The Coin Doc's Answers

Comments:        Excellent site. Comprehensive and intensive.
Name:        rocelle
Email Address:   lrocel@hotmail.com
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Question:        Under what circumstances will a full proof red penny (not glossy; very rare) undergo discoloration in a matter of days? Such a penny I bought for over USD3k was delivered to me in a coin album (packed in a cardboard material with plastic cover) via courier on a Wednesday. I took a cursory look at it paying more attention to the writings on the coin and the album; kept it straight away in a closet (between clothes) away from reach, brought it out on a Sunday evening to show my hubby. He noticed what he thought was a scratch.

'Brought it back to the dealer, said it was a "discoloration" but refused to give a refund as it was in a "perfect" condition when they packed it and has witnesses to prove it. He remarked that the seal was "loose" and someone in my family must have opened it and handled it. I maintain that there was no way that could have happened. Is it possible that the coin was "perfect" when they packed it; but for some reason (perhaps improper sealing), the coin came into contact with some chemicals in the album or packaging and had developed the discoloration within the next four days? How can I prove that no one in my family  handled it? I presume lifting fingerprints is out of the question?

By the way, as he was examining the coin, the dealer handled it, wiped it with tissue and blew on it (as in exhaling gently). Does this constitute carelessness? I read your articles about proof coins as well as on discoloration but wondered if you'd have anything on this specific case.

Thanks and more power.

Handling, wiping and blowing on a coin isn't careless, that's abuse and reduces its value. It is unusual, but possible, for copper, a chemically reactive metal, not to have oxidized over a long or short period of time. Generally, original full red copper coins have been fortunate to have undergone oxidation that is essentially transparent.  Unfortunately, most have been chemically treated in some way to restore the full red appearance, at least, for a short time.

Packaging copper in cardboard, canvas or heavy paper is counterproductive as those items contain sulfur, a great copper oxidizer. You would never store red copper coins near those materials.  (A great way to create nice patina on red copper is store a red copper coin in a Kraft envelope, those little brown things, for three months or so.)  Most destructive is to blow on a copper coin. Months later, little black spots will appear where the moisture from breath or saliva has reacted with the copper.

The best luck that I have had with full red coins is to store them in the old style 2  x 2 non-sulfur cardboard holder lined with cellophane. The cellophane seems to protect the coin.  I've had full red cents from the 1920's and 30's stored in them for years without the coins oxidizing.

You mentioned that the coin was a "full proof".  "Proof" is a method of manufacture, not a statement of condition.  Proof coins are minted and handled individually and struck multiple times vs. "business strikes" that are struck once and mass produced.  Proof are minted for collectors or, as in the early 19th century, for presentation.  Proofs are graded in the same manner as regular mint strikes so it is possible for a proof to have evidence of handling, abuse or even wear.

I suggest that if you are interested in collecting copper and are first starting out, purchase red-brown or brown examples. They are less expensive and more likely to be original and, of course, you don't have to worry about them oxidizing.

You have a 1951 Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington commemorative half dollar. This coin is part of the commemorative half dollar program that began in 1892 and continues today. The coin shows the conjoined busts of two famous black Americans, Booker T. Washington, educator and principal of the Tuskegee Institute and George Washington Carver, agricultural chemist who discovered new uses for peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes and cotton waste.

Unfortunately, though this commemorative appears to be a high tribute to two great Americans, the rason d'etre of this coin had to do with the political climate in the USA in the early 1950's, that is, rabid anti-communism and racism a la "Senator McCarthy". The bill introduced in Congress to mint these coins mentions that "money obtained from the sale of these commemoratives was to be used to oppose the spread of communism among Negroes in the interest of national defense".

Collectors buy these coins in an uncirculated set of 3 from the Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) Mints.  There is not much of a market for average circulated pieces, thought the Denver and San Francisco mint coins are scarce. Approximate value for uncirculated set: US$100 Approximate value for circulated individual piece: less than US$5.

This is a commemorative British Crown (5 shillings) for The 1951 Festival of Britain. The edge reads in Latin MDCCCLI CIVIUM INDUSTRIA FLORET CIVITAS MCMLI (1951 By the industry of its people the State flourishes).

On the reverse side, the words read ZACHARIA REGIA DIEN, or close to that. There seems to be a sort of shield, which could be in the shape of possibly a pig, with puffed cheeks, and pointed ears.  But, the inner marking would seem to represent an orb with a line running horizontally through it, and atop the orb is a Christian cross that could possibly be Russian or Greek.

The metal looks to be bronze.  I'd love to know what it is, as it belongs to a friend who has had it since childhood.  I'm doing the sleuthing, as she has not had luck at any coin dealers anywhere, re an explanation.

You have what is best called a "lucky" piece.  Coins or tokens of particular types have been revered throughout history as amulets with magic powers.  This modern token refers to the events in the 13th and 14th Century when various Aegean (Greek) islands changed hands between various countries and individuals.  These islands were often important resting places for pilgrims moving from and to the holy land during and after the Crusades.

Benedict  Zaccharias was Lord of Chios in 1304 and your token refers to this individual. ZACHARIA REGIA DIEM (roughly in the days of the rule of Zaccharias).  No coins of Zaccaharias survived and that makes for a great amulet.  You might get three wishes if you rub it just the right way.

You have a 1953 1 Eyrir (plural Aurar) from Iceland (100 Aurar=1 Krona).

Not from Mexico but from Madrid, Spain.  Mint mark is a crowned "M", assayer is J.P.  There was no issue of Mexico 1/2 escudos in this period.  The Mexico mint mark is "Mº".  Value depends on condition (grade).  Approximate value range: $35 - $250.

Lincoln cents from 1982 to the present are struck on zinc, copper plated flans.  Occasionally the plating fails to adhere possibly because of dirt or gas being trapped between the layers. (Lamination error)

See the CoinSite What's it Worth? feature and the selection on U.S. coin errors.  See the table labeled "Lamination Errors" for approximate values.

You have an 1885 Austria 1 Kreuzer (100 Kreuzer = 1 Florin). SCHEIDEMUNZE is German for small change. About 29 million 1885 1Kr were struck.  Approximate value range US 10 cents - $2.

My records show the following mintages for the silver Canadian Maple Leafs:
I do not currently have figures after 1996.

1988 1,062,000
1989 2,332,200
1990 1,708,800
1991    644,300
1992    343,800
1993    889,946
1994 1,113,900
1995    326,244
1996    250,445

Comments:        For a first time browser, very easy to use and navigate.
Name:        michael hamby
Email Address:   hambychiro@hotmail.com
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Question:        I have recently discovered a small (approx 19mm wide) gold 1861 half eagle coronet head, no motto(?) coin, thirteen stars, liberty in the hair with beads tied into the bun of the hair, back side of coin has the USA on the outer egde of the coin, eagle in flight holding straw(?) and beneath the eagles claws is the number 2 and one half 'D' What is this and what do I do with this coin?  Is it the mother of all mother coins and I am going to retire from the wealth it will bring me when I sell it? I look forward to your response.  Thank you,  Mike Hamby

You have a United States Quarter Eagle.  The Coronet design type was in use from 1840 -1907.  The coin weighs 4.18 grams, is .900 fine gold and has a diameter of 18 mm.  There were 1,283,878 1861 quarter eagles struck.  The description of the coin is as follows:

Obverse: Liberty head facing left with braided hair (by designer Christian Gobrecht).  Miss Liberty's hair is in a bun secured by a string of beads. She is wearing a coronet inscribed with the words LIBERTY. The date is below and 13 stars (representing the original 13 colonies) are around.

Reverse: A eagle with outstretched wings with a shield on its breast is perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows.  UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  2 1/2D. is around.

The value of 1861 Philadelphia (no mint mark) Coronet Quarter Eagles depends on:

-The Type - there are two. One with small delicate letters and arrowheads and the pre 1859 type with large letters and arrowheads. -The grade - that is the condition.  With this coin, grade is everything. Cleaned and polished pieces are common as these coins were popular in jewelry, these have little numismatic value and bring perhaps 10% over melt (.12094 troy ounce).

Approximate value range for post 1859 reverse: $100 - $300 Approximate value range for pre 1859 reverse on a 1861 Quarter Eagle: $400 - $4,000.

If you think you coin warrants professional grading, that is the grade is high enough to absorb the cost, you can have your coin graded by NGC or PCGS.  See their links on the CoinSite Links page.

Name:        Beatrice Krasnick
Email Address:   giggi3721@cs.com
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Question:        I have two eighteen century coins. Their smaller then a nickel, on one side there's "HOLLANDIA", on the other side there's a roaring lion in a sheild with a number 2 on the left side and a "S" on the other. What do I have.

You have a 2 Stuiver also known as a "Double Wapenstuiver" (1.6 grams, .583 silver) from Hollandia (Holland) which was a Dutch maritime province on the North Sea.  Because of its use as a port, it was the most important region of the Netherlands.  This 18th century monetary system is a bit confusing to our decimal sensibilities.

8 Duits = 1 Stuiver
6 Stuivers = 1 Schelling
20 Stuivers = 1 Gulden (also called a florin)
50 Stuivers = 1 Rijksdaalder (Silver Ducat)
60 Stuivers = 1 Ducaton (Silver Rider, named for the design on the coin)
14 Guilden = 1 Golden Rider

Other fractional or multiple denominations existed in The Netherlands such as 1/2 Ducaton, 2 and 3 Ducaton, double ducats and fractional guldens.

Approximate value range (and this is a good example of the fact that " age don't necessarily make coins rare or valuable"): US 50 cents to $10.

Comments: First time to get on your site. Thank you for your help.
Name:        Nguyen Le
Email Address:   Nguyenle@looksmart.com
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Question:        1867 18K gold coin of 20 FR Empire francais / Napoleon III Empiruer. 1905 18K gold coin : EDWARDVS D: G: BRITT: OMN RFX F D IND IMP. How much and how to sell them?

Both of these coins were trade units and were minted in large numbers. Today they trade fairly close to their gold bullion value and are easy to buy or sell at any coin shop or bullion house.  Below are the coins' specifications:

French 20 Francs are .900 fine (21.6 karats) and contain .1867 of a troy ounce of pure gold. Great Britain Sovereigns are .917 fine (22 karat) and contain .2354 of a troy ounce of pure gold.

To figure the value of these coins, multiply the above decimals against the world price of gold (see the Coinsite's Metals Page for current prices).

Note that if your coins have tested as 18 Karat they are counterfeits and must be melted and assayed to determine the actual gold content.

Comments:        it cool and its really helped me identify old coins that i
have
Name:        Amy
Email Address:   bubbaluva@ididitmyway.com
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Question:        I have what looks like mexican currency it has a one at the corners. A picture of this guy whos name is supposedly JOSE SIMEON CANAS. At the top of the bill it has these words "EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR" and under it it has these words "PAGARA EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR" and in a corner of the bill it has 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 1972 and UN COLON in the center on the other side it has  a picture of this guy and his name is supposedly CRISTOBAL COLON and it has what looks to be a date stamped on it: San Salvador, 7 de Febrero de 1975.

The country of El Salvador exists in Central America bordered by Guatemala, Honduras the Pacific Ocean.  Your note is a series 1972 one colón and features José Cañas at right, UN COLON at center.  EL BANCO CENTRAL DE RESERVA DE EL SALVADOR (The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador) is at top and under the title, PAGARA EN EFECTIVO AL PORTADOR ("Will pay in cash to the bearer" or a better translation,  "will pay to the bearer on demand"). 

The reverse shows Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus) at center, a script printed signature at right and under "San Salvador, 7 de Febrero de 1975". Approximate Collector value in average circulated condition about US 50 cents.

Comments:        Found it by accident so can't comment as yet.
Name:        Wayland Preder
Email Address:   wdpreder@msn.com
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Question:        We have a book of medalions/coins put out by The American Mint.  They are Heroes of God medallions.  Do you know where I can get any information on these medallions?

The "American Mint" is a private organization, not a official Mint of the United States. They produce items for promotion where the minter has neither a historical or official connection to any of the events that are the subject of these medallions.

Markets tend to look upon these types of items as contrived and value them only at their precious metal value.  That is not to say that someone might enjoy owning this set and might pay you a handsome price for it; only that there is no market price.

Comments:           thxs 4 your support, and the reply ,  i,ll rate ya,s
when i receive a response. peace all V
Name:        wm a bushor
Email Address:   metalkat_69000@yahoo.com
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Question:         ive seem to come across a odd coin. its the size of a1/2 dollar, broze,goldish w/emblem of a FORD model t or a grill,dated 1903-1933 , can you give some insite on this strange coin. think that i,ll have to inquire @ the henry ford museum? thxs w a bushor

This medal was struck by the Ford Motor Company for the Century of Progress Exposition 1933 - 1934 in Chicago, Illinois. More than 39 million people visited this famous fair.  Almost all the states and territories participated and included a U.S. Mint Exhibit and a Federal Building that was constructed on the site by act of Congress.

The obverse shows a the front grill to a 1933 Ford automobile, across the grill is "FORD" in script.  Vertically on each side is 1903 1933.  The reverse shows a large "V" superimposed on an "8" within a open wreath. Above is, THIRTY YEARS and below, OF PROGRESS.

This medal is popular among collectors of both exposition and automobile memorabilia. It also has an historical connection to this important fair. Estimated Value Range, in EF condition: $100.

Straits Settlements was a former British colony on the Asian, Malay Peninsula.  In 1826 the colony consisted of the territories of Singapore, Penang and Malacca.  It was under the control of the East India Company until 1853 and was part of British India until 1867, when it became a British Crown Colony.  Straits Settlements changed its name to Malaya in 1939.

About 20 million 1926 .600 fine silver 10 cent pieces (100 cents= 1 dollar) were issued in Straits Settlements. The coins shows the bust of King George V of England and a large "10" on the reverse. Market value depends on grade (condition). Approximate value range: less than US$1 to about $10 (uncirculated).

Your series 1899 Silver Certificate has been nicknamed by collectors as the "Black Eagle".  It is the 2nd most common of the "large size" notes. These notes were printed from 1899 to 1922 with the 1899 series date.  The actual date depends on the signature combination.

Many uncirculated notes exist and these are popular with collectors. Circulated notes are much less in demand.   Approximate value Range: $10 - $500+

Your 100 Schilling notes are from Austria, not Germany, and are post-WW II issues. They are blue-violet and show a woman at right (an allegorical reference to science).  The back shows the Academy of Sciences in Vienna. Value for average circulated examples about US 25 cents.

Newfoundland was a separate political entity until 1949 and was responsible for its own coinage. It started out with a decimal system in 1863 and similar to some other countries in the Western Hemisphere, adopted the Spanish 8 reales as the model for its "dollar". (Exchange values with Britain were NF$4.80 = £1).

Newfoundland's coins were never minted in large numbers nor were they saved in new condition in any quantity.  Since collectors value coins by their condition, prices can vary greatly. All 1882 Newfoundland 10 cent pieces were minted in Heaton, England and show an "H" mint mark. About 20,000 pieces were struck.  Approximate market value range, depending on grade, US$10 - $1,200.

All modern Panama proofs, up to 1984, were struck by the Franklin Mint, a private minter.  They had a lucrative business where the FM paid Panama a substantial fee, in the million dollar range, for the privilege of creating "collector" coins and marketing them to collectors. Those impressive, giant 20 Balboas are an FM product. Few of these contrived issues ever saw the country of Panama.

When President Noreiga was kicked out of Panama, arrested, and brought to the U.S. the private deals collapsed or were rescinded by Panama. The 1985 proofs made by FM, with FM's dies, were longer sanctioned by the government of Panama so they are technically an "unauthorized" striking. I'm not sure too many people care. Contrived, unofficial issues, don't often become valuable. (current value for the 1985 FM proof 1/2 balboa, about $10.)

Historically, the United States Mint struck all regular issue coins for Panama. Noreiga, furious at the U.S., demanded the Panama dies from the Philadelphia Mint. They were handed over to his representative but somehow never made it back to Panama.  (That is a very long and sordid story...). Not too long after the disappearance of the dies, coins such as the one, 5 and 10 centavos were suddenly being offered as "patterns", struck in low content gold (about 10 carats fine). The soap opera continues.....

If you mean that the eagle is "colorized", that is a common practice among promoters.  This is not a mint product and coin collectors do not value coins that have been "colorized".