content, .1960 troy ounce gold.

Name:        Gene Bee
Email Address:   beeshrink@hotmail.com
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Question:        What is the value of an Eisenhower inaugural medal?  It has the date of January 20 1955 on the back and Dwight Eisenhower on the front.  Please give me any information you can on this medal.  Thanks in advance.  Gene Bee

There are two official Dwight D. Eisenhower Inaugural medals. Note that inaugural medal are dated the years that the Presidents administration begun. Eisenhower's inaugural medals were struck in 1953, he was elected in November of 1952, and in 1957, as the result of the winning campaign of 1956.

Only the 1953 medal shows Eisenhower alone, the 1957 medal shows the conjoined busts of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard M. Nixon. The Medallic Art Company struck the medals under the authority of the Inaugural Committee (Medallic Art appears on the medal's edge).

The medal shows the head of Dwight David Eisenhower, his name is around and a scroll with the Roman numerals MCMLIII.  The Reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings with the legend below: INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA JANUARY 20 1953. The medal sales committee sold 788 medals in silver and 25,685 medals in bronze.

Any other medals than the above are not the official inaugural medal.