The Coin Doc's Answers

Comments:        I think it is a great concept.
Name:        Dave Smith
Email Address:   Smitts@direct.ca
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Question:        I found a Canadian 1944 nickel.  The head is a male, I believe it is King George.  It has the following text around the outer edge of the head "georgivs vi d:g:rex et ind:imp:" coin.  The coin has square edges.  On the tail side it has what appears to be a torch inside a 'V'. There seems to be something odd about the coin, I can't quite explain it, but everyone I have shown it to agrees. Can you identify it?  If so, is it worth anything?  If not, any ideas where/who else I can check this with. Thanks.

In 1942 & 1943 the composition of the 5 cent piece was changed from pure nickel to Tombac (.88 copper .12 zinc) to preserve nickel for the war effort. Close to the beginning of the production run in 1944 the composition was changed again, this time to nickel/chromium plated steel. Only about 8,000 tombac (.88 copper .12 zinc) 5 cent coins were struck in 1944 and 11,532,784 steel pieces..  The 1944 tombac pieces are quite rare (worth about U.S.$10,000). The standard steel 5c pieces are worth about U.S. 10 cents in average circulated. The design on the 1943-45 nickels shows King George VI of England on the obverse a "V" for victory and a Liberty torch on the reverse.  In 1946, the beaver reverse resumed and the 5 cent piece returned to its pre-war composition of pure nickel.

You might start with the CoinSite FAQ for basic information about coins.

You have a U.S. Young Head type (1835-1857) large cent. The 1842 cent is fairly common and is usually found in quantity anywhere large cents are bought and sold.  Though there are large and small date varieties among others, none are particularly rare.  Average circulated pieces trade between $3-$15. Uncirculated examples bring $200 -$500 depending on quality.

On the subject of cleaning.  The rule of thumb is that anything that removes any part of the surface of the coin depreciates it.  Professionals that deal with coins that have been found in the ground or under the ocean aim to remove what is on the surface without removing it.

Fancy serial numbers" are popularly collected. Besides trying to get notes with repeating numbers, there are many other number patterns collected. RADAR notes have numbers that read the same frontward or backwards, like the word "radar".  Repeating patterns are also popular, i.e.  018018018 etc as well as low serial numbers or #1 notes.

You might want to make a list of the notes, their Federal Reserve bank and the srerial numbers to show to a dealer who purchases currency.

You have a balance scale weight probably minted in a brass alloy. These were common in the 19th and the early part of the 20th century. There are smaller weights in drachms that were used on finer balance scales by pharmacists to weigh out powdered medicine.

There are collectors for balance scale weights.  They are collected with tokens, store cards and medals and are usually found under the heading of "Exonumia" in auctions. Though individual weights don't bring a great deal of money, complete sets including the original scale and the weights that they came with are very much in demand.

See the link below to see the official Panama Canal Opening medal issued at the PANAMA CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION SAN DIEGO 1915. Click here. (Click the thumbnail image to see the description and a larger image.)

Response: thanx...but that is not the same coin that i have...i said that mine was from 1913.  the first ship to travel down the panama canal.  it has a lady on the front standing on 2 ships.

Sorry. Your medal was copyrighted 1913 by J. F. Newman but the Panama canal didn't open until August 3, 1914.  The proper description is below:

Obverse: shows a boat passing though the canal, a female figure standing on the prow, long rays emanating from head and shoulders, arms are outstretched, each hand rests on a world globe representing the eastern and western hemispheres. On a ribbon across her body connecting the globes is the Latin legend OCEANI INTER SE COLUMBID CONIUNGUNTUR (Columbia Unites the Oceans).  At top to left on ribbon, PROSPERITY, to the left on ribbon TO ALL NATIONS.  At the lower right edge, in tiny letters is J.F.N. (the designer).

Reverse: At top, of Seal of Canal Zone; around top COMMEMORATING THE OPENING, at either side of the seal OF, THE, and below PANAMA CANAL / TO THE / COMMERCE OF THE WORLD / THIS MEDAL COPYRIGHTED AND BEARING  / A SERIAL NUMBER IS ONE OF 50000 CAR/ -RIED ON THE VESSEL MAKING THE FIRST / PASSAGE THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL / AS AUTHENTICATED IN CERTIFICATE / SIGNED BY / (written signature here) GEO. W. GOETHALS / CHIEF ENGINEER / AND CHAIRMAN/ ISTHMIAN CANAL COMMISSION. Below is the medal's serial number, incuse on panel. Below in tiny letters copyright 1913 J.F. Newman. Bronze.  Estimate Value Range: $100 -$200.

The medals below are only recognized Washington medals that use the legend "First In War, First In Peace":

-Dual Dated 1788*1889. Washington, bust facing right. The legend GENERAL GEO WASHINGTON is around.  The reverse, within a circular wreath: FIRST IN WAR / FIRST IN PEACE / FIRST / IN THE / HEARTS OF HIS / COUNTRYMEN.  The medal was struck in white metal and has a plain edge; it is 22 mm in diameter. Approximately five pieces are known though a holed gilt brass piece has been reported (21.9 mm, 72.8 grains).

-Washington, D. C. Souvenir of George Washington Bicentennial of his birth in 1932. Philadelphia Mint, antique bronze 69 mm. Dated 1799, periwigged nude bust facing left, name around above, 1732-1799 below, laureate branches at either side. Rev: FIRST IN WAR / FIRST IN PEACE / FIRST IN THE HEARTS / OF HIS COUNTRYMEN.  Roman axes on each side.

All others with this legend are modern imitations and are usually individual pieces from a larger set of presidential medals. Click here to learn about modern presidential medal sets.

The 17th Century saw few gold coins in Russia. There were small, approximately 1/2 gram pure gold kopeks and trade coinage of 1 and 2 ducats (.986 fine gold). Silver coins were generally approximately .720 fine.

In the 18th century silver coin varied in fineness from .396 to .868 fine silver. Gold coins became a regular part of the coinage system and 1/2 rouble to 10 rouble gold coins were minted. Fineness was generally .917 but some coins had a lower fineness, like the 1718-1828 2 roubles (.781 fine). Gold trade coinage (Ducats) continued to be .986 fine.

Coins labeled "Colonies Francaises" were primarily for use in the French West Indies, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint-Dominque (Haiti).  The coin shows the laureate head of King Charles X, the legend around is CHARLES X ROI DE FRANCE (Charles X King of France). The reverse show 5 CENT within a wreath COLONIES FRANCAISES around and the date, 1828 below.  The mint mark "A" (Paris) is to the right of the date. (100 centimes=1 Franc).

The 5 centimes was struck in bronze. In 1828, 501,000 pieces were struck. Collector value depends on grade (condition). Value range: US$1 - $50.

Bank bags of dimes weren't sorted by condition and original bags from the U.S. Mint wouldn't normally have mixed dates or mints.  A full bag would have 10,000 dimes = $1,000 face value (weight:55 avoirdupois pounds).  Generally, bags like this contain circulated silver dimes and are sold in the market as a bullion item.  Current market for bags is around $3,000/bag, wholesale.

Opening the bag won't depreciate the contents.  You might find uncirculated coins there as well as circulated pieces.  You possibly could find rare dates like 1916-P or 1921 P D or S or errors such as 1942/1.  You might enlist the aid of a local numismatist to help you catalog your find.

Blanks are cut from strip that meets stringent standards.  There isn't any strip made that would be a composite of two coinage metal compositions. 

I have seen magic coins that are a composite of two different denominations. These are skillfully made in a machine shop from two other coins.  This should not be confused with the recent mule that had a dime on one side and a cent on the other.  It was struck on a cent blank.

If you want to know for sure, send the coin to the American Numismatic Association (see the CoinSite Links Page) for attribution and authentication services.

You have a "Brockage" error. This is caused by a coin getting stuck to the die after it has been minted.  Subsequent coins get the impression of the stuck coin instead of the die.  This leaves a negative impression of the design on the coin. Full impressions are worth more than partial impressions.  Genuine brockage examples are rare on dollar coins.  Estimated value: $300+

Name:        Ingo Rodriguez
Email Address:   ipmmr@yahoo.com
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Question:        In 1982 and 1983 the mint didnt make any mint sets. I have heard that if you went to the mint in those years you could have bought a set from that mint. I have also seen some for sale on E-Bay. Are these real or just put togather by someone other than the mint?

  Both.  Mint sets consist of regular issue coins from all the Mints that struck coins in a particular year.  They come packaged in film and placed in envelopes that have the name of the Mint that made those coins.

In 1982-3 The Philadelphia Mint did not make Mint sets but you could go, in person, to either the Denver or Philadelphia Mint and buy a Year Set from the Mint gift shop. The set included a paper label or token identifying the set as coming from the Philadelphia or Denver Mints. You would have had to travel to both cities to get a complete set.

Some dealers put together their own sets from coins gotten at local banks. These rarely are of the same quality as the Year sets (the banks put the coins through counting machines that put scratches and nicks on the coins).

The purpose of Mint sets is to allow collectors to add gem examples of current coins to their collections.  They are standard issue business strikes not proofs or special issues.

All edge ornamentation including "reeding" is a security device to prevent clipping small bits of precious metal from the edge of a coin. The reeding is imparted by the collar that holds the coin blank when it is struck.

All precious metal coins had either a ornamental edge or a reeded edge (after 1836) to prevent precious metal coins from being clipped. This included half-dimes to $20 gold coins. Clipping was obvious and the coin was rejected.

Nickels and cents were minted in base metals, were essentially tokens and had limited legal tender status. These coins did not need the benefit of a reeded edge.

Though all of today's coins are minted in base metals, coins with reeding remains traditional and nostalgic.

The Nova Constellatio coppers were privately issued tokens mostly destined for use in New York where coins for commerce were in short supply. They were minted in Birmingham, England by Constable, Rucker & Co. The tokens are dated 1783 or 1785 and there are several varieties, including a pattern set (extremely rare) designed by Benjamin Dudley and based on the ideas of Gouverneur Morris for a decimal coinage. Values depend on the type, date, variety and condition. Approximate Value Range: $50 - $3,000.  It is recommended that you have your coin authenticated.  See the CoinSite Links Page for the American Numismatic Association.

The note was printed with black and red ink. The paper is white with mica flakes imbedded and has blue fibers. The note shows the Arms of the Penn family and is dated 1.10.1773 (October 1, 1773). The notes are hand signed (not printed signatures). Value depends on grade (condition). Approximate range: $15 -$100.

You can offer the note for sale yourself on www.sellcoins.com or see dealers there and on CoinSite. Beware of notes printed with black ink on fake yellowed parchment. These are modern replicas and are sold in Discount stores as play money.

That's a large date range.  Most of the "sets" that I see are not sets at all but samples of brass Chinese Cash coins. These have a square hole in the center and vary in size from about a U.S. quarter (1 cash), size of a U.S. half dollar (5 cash), and 10 cash, about twice the 5 cash size.  The most common are the 1 cash pieces: Approximate value for the date range you supplied: 50 cents.

The date 1995 is the date of the coin.  The date 1993 is the Bank Seal date. This coin is currently in circulation. Value about U.S. 25 cents.

Specifications of the current Australian $2 circulating coin.

Coin Design: Horst Hahne
Metal: Aluminum Bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel)
Mass: 6.60 grams
Diameter: 20.50 mm

 If you know nothing about coins, hire a professional numismatist in your area to appraise your collection.  A appraisal will list all of your holdings and will include  attribution, description, authentication, grading and current wholesale market value.  Armed with this information you can proceed to sell your coins at a fair price. Note that a good appraisal will get you within 10% + or - of the appraisal.

If your collection or part of it is particularly valuable, you might consider selling it at auction.  Sotheby's, Christi's and  Swiss Credit Bank are examples of auction houses that have a presence in Europe. Many have local representatives that you can contact for information. If your material is more common fare, you can use your appraisal to sell the material on the Internet or to a local coin dealer. (see our sister site www.sellcoins.com).

So you can roll them down the bar......Actually, the first coins were rectangular bars of electrum (an alloy of gold and silver) punched with an round official symbol but accountants found round coins easier to stack and count. Also, round coins are easier to Mint. A circular die simply needs to line up with the opposing circular blank to mint a coin successfully.

Face value is the original intended value of a coin.  For example, a nickel has a face value of 5 cents, a dime has a face value of 10 cents, a quarter has a face value of 25 cents etc. "Premiums" are about how much a coin's collector value might be.  For example a 1936 Buffalo Nickel in uncirculated (new) condition might have a premium value of $15 but has a face value of 5 cents.

You have a National Bank Note. There used to be many different kinds of paper currency. Some was a receipt for debt (United States Notes also known as Legal Tender Notes or, in post 1928 small size, Red Seals), Silver (Silver certificates), gold (gold certificates), interest bearing notes such as Refunding Certificates or the modern, fiat, Federal Reserve Notes. (See the CoinSite FAQ for more information about paper money types).

National Bank Notes were issued from 1863 to 1929 and were an outgrowth of the National Banking Act during the Civil War. It allowed chartered banks to issue their own money against bonds deposited with the Federal Government. The printing was done at what became known as the Bureau of Engraving in Washington, D.C.  All the designs were the same but differed only in the name of the bank and its charter number. Only series 1929 Nationals were issued in small size.

There are two types. Type I shows the charter numbers in black, type II shows, in addition to the black charter numbers, a brown charter number next to the serial number at left.  All 1929 Nationals have brown seals. The Federal Reserve issues are generally more common than the State bank issues.  There were 384,000 of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago $100 National issued. 

Market value depends on the grade (condition of the note).  Range: face value to approximately $400 (uncirculated). Other factors that might increase the notes value to a collector: Fancy serial numbers, low serial numbers or a star next to the serial number (replacement note).

I'm always surprised that the place that knows the least about paper money is a bank. If a counterfeiter wanted to "slip one by" he certainly wouldn't make the money look different.

Coins are used for a great many more purposes than money.  Alterations done outside the Mint, for various reasons, are common.  Coins are seen plated with various metals, ringed for placing in advertising holders or shaved or reengraved with messages or symbols.  These private "mutilations" have some appeal to collectors of exonumia (tokens, medals and other items of monetary origin) if you can ascertain how the alteration was used.  Other than that alterations have no collector value.

You have a 1955 Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (1946-1963) 20 Dinara (100 Para= 1 Dinar).  The coin was struck in an alloy of aluminum-bronze.   It has a market value of US 5 cents in average circulated condition.

You'd have to be more specific about the description of your coins. All Japanese coins from the 17th century don't all have the same value.  It's like saying "How much is a U.S. coin from the 20th century worth?".  If you can't describe the coins, clear images of the obverse and reverse of each coin are helpful.

Alternatively, you might try to find a copy of Les monnaies japonaises dâor et dâargent : du XVIe au XIXe siáecle = Gold and silver Japanese coins : from the XVIth to XIXth century by Hisanori Takekawa.  This is the definitive work on the subject.