The Coin Doc's Answers

Name: jenn
Email Address:   jc15_66@hotmail.com
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Question:        what are the physical and chemical properties of the metals choosen to produce certain coins and why were they choosen?

The first "coins" were cows and chickens and handicrafts that had to be carried, pushed or driven to market or to a potential buyer.  Though barter never really disappeared, it was replaced in large part by coins. The invention of coins was revolutionary. It allowed trade to flourish, promoted innovation in architecture, science, medicine and, of course,  economics.

The key to its success was that coins were looked upon as a store of value. In order to gain acceptance by the public the coins had to be durable (a lot more durable than a cow). Gold was the only material known to the ancients that wouldn't rust, corrode or melt in the hot sun and was significantly rare to gain acceptance.  Silver, though not as durable, became a subsidiary coinage metal. Gold and silver are usually found together, in fact, the first coinage metals was "electrum", an alloy of gold and silver.

In order to quantify the amount of gold in a coin, an official seal was punched into a gold disk. This saved time, the coin didn't have to be weighed each time it was spent, and there was an official guarantee, which enhanced acceptability. Even small amounts of gold were valuable so small transactions (i.e. a glass of wine) were difficult.  Bars of copper were introduced with equivalent value to a few shavings of gold but they proved to be to heavy and difficult to move around.  Governments introduced token coinages in copper as a convenience and to make them acceptable, pledged to redeem specific numbers of copper coins for gold or silver.

During the time of Ancient Greece few base metal coins were minted, probably because the centers of government were too diffuse. The populace preferred small change in the form of tiny silver coins.  Base metal token coins flourished under Imperial Rome (14 BC - c.450 AD). The copper/bronze coinage of As, Dupondius and Sestertius were successful for hundreds of years.

The triad of base metal, silver and gold coins continued until modern times. Today, there are no circulating precious metal coins.  Modern economies see money as representing goods and services and it no longer matters what form money takes as long as there is acceptability.  Paper money, checks, coins, credit cards, debit cards are all money as long as you can walk out the door with the goods.

Today, the choice of coinage metals is more dependent on its electrical properties than its rarity. The coins have to work in vending machines and telephones. In the United States, mimicking the look of silver coins was considered important when the minting of 90% silver coins ceased in 1964. The question of acceptability was raised again. For coins that were previously silver, a sandwich of copper-nickel over a pure copper core was devised so the coins had a similar appearance to their silver cousins.  The reeded edge, a security device that was part of silver coinage, remained to keep the coins looking the same.

An interesting story surrounds the new "Golden" dollar.  The 2000 dollar is minted from an alloy of copper, nickel and manganese and was designed to replaced the failed Susan B. Anthony dollar. The challenge for the Mint was to create a dollar that looked different (people complained that they confused the SBA dollar with a quarter) but had the same electrical properties. Both coins are the same size and weight and work the same in vending machines.

	All 1879 Stellas ($4 United States gold coins) are patterns.  The coin was never authorized by Congress and therefore was never a circulating medium. Stella patterns were made in gold, copper and aluminum.
All have a reeded edge.  The coins were distributed to members of Congress to evaluate and most were never returned.  This is the source of the pieces that still exist.
I can't tell from the image where it was found or even if it is genuine, but the story is plausible enough.  I don't have enough auction price information do give you a current price but I would estimate the value at between $8,000 and $25,000.

There are many design differences between 1916 and 1917 and later, Standing Liberty quarters.  Probably the easy way to tell on low grade coin is to look at the top of Liberty's head.  On the 1916 coins the head interrupts the reed design around the rim on the 1917 and later coins the head is below the reed.

Only 10 examples of the 1918 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note are outstanding. One is in the Smithsonian. Since none have been offered for sale in auctions there are no price records. I'm sure the value would be substantial if one ever was offered for sale.

If you like bank notes with lots of zeros, see the specimen bank notes on the CoinSite Image Gallery.

This reengraved cent was part of a novelty item that were sold in banks to show comparisons between the life of Lincoln and Kennedy. The punch is not a mint product and the coin has no specific numismatic value. Below is some of the comparisons that were on the card that accompanied the cent:

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both were shot in the head.

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy. 
Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerner.
Both were succeeded by Southerners.
Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names comprise fifteen letters.

Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse.
Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were both assassinated before their trials.

It's easy to electroplate coins. This technique is used by advertisers to high school chemistry students for either promotion or study. 1976-D cents, like all cents (except for 1943 when cents were struck on steel blanks) from 1909 to 1982 were struck on blanks made from .950 copper and .050 tin and zinc and weigh exactly 3.11 grams.

Since gold is far denser than copper, a cent struck on a gold flan would weigh far more than 3.11 grams (probably about 1/5 troy ounce or about 6.2 grams).  Simply weighing the coin is diagnostic.

No, red seals, United States Notes, were never redeemable for gold or silver. Convertibility of gold ended in 1933 and the redemption of silver certificates ended in June, 1968.

You have a pattern 5 cent coin. Patterns are design proposals for coins. The patterns are shown to Congress which has the authority to order the minting of coins. The United States Mint has made patterns from its inception.  Some designs are adopted but most are discarded. Patterns survive because those evaluating the coin often never returned it to the Mint. The 1885 5c pattern has the following characteristics:

Obverse: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1885 around a circle of 13 stars within which is a hole surrounded by denticles.  Reverse: Above the hole, FIVE CENTS, below the shield of the United States with a laurel branch on either side.  The coin was struck in silver. Grade (condition) impacts value. The coin should be graded by a 3rd party grading service such as NGC or PCGS.  Note that cleaning the coin will destroy much of its value.  It will then be rejected by the grading services. Estimated Value: $1,500 -$2,500.+

Judea fought both actively and passively against the domination of Rome in the period from about 70 BCE to 70 CE. Even the Christ story is a component of the narrative of Jewish Independence.  By the year 66 CE (AD) a second active war broke out against Rome ending in a crushing defeat for the Jewish rebels at Masada.    Jerusalem was destroyed as was the Second Temple (the "Wailing Wall" in present day Jerusalem is the only remains standing of the Second Temple).    You have a silver Israel Shekel (from the 2nd Revolt against the Romans (The Jewish War against the Rome 66-70 C.E.).   The coin is described as following: A chalice, with nine pearls on rim; above the chalice is the date  In Hebrew, " Year 4",  the Hebrew inscription " shekel of Israel", around.  The reverse shows a stem with three fruit, probably pomegranates,  "Jerusalem the holy", around.  Value Range: $2,500 +    Many counterfeits exist.  Authentication is mandatory.  See the Link to the American Numismatic Association on the CoinSite's Link Page for more information on authentication services.

You have an 1879 France, Third Republic, 5 centimes (100 centimes=1 franc). The coin shows an allegorical head of Ceres as Liberty facing left within a beaded circle.  Around, the legend REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE (French Republic) and the date 1879.  Stars are on either side of the date. The Reverse shows a wreath and inside, 5 CENTIMES, the mint mark "A" (Paris) is below.  At the outside of the wreath is the legend LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood). This design type was used from 1871 to 1921.  1879 Mintage: 1,955,000.

Value Range, in low grade, for 1879-A 5 centimes - US 50 cents to $1. Value Range, in low grade, for 1879-A, anchor w.bar by mint mark, 5 centimes - US$5-$15.

We are not sure what the mint is, we looked together but couldn't find it.  If you would be so kind as to email me back with an answer I would greatly appreciate it, as we are working on other denominations of coins also to see if we can find there worth.  Your website has been a great help to us.  Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Morgan Dollars were minted from 1878 -1904 and then in 1921 for 11 months. Coins are valued on there rarity and condition and collector demand.  The Morgan Dollar listed by Legend Numismatics, Inc, Item #2139 on www.sellcoins.com , is an uncirculated 1889-CC (Carson City Mint) in MS63 (Mint State) grade.  This coin is extremely rare to find in uncirculated grades.  Only a relatively few exist.

In contrast, the date 1887 (no mint mark means it was struck in Philadelphia) is one of the most common dates of the Morgan Dollar series and brings from $5-$8 in circulated grades.  Only very high-end uncirculated pieces bring a significant premium.

You might want to buy a catalog of U.S. coins so you can determine better dates and mint marks from common pieces. Also, see the CoinSite's What's it Worth? feature for prices on common date U.S. coins.

The Wreath of Wheat ears reverse was replaced in 1959 with the Lincoln Memorial to commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln cent.  Most "wheat" cents in circulated condition are essentially worth one cent as astronomical numbers of coins were minted.

There are exceptions and rare varieties as well and some famous errors that are worth looking for. You might want to purchase a U.S. coin catalog that lists coins by date and mint mark to see which dates are more valuable.

Recommended books:

A Guide Book of United States Coins, "The Red Book"
The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent by Sol Taylor, Ph.D.

Both books can be found through our Amazon.com links.

Happy hunting....

Foreign Exchange dealers only deal in paper money but you can visit your local coin shop.  They usually have a "bargain" box of current world coins that you can purchase, sometimes by the pound.  Also, check you local paper for coin shows in your area.  Often, dealers will have these coins for sale at a show.

Alternatively, contact various Mint around the world for Mint sets, that is examples of current circulating coinage.  See the CoinSite's Link Page for links to some world mints.

I'm not sure what you are hoarding.  There are many collectors for paper money and coins, but not all coins or notes have premiums above their face value. You might want to get a catalog or two for coins and paper money so you can a least determine what collectors value. Please see the CoinSite's Book Page for some sources.

You may also want to subscribe to a publication such as the, Bank Note Reporter, and, Coin World, that list values and displays dealer ads, in order to get a feel for the numismatic market.

You can also see the CoinSite's What's it Worth? feature, for prices on U.S. coins and paper money.

These were stamped by a private company with a image of each State in order to create a "set" of State cents for a promotion.  Each cent has a State image stamped into a standard cent.  Value: 1 cent each

Years ago, lacquering coins was a method by which to preserve the original red color of copper coins. The lacquer can be removed with acetone but requires a skilled hand. The grading services will not grade coins that are lacquered or varnished or show evidence of corrosion.

You might contact the American Numismatic Association and see if their restoration service can successfully remove the lacquer without damaging the coin. (See the CoinSite Links page).

Nickels are 21.2 mm in diameter. There are 1,609,344 mm in a mile divided by 21.2 = 75,912.45 nickels laid end to end will be a mile. That is $3,795.60 in nickels.

Have fun!!

"California gold" featuring bears are modern imitations made after the 1950's. Most versions of these tokens are gold plated brass or just brass.  There are no animals on California gold coins.

I know this is silver bullion, but I'm curious if the bicentennial reference makes it worth more than just the silver.  The one I have is in very good condition with all lines on the bell visible, including some writing that's too small to read with the naked eye.  An approximate value and any history would be greatly appreciated (unfortunately, I've had it so long I don't even remember where I got it) Thank You.

You are correct, it is just silver bullion.  The reason for these was to create a 1 ounce silver "bar" that the manufacturer could coax a bit more money out of, if it was perceived as a "commemorative". These rounds are usually discounted in relation to official rounds like Canadian Maple Leafs or U.S. Silver Eagles.

This is called a "underinking of the green portion of overprint (3rd printing)" error.  Value depends on which series and Federal Reserve Bank as well as the condition of the note.  Range: $50 - $150.

The largest Austria Maria Theresa gold Coin is a 12 Ducat issued in 1744 (39.58 grams .986 gold). Though 20 Ducat coins did exist in Europe it doesn't apply to Maria Theresa's issues. (Note that a 20 Ducat would weigh 70 grams). [One troy ounce=31.103 grams]

You have a $2 note issued by the City Trust and Banking Company of New York City.  The bank opened March 10, 1839 with a capital of $100,000.  It closed in 1841. (probably due to the Depression and upheaval caused by the closing of the Bank of the United States. Click here to learn more about this period in American history).

The bank issued notes in the $1, $2, $5 (two types), $50 and $100. Most of the notes were interest bearing.  There may be cancellation marks or stamps on your note.  Most of the notes were redeemed at par when the bank closed.

These notes are seen three ways:
1. Remainders - Never issued and left over after the closing of the bank. These notes have no signatures or dates (they always were written by hand in ink).
2. Cancelled/redeemed
3. Never redeemed.
Value depends on the above type and condition: Estimated Range: $15 - $250.

You have a 1330 AH Morocco 1, 2, 5, or 10 Mazunas (You didn't mention the diameter, that's the way to tell the denomination of the coin if you can't read the Arabic). Note that the Moslem date 1330 = the Christian date of 1912.  Collector value depends on the denomination and condition.  Range: U.S. 50 cents - $35.

You can see values for Heraldic Eagle Dollars (the 1803) on the "What's It Worth?" feature on CoinSite.

Heraldic Eagle Dollars dated 1804 are extremely rare (the last date of dollars in this period was 1803).  Only 14 pieces are known (and accounted for) and volumes have been written about them.  The first piece was actually struck in 1834, when dollars were not part of the coinage system, for use in a presentation set of coins given to the King of Siam.  Pieces were also made for the Mint Cabinet and, years later, at the Philadelphia Mint for specific collectors.

1804 dollars are very rare and bring more than one million dollars when brought to auction. Note that counterfeits abound. Many were created in the Far East and sold to U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Authentication is mandatory.  You can contact the American Numismatic Association for their certification and attribution services. See their link on the CoinSite Links Page for more information.

I wouldn't want to be around after the buyer wakes up from his hangover and discovers he paid $1,000 for a 50 cent coin (FR3). The "F", by the way, is the Initial of the designer, James E. Fraser, not a mint mark. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, Denver issues have a "D" under the word "FIVE CENTS" on the reverse and the San Francisco issues, an "S" in the same place.

Is there something special about this coin that you didn't mention? - Major die error, reverse has a portrait of Charles De Gaulle instead of a Buffalo? There were 119,001,420 1936 Philadelphia Nickels struck and NO ONE THREW THEM AWAY.  This date has the highest mintage of the entire Buffalo Nickel series, that is why they are so commonly available.  You can even buy uncirculated examples in the $20 range and gem proofs (mintage: 4,420) can be had for less than $1,000.

Actually, there is one rare variety a 1936-D with 3 1/2 legs that is probably worth $1,000 in circulated grades but unless you are knowledgeable about this die variety you won't be able to tell the difference from wear. You will want to send the coin in for certification at the American Numismatic Association (See the CoinSite Links Page ). If that is what you have, selling the coin with papers protects you and the buyer.

It sounds like a 2 escudos from the 1715 Plate Fleet.  It would have "J" assayer and the Mº mint mark (Mexico City).  The only problem is the weight. A two escudos weighs 6.76 grams.  Your weight describes a 2 escudos that weighs quite a bit more (closer to a "3" escudos if there was such a coin). This coin is from an intrinsic money system and, if anything, might weigh a bit less if it was under the water for almost 300 years. Overweight intrinsic coins are unknown (its like going into a bank, asking change for a $10 bill and getting $14 back).  Overweight coins are suspect, since "weight" is one test for authenticity (for example, gold plated lead copies exist).

You might have a defective scale. Try testing it with known, standard weights. You can also send your coin to the American Numismatic Association for certification.  See the CoinSite's Links Page for more information.

Genuine Philip V Mexico 2 escudos bring $800-$1,200+.

You have a 1981 Iceland 10 Aurar (100 Aurar=1 Kronur). "Tiu Aurar" is the denomination, not a place.  It's the equivalent to saying "10 cents" in English. This coin is current circulating coinage in Iceland.

You have a 1640 Deventer/Gelders (United Netherlands) silver 48 Stuivers (also known as the Lion Daalder). The Obverse shows a rampant lion facing left within an inner circle. The Latin legend MO. ARG. PRO. CONFOE. BEL. GELR. ( Silver Coin of Gelders, Province of the Belgian Confederation (Gelders), is around the lion.  The reverse shows a armored knight facing left in an inner circle the Latin legend CONFIDENS DNO.NONMOVETVR 1640. (Who trusts in thee is not moved) is around. Value depends on grade (condition).  Range: $15 -$300.

The Mussolini fantasy coins are all dated 1943 and were minted in brass, silver and several gold alloys.  The original design that refers to "lions" and "sheep" actually belonged to another fantasy, a 1928 100 Lire with head of King Vittorio Emmanuel III.

The Mussolini fantasy gold pieces with the lion/sheep legend consist of: -20 Lira (Gold 31 grams) - current value about $300. -20 Lira (.500 gold 20 mm diameter) - value about $125. -20 Lira (.500 gold 17 mm diameter) - value about $85. -50 Lira -(about 23 mm) -  value about $175. -100 Lira -(34 mm) -value about $300.

Though they are somewhat historically interesting, they are contrived pieces. There isn't too many fond memories of Benito Mussolini to make these a wildly popular collectible.