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Comments: EXCELLENT
Email Address: etaylor@buggs.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Joseph Taylor, Jr.
Your Question: DOC,
What do you think would be the best bet for the future: to buy platinum, gold, or silver coins today?

If you're talking about bullion coins, they are extremely speculative. Their only value lies in the weight of bullion contained in the coin. If you think that they will develop a numismatic premium in a rising metals market, that is probably a long shot. That game was tried with "proof" (they weren't really) Krugerrands in the early eighties and the scheme was eventually exposed as the scam that it was. Many an investor was severely burned.

If you enjoy coins, buy rare ones. Not promoted stuff but rare items. All the great collections were put together by people that really enjoyed coins and their love for them motivated them to buy the best that they could afford. Rare coins transcend the metal that they were minted from.

Email Address: jaxfan@netrover.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Jean-Paul Métivier
Your Question: I have a 10.00$ canadian bill, serial number ADF7534817 and the particularity of that bill is that on one side of the bill the color is the color that it should be but on the other side the color is the wrong one. The bill was made in Ottawa, Ontario Canada in 1989
And I also have a 5.00$ dollar bill, that was made in1986 and the serial number is FOB0000002, I'm wondering how much it's worth.
I also have a canadian penny with only one side printed, it is the face of the Queen but I can't say which year it was emitted.

Error notes certainly are collectable but it is unusual to have the wrong color on the back of this note. Many times color changes are caused by chemical reactions that are caused by washing and exposure to bleach or other cleaning products. This the cause of the "yellow" U.S. $1 note.

Low serial numbers are collectable also and the note you have would be worth multiples of the face value depending on the condition. If the note is in new, crisp condition it would bring much more.

One sided coins indicate that something material has come between the coin blank and the die. It is also possible for dirt or gas to be trapped in the coinage strip when it is rolled out. When the coin is struck the defective side comes apart leaving essentially a half of coin with only one side with design. Laminations are more usual on clad strips but I think it is possible even on pure copper flans.

Email Address: will714@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: William Martin
Your Question: Are foreign coin values a function of overall scarcity or of the number of that type imported to the U. S. and currently on the American market?

The coin market is international. And with communications being essentially world wide and current, a coin, let's say from Great Britain, is just as available here as there. This is a generalization. There are situations where prices are higher for a specific issue in one place or another when either the issue is new and is in great demand or the buyer doesn't have access to the communication source and is willing to pay more for the convenience of allowing a third party to acquire the coin on his behalf.

Email Address: wjames@cat.glasnet.ru
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Will James
Your Question: Can you tell me how to find out information about the coins of the ancient khanates of Central Asia, such as Parthia, Bukhara, Samarkand, etc.

The empire that was known as the Parthian Kingdom was a world power in its day. It existed from about the 3rd century BC to the 3rd Century of the Christian era. The center of power for the Parthian Kingdom was approximately where Iran exists today. The coins were to the Greek Standard and throughout Parthia's history the legends and the denominations were Greek.

Check out CoinSite's Numismatic Links page and click on the American Numismatic Society's Searchable database to research more information about this interesting people.

Comments: I have so many questions - I am new to collecting - that your site can't possibly answer them all. I like the site, but I visit the coin dealers more often.
Email Address: tmiller@olicom.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Todd M. Miller
Your Question: I have an MS-60 1900 Gold $5 coin and I have a new 1998 $50 Gold Eagle. My question is this: How come my 1900 $5 gold piece is dull? How come it doesn't shine like the new gold coin? Gold doesn't react to tarnish! My 1900 piece looks almost orange! Any explanation? Thanks, Todd

The Gold eagle alloy is 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper giving this coin almost a white-gold appearance. The 1900 Liberty half eagle is 90% gold and 10% copper giving this coin an red orange-gold appearance. Pure gold is too soft to be used pure but adding a small amount of other metal such as copper, increases the hardness tremendously (That is why gold crowns on teeth can withstand chewing). As you can see, the shade of color of gold coins depends on the alloy used.

The "luster factor" is dependent on how much pressure is applied to the flan (blank) when it is struck by the dies in a coin press. The harder the pressure the more the metal will flow creating the microscopic, radial lines that are responsible for mint luster. Softly struck coins exhibit soft mint luster and may have weaknesses in the design. Excessive pressure will create a coin with lots of luster and a sharp impression but will reduce the life of the die. Another killer of mint luster is cleaning. Even a small amount of cleaning can remove some of the flow lines, making a coin look dull.

Email Address: jpparker@usc.edu
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Joseph Parker
Your Question: I was recently in Laos and purchased a set of solid silver balls of different sizes which were said to be old Lao currency. They came with a solid silver "boat" tray with chinese characters which is almost certainly recently made. However, the coinage does not bear Lao characters that I am aware of, but these silver balls (with a slit running through one half the sphere like a nectarine) do have relatively simple patterns, the number which seem to increase with the weight of the ball. I've seen similar silver coins from China, but know almost nothing about these. Any insight?

The ball shaped silver coins with turned-in ends is properly Siamese and are of the denominations Baht or Tical. These "bullet" coins where made from the 14th century to the late 19th century. The marking's usually are guaranteeing stamps but they may show denomination too. I don't recollect this type of currency being native to Laos. Possibly one of our readers could elaborate further.

Comments: So far, so good.
Email Address: jhedin@earthlink.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: John Hedinger
Your Question: My Aunt and Uncle gave me a small bag of old coins - 1848 1 cent, 1855 half dime, 1929 1 cent, for example. We want to sell them, mainly because they would be better off owned by someone who would appreciate them than they are stuffed in a bag in an attic. Of course, I don't want to sell a coin for $8, only to find out later that it was worth $80, so any advice or recommendations you could give, I would appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Get a professional appraisal by a trained numismatist. You can use the information to ascertain that you are receiving market value for your coins. The above list, for example, has no meaning unless it also describes grade, mint mark and any special characteristics of that particular piece.

Email Address: eric@waddell.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Eric Waddell
Your Question: I believe I may have found a 1943 copper penny which I understand to be very valuable. It is kind of corroded, and hard to read. If it really is a copper 1943 cent, what should I use to clean it up, or should I even attempt to clean it up. And if it is not a '43 copper, and instead a '43 zinc, what is that worth?
Any help with the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Eric Waddell
Get a magnet. If it is really a 1943 copper cent it won't be attracted to the magnet. The 1943 cents are minted from steel flans with a zinc coating. Don't clean it. The steel versions are worth not much more than face value in circulated condition.

Comments: Best coin site I've found on the web !
Email Address: wsmith@gensym.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: William Smith
Your Question: Can you identify the following coin for me ?
Its about the size of a US dime and gold/brass in colour. On one side it has a crest and coat-of-arms surmounted with a crown. On the other is a portrait of King Louis XV of France (I think ??).
On the crest side it reads : "MEA.1752 . TU.DOMINE.SPES" with a small "C A" at the bottom of the crest. On the portrait side it reads : "FRANC.D.G.R.I.S. A.GER.IER.REX"
Any clues ?? If searched your site and the WorldWideWeb without luck.

The legend on your coin says:
FRANCIS BY THE GRACE OF G-D, EMPEROR OF THE ROMANS EVER AUGUST (R.I.S.A. or Romanorum Imperator Semper August) KING OF GERMANY AND JERUSALEM. So now we know what country the coin is from. There are gold ducats of Francis similar to your description from Nurnberg, German State, but only with the date 1766. Most likely Francis was also king of another state also. Anyway, here is a starting place for further research.

From: pevans@wcoil.com (pam evans)
Greetings: I have been 'surfing', trying to find a current price guide for old silver coins, buffalo nickels, 1987 uncirculated coin set, commemorative liberty coin, and an uncut, unused sheet of 2 dollar bills. I am having no luck. I wish to sell my small collection, but I need to know what the current prices are, so I will not be ripped off. Would you or could you, please e-mail me either a web site address, a current price guide or where I may obtain one? The last guide I bought was in 1987--(rather out of date).
Thank you very much.
P. Evans

Try getting a copy of Coin World and the Bank Note Reporter at your local news stand. Both of these publications run weekly "Trends" section on prices of U.S. coins, sets or paper money. They don't list everything in each issue, you need to monitor three or more issues to get an idea of current retail market prices. Don't forget that grade (state of preservation) is tantamount. Prices can vary greatly just on the grade. If you can't find these publications locally, call the numbers below and ask for a trial subscription.

• Coin World - 800.253.4555
• Bank Note Reporter - 800.258.0929

Comments: we'll see...
Email Address: GReyno1820@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Greg
Your Question: I'm looking for a code system that is unique to every coin: year, mint, variety for a database that I'm creating for my collection. Even non-rare current issues. I would also like to know if there are any databases that I can incorporate into my own database. Thanks

The PCGS numbering system is a well thought out system for all U.S. coins and World Coins, at least the ones they currently grade. It would be nice to get their database on a disk or CD and be able to incorporate it as a look-up table in a database. So far they have expressed no interest in sharing or selling the system. You can use it yourself in your own dB but you have to key the data in yourself. You can get the system simply by buying a copy of the PCGS Population Report.

It is possible to create a query that updates a look-up table so that the data and the translation can be used if you again have the same coin in the same grade. Another idea. The real value in being able to identify specific coins is so they can be sorted for reports and lists. Try coming up with 3 letter codes, a la the Old New England Rare Coin system, to identify types; use a look-up table for grades so they are consistent. Some examples: GSG -Gold St. Guadens $20, MG$ Morgan Dollar, PC$ Peace Dollar etc.

Email Address: GATORMAN1@LINKNET.NET
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: PEGGY
Your Question: A friend of mine asked me to find out if a coin her grandfather found is worth anything or not. I do not even know what kind of coin it is. The coin has the following words on it,"PETRUS II. D. G. CONST. IMP. ET PERP. BRAS. DEF. 1855 & IT IS A 1000 COIN. Can you tell me anything about this coin?

You have a 1855 1000 Reis of Brazil. Petrus, or Peter II was emperor of Portugal and Brazil though his portrait doesn't appear on this coin. The coin is minted from .917 silver and contains a bit more than a third of an ounce of pure silver. value for average circulated pieces: less than US$10.

Comments: their is a lot of information on this site and things are easy to find.
Email Address: helenl@mnsi.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: JOHN LAFANTAISIE
Your Question: My mother found a 1919 Canadain dime and would like to know what it is worth.

It's a dime with the portrait of King George V (1910-1936). Average pieces worth about US$5.

Comments: Its great and will let all the fine folks I know that the site is here.
Email Address: jumalon@webtv.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Rita Jumalon
Your Question: Hi... A friend gave me a Churchill 1965 coin with the Queen on the other side. Would you please tell me something about it? First time I ever seen one. Thank you very much. Rita

The Winston Churchill commemorative 25p was issued in large numbers in a copper-nickel alloy. Values: less than US$1. See other answers on this page about Churchill Crowns or search the Coin Doc's Archives for other answers about this coin.

Comments: Great so far. But I just got here.
Email Address: ebonefas@altranet.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: edward bonefas
Your Question: I have in my possession a MS-63 penny 197. There is no fourth digit. There is also no indication of rub or cutting or heavy wear. Have you ever heard of this?

A filled die error - Dirt, grease and metal fillings filled the recesses the part of the die with the date. The effect is that the metal from the blank can't flow into the recess and no impression appears. The coin is probably an 1971 issue as the "1" is the easiest to fill.

Comments: Great site lots of info and coins.
Email Address: fairview@mtnhome.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Charles Burshears
Your Question: I was going through some coins last night and found a wheat penny that appears to have been double struck. On the front the words ONE CENT are parallel to Lincoln's face and are printed backwards. Below that on his bust are the words United States of America, not all letters are clear but you can see what it says. On the back you can see part of the date and the lower part of Lincoln's coat. It was offset when it was struck because there is a deep groove around the coin. You can not make out the date because of the groove and the feather is imprinted on the date on front. I would like to know what kind of value this might have. I could take a picture of it with a macro lens if needed. Thanks for your help.

There are two ways this can happen to coins. 1. Brockage - which is a mirror image of one side of the design impressed on the other. This can happen if a coin remains on either the obverse or reverse die after striking. The next blank receives the image from the coin, not the die. If the stuck coin is only partially covering the die then the next blank receives only part of the mirrored impression. Full brockage examples are more desirable to collectors of error coins. Values for copper Lincolns, approximately: US$15.

2. Two coins and a block of wood - this is obviously a "put up job" and is shunned by collectors. Check for damage to the rim or unevenness in the flan. Carefully done brockage fakes will fool all but specialists in this area.

Comments: informative easy to use
Email Address: nclady@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Dealer or Friend's Recommendation
Your Name: nclady
Your Question: i have a bill i need to know the value of. It had "10 customs gold units" on it with a serial number, printed in dark green ink on off white background with red/green ink drawing on one side with picture of Chinese man, and has a bank of china on it with signatures and date of Shanghai/1930...........in good condition. Is this real currency, and could you tell me anything about it? Thanks NCLady007

The Republic of China "Shanghai Customs Gold Units" were originally used to pay customs payments and were in use from 1930 to 1948. They also circulated, along with other Chinese currency, as money. Most of the issues are printed vertically. There are many denominations, issues and signature varieties and many of the notes are fairly easy to acquire from dealers. Shanghai Customs Gold Unit currency can be collected as a mini-series. The issues are colorful but a bit boring, Sun Yat Sen and the Bank of China building is the theme on all of the notes.

Your note sounds like Pick #327, 1930 10 Customs Gold Units, Olive-grey (this issue was printed into the 1940's with the same date). The collector value depends on the state of preservation (grade) and the signature combinations - anywhere from $1 to $40+ . Interestingly, these earlier notes were printed by the American Bank Note Company.

Comments: Great site I love it!!
Email Address: sean.behiel@sk.symaptico.ca
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Michael Behiel
Your Question: I have found an old Ford collectors token/coin the front displays the old Ford grills with the word Ford written across and on the left the date 1903 on the right the date 1933. the back has the phrase in a circle 30 years of progress and a big interlocked V8 symbol. It is approx. 1 1/4 inches in diameter, and is a bronzy gold color. What is it and does it have any value??? any help greatly appreciated thank you. Michael

You have a "Ford Dollar" issued in conjunction with the World's Fair Exposition in Chicago in 1933 (Thirty Years of Progress). The token is a nice piece of Americana and is very collectable. Values to $50+.

Comments: The q&a part is very informative. keep answering the q.
Email Address: ebt@pworld.net.ph
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: emilio tiongson
Your Question: Hello. I am from the Philippines and in 1983 our central bank came out with the 50c Phil. Eagle coin series with the 1-letter error in the spelling of the scientific name of the Philippine Eagle. It minted a "B" instead of the "P". After it was discovered by a biologist it was quickly replaced with the correct one. I was able to keep around 20 pieces in still relatively UNC condition. Are those coins rare? I want to know their relative market value because I have been trading them with other foreign collectors and they seem to give me whatever I want (eg. 1942 20c French Indo-china coin, 1904 French 1 Franc, etc.) without questions. Is it a fair trade based on value? Thank you very much.

The 1983 "PITHECOBHAGA" error is interesting but not technically worth any more than the corrected issue. Lots of these coins were saved because of the publicity. Almost 28 million were minted including both spellings. The actual value of the coin depends on the availability of the issue in one's local. It seems that you have discovered that some collectors have a hard time finding a specific issue and may be willing to trade more valuable pieces for it. In the end the game is to make trades that satisfy both parties needs. Good luck!

Comments: This has been an educational site
Email Address: eipump@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Cutis Burgess
Your Question: I am trying to identify a coin found by a co workers son. He found the coin in Panama City, FL. It is: dated 1640, is silver, about the size of a us half dollar, on one side it has the symbol of (pugouet the car) the lion, facing left, around the outside are the letters "NEDENSDNCNONMOVEIVR 1640" on the other side of the coin is depicted a chair, with the same symbol on it, and above the chair is a man holding a (possibly fish), with some other writing around it. can you help to identify this coin, and its possible value. the coin is not perfectly round, as it has been the ground for some time. All markings and lettering are easily readable, but it shows signs of some deterioration from the weather.

It sound more like a Netherlands 2 Ducat of some type, but this would be gold not silver.. I'm not familiar with the exact time with the legend you mention but now you know where Pugeot got it's logo. Value?

Comments: I enjoyed the Q & A's. They are informative. I am glad I choose this site.
Email Address: Terri.Peters@Abbott.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Terri Peters
Your Question: During a recent trip to Las Vegas, I received a 1983 half dollar with both sides stamped as the "heads" side. It looks, feels real. Is this an error coin and would it have any value?

Yet another "magic" coin. These are made from 2 coins that are machined and fitted together to serve as an illusion in a magic show. This is not possible to do at the mint as the obverse and reverse dies are not interchangeable. Therefore you can't make two headed or two tailed coins. These coins are usually available at most magic shops. Search for other Coin Doctor Answers about magic coins.

Comments: www.dogpile.com is the best search engine.. thats where I got you....(it searches alllll the other sites for you- try it)
Email Address: xenduro@us.ibm.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: greg rudowsky
Your Question: 1.I have a bunch of OLD corroded coins. Mostly foreign. How do i clean and preserve them???
2. I have 2 BIG boxes of Proof coins and medals from 60's and 70's . Does not look like they went up in value very much . How would you recommend I sell them at a fair (to me) price.(I may be down sizing my life style and will keep the old gold and silver only)

Corroded coins need to be worked on by a professional. They are only worth restoring if there is significant monetary or historical value.Take them to a local coin show or try coin dealers in your area to sell your unwanted material. Use the proceeds to buy something you like.

Email Address: scheffer@ktis.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Fred Scheffer
Your Question: I have been collecting dimes for some time. Where can I find if any of them are collector's items? Is there a listing of dimes which are collectors items?

Get a copy of "A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman, edited by Kenneth Bressett (The Red Book)". This a good general reference on all United States coins. It is inexpensive and published yearly. Find it at your local coin shop or contact Western Publishing Company, Racine Wisconsin 53404. There are also specialized books on dimes of particular eras that give lots more historical information but get started with the "Red Book".

Comments: Helpful.
Email Address: kdm@ckls.org
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Kathy Mitchum
Your Question: I have a patron wondering "why the krugerrand costs more than 'normal' gold pieces. I have not found this to be true when I research, but is there any reason why he would think this?

I'm not sure what you mean by "normal" but most coins have some buyer premium in relation to the metal content. Most bullion coins, that is, coins whose chief value lies in the gold content, trade from 3% to as much as 20% over the world price of gold. This premium reflects the cost of minting, distribution and profit to the dealer. Generally, the smaller the gold unit the higher the percentage premium. This is based on the fact that the cost of minting a 1/10th ounce coin is about the same as minting a one ounce coin. Also, the price of gold is an indicator of the current market for 100 troy ounce contracts not the price of a single Krugerrand. Note that under most circumstances, some of the premium is returned when you sell the coin back to the dealer.

Comments: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Email Address: wdgc@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: kevin d.
Your Question: I have a dime that was printed by the u.s. in the year 1900, how much would this be worth?

The dime that you are referring to is called a "Barber" dime. It has nothing to do with haircuts but the nickname comes from the famous designer of the period, Charles E. Barber. The coin features a bust of Liberty facing right and the words ONE DIME inside of a wreath on the reverse.

Without knowing the grade, that is the term that coin collectors use to describe the condition of the coin, it is impossible to price. Assuming that it was minted in Philadelphia (you don't mention any mint mark) the value could range from 50 cents to many hundreds of dollars depending on grade.

Comments: I haven't had a lot of time to do more than search for an answer to my question, but I did like what I saw of the site. Keep up the good work!
Email Address: applegaa@ksu.edu
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Andrew W Applegarth
Your Question: Recently, I ran across a couple of identical commemorative coins (but not currency). On the front is a picture of George Washington. Running around the upper two-thirds or so of each coin is the legend "GEORGE WASHINGTON BICENTENNIAL". Next to the lower right-hand corner of the bust is "1732 -" over "1932".
On the reverse is a picture of the house. Around the top edge is the legend "WASHINGTON'S BIRTHPLACE". Below the picture (and centered) are the lines "WAKEFIELD (AS RESTORED)" "AT POPE'S CREEK" "POTOMAC RIVER" "WESTMORELAND COUNTY" and "VIRGINIA". The "AS RESTORED" is actually in a smaller font, with the AS centered above the RESTORED between the parenthesees. There is some real small writing along the bottom edge, but, so far, I have been unable to read it. It appears to be two words. The first is around 7 letters long and the second is four letters long. (I don't have the coin in front of me at the moment, and I can't remember the exact length of the first word.)
If you could give me any insight into whether these coins have anything more than sentimental value, I would appreciate. Also, they are in need of a good cleaning. Do you have any recommendations on how to go about cleaning them, or are they valuable enough to get them done professionally? Thanx!

These commemorative medals are souvenirs of a visit to Washington's Birthplace. It is common to issue medals such as these for sale at museums or other historical sites. Its a good way for organizations to raise funds for their projects. Most medals like these are made of base metals such as bronze, copper, nickel and white metal. Unfortunately, these metals are chemically active and easily tarnish or even corrode. Cleaning coins and metals rarely improves them. Leave them in their original state.

Email Address: Rnichola@harris.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Ray Nicholas
Your Question: I have some silver coins that have been water damaged in a flooded basement. Is there a safe clean that will restore the luster of the coins or am I out of luck?

Luster is the term that numismatists use to describe the effect that light has on a coin when it is tilted or turned in light. It is created by the many radial lines that flow outward from the coin when the planchette is struck simultaneously by the obverse and reverse dies. Chemical cleaners remove metal as well as oxidation from coins and therefore remove some of the flow lines. Once the oxide is removed from the coin's surface the coin will oxidize even more quickly requiring repeated cleanings. A few "dips" in a product like Jewel Luster over a period of months are enough to turn an uncirculated coin into an AU or lower grade coin.

Comments: very informative
Email Address: Dkvmsw@bc.sympatico.ca
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name:
Your Question: Dear Doc. I have found a nickel which was made in 1967 that has rabbit printed on the front. It is in very good condition. I would like to know two things: first, how can I clean it. and secondly how much it is worth. I was told that this is a commemorative coin however I haven't been able to locate it. Please help me out. Thanx.

The nickel is Canadian and is just one of the 1967 Confederation Centennial commemoratives. There were 36,876,574 regular business strike "rabbit" nickels minted. The coin is also part of the Centennial proof-like set that includes all the base metal and silver coins as well as a special $20 gold piece. The coin's market value is less than US20 cents but it would be fun to try to complete the set by hunting for the other regular issue coins of 1967.

Comments: Cool....
Email Address: Jyerkes@aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: John Yerkes
Your Question: Doc:
So what ever happened to the 1933 Double Eagle the Tres. Dept. conficated? For a while I was reading about it and it looked as if the Feds couldn't really defend keeping it. Have you heard if changes are in the works to allow those few remaining to be legal in the US again?

No, I haven't heard either. The coin is technically illegal to own and that is why it was confiscated. This, of course, is inconsistent with similar numismatic situations. The 1913 Liberty Nickel and other "collectable" coins from the 19th century were made surreptitiously at the mint yet they are legal to own and trade. - Other thoughts from our readers?

Comments: Cool....
Email Address: Jyerkes@aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: John Yerkes
Your Question: Doc: Another Question...concerning the USS Central America When will I be able to buy one of the $50 Slugs ( one of the thousands recovered) and if so where and for how much?

After the litigation is over I think there will probably be a series of sales. It's going to take a great deal of money to buy even one of those gems. Start saving now!

Email Address: 1luvstud1@aol.com
Your Name: tim
Your Question: need to identify country of a 1936 coin.one side says one penny.the other side says georgivs v del gra:britt:omn:rex fid:def:ind:imp:.can you help me.

The coin is One Penny from Great Britain(240p=1£. The king on the obverse is George V. The legends says "George V, by the Grace of G-d, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India."

Comments: First try - have not used it much yet, but looks promising.
Email Address: RMcall100@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Bob McAllister
Your Question: Can you give me a value range for the following?
1837 Large cent -very good
1891 Indian cent - excellent
1865 Two Cent -very good
1868 Three cents-exvellent
1911 V Nickel - very good
1898 Barber quarter - very good
Is there a good pricing reference on the net ? Thanks !!

I'm not sure what you mean by "excellent" as this is not a numismatic term. The term " very good" refers to a coin that is virtually worn out but in tact with a full rim and only a small amount of detail remaining. You also don't mention whether the 3 cent coin is the silver or the copper-nickel version (the silver version is scarce). As grading is paramount in market pricing and the "range" can be vast, I suggest investing in a book about grading. Contact the American Numismatic Association for their book on grading standards. See The Numismatic Links page. See our Links Page to find dealers and other numismatic links.

Comments: Finally had time to look around. Loved it.
Email Address: wildman@ewol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Tom Young
Your Question: As a collector of Imperial and earlier German coins, I've often wondered about the significance and history of my namesake the Wildman on the coins of Brunswick-Luneburg & Wolfenbuttel. Can you help?

The story of the "Wildman" (Vilda Hiya) coinage is fascinating and worth pursuing. It is probably one of the most interesting symbols in numismatics. Coins with this symbol were minted from the mid-1500's to the beginning of the 19th Century and the symbol appears on various denominations from Brunswick-Luneburg, Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel and other German States.

The Wildman usually is shown with an uprooted fir tree but can appear with signs of the zodiac, supporting a shield with another Wildman and even holding a candle. The source of the Wildman seems to be based on a mythological character that supposed to have lived in the Harz Mountains during the middle ages. The symbol has another philosophical meaning that infers that all people have some of the "wildman" in them and though this side of humanity was responsible for creative activities, the "Wildman" needed to be controlled to avoid his darker side. (May the force be with you). The idea is very much a part of the German philosopher Nietzche's thoughts (read up on the uberman).

Comments: Alot of information available...
Email Address: hannaf@netcom.ca
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Your Name: LINDA
Your Question: I have an American half dollar ... 1966 with JFK on one side and an Eagle that appears to be holding two different plants in each of his claws...can you tell me if this is worth anything...

I also have an American Silver Dollar with an Eagle on one side grasping a plant and it appears to be landing on the moon and the planet Earth in the background...the president on the other side of the coin I think is President Ford...is this worth anything...

1964 was the last year of 90% silver dimes, quarters and half dollars. Beginning in 1965 all these coins were minted from an sandwich of nickel and copper. President Lyndon B. Johnson lobbied Congress to allow some silver in the half dollar to maintain the "prestige" of precious metals in the national coinage. The 40% alloy was chosen to keep the intrinsic value from exceeding the face value. As the price of silver rose Congress was forced to eliminate even this token amount of silver from the national coinage and in 1971 the half dollar became a copper-nickel coin just like its cousins, the dime and quarter. 1965-1970 JFK 40% silver half dollars contain .1479 troy oz. of pure silver. Multiply this decimal against the current silver price per ounce to determine its approximate value.

The Dollar coin you have shows a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and is still very common in circulated condition. Gem quality pieces are genuinely rare as the coin was difficult to fully strike and the design allowed for easy damage to the coin's devices. It was minted from 1971-1978 and is minted from the same copper-nickel sandwich described above.

Comments: This is now one of my favorites to go back to it's very informative, thanks in advance.
Email Address: dennis@adan.kingston.net
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Your Name: Dennis
Your Question: I have a russian coin with the # 10 under it is the word Koneek and under it is the date 1973 it is silver and on the back it has the russian crest with CCCP under it. Is it worth anything? Also I have a Federativna Narodna Republika Jugoslavija Which I think is from the former Yugoslavia, it has a crest of what appears to be the Olypic Torch with another small inscription of 29-XI-1943 it has the # 50 on the front and what appears to be NAPA what is this, and again is it worth anything? Your help would be greatly appreciated as you really know your stuff!

I have another question on a 1 cent canadian penny dated 1940 it has two maple leafs on the front, 1940, Canada, 1 cent and on the back Georgivs VI D: G: REX ET IND: IMP with a bust of I believe King George? Is it worth anything? Also is it of any Historic Value?

The Soviet Russia 10 Kopek, 1973 was minted in copper-nickel-zinc. Many survive and even uncirculated examples are worth less than US$1. The coin was minted in .500 fine silver but only between the years 1924-31.

The Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia existed from 1946-1963. The denomination is 50 Para which is expressed in the Cyrillic alphabet (spelled the same as the Greek Pi-Alpha-Rho-Alpha). This coin has a torch and an Independence date but this is the heraldic symbol of Yugoslavia not an olympic torch. The only 50 Para minted in this era with the legend you described was made in 1953 only. (100 Para=1 Dinar). Note that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet and Yugoslavia uses both Latin and Cyrillic.

Your 1940 Canadian cent is common, at least in circulated condition. Gem uncirculated examples with full red are scarce.

Comments: Informative, although I'm not an avid collector.
Email Address: riburr@shentel.net
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Your Name: Rick Burroughs
Your Question: My brother unearthed a buffalo nickel from a dig at a construction site. It is dated 1917, no mint mark, and is rather well worn. What is interesting is that it appears to be made of copper. I suggested that this is a discoloration due to being buried in the soil, but he insists the coin is copper. I suggested scratching the coin to reveal it's true color, but then retracted my suggestion not wanting to devalue the coin. My question is this: Were there any buffalo nickels minted using copper?

Nickels are minted from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weigh 5 grams and have a diameter of 21.2 mm. The 25% nickel is enough to give this coin its silvery color. There are nickels that were minted in error on copper cent flans by mistake and these are popular with collectors. The error nickel would only weigh 3.11 grams and the diameter would be that of a copper cent, 19mm. Value: $35 and up My question to you is how you determined that the coin was copper considering that both metals would look similar having oxidized in the ground for a long period of time. Of course, you can check to see if you have a nickel struck on a copper cent blank simply by weighing the coin.

Comments: Very interesting. It must keep the "Coin Doctor" pretty busy.
Email Address: SLynch5280@aol.com
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Your Name: Stephen Lynch
Your Question: When I left Vietnam in Oct of 71 on my way back home we stopped in Thailand. I believe it was U'Tapao, anyway I bought a Royal Thai Mint Set containing 17 coins. 1.1 Baht 6th Asian Games Coin 2. 1 Baht 5th Asian Games Coin 3. 1 Baht 3 Cycles of Life Coin 4. 1 Baht Silver Coin 5. 36th Birthday 20 Baht Silver Coin 6. 1 Baht Europe Tour Coin 7. 1 Baht Cupro-Nickel 8. 50 Stang and 10 Stang Bronze Coin. 9. 10 Stang Copper Coin 10. 25 and a 5 Stang Tin Coin 11. 25 and 5 Stang Bronze Coin 12. 5 Stang Copper 13. 10 Stang and 1 Stang Tin Coin. The coin case is covered in a dark blue cloth material with a Gold Dragon in the center of its lid. The coins are set in there own velvet settings. Since the coins are written in Thai I cant make out the writing. Only two had dates I could read 1966 and 1970. Most of the coins have either the Bust of a man in Military Uniform or the Bust of a Man and Woman with the man in uniform. Can you tell me if this particular! Mint set is worth anything.

No cigar but an interesting group of coins. These coins were regular issued coins minted for circulation, in fact many of the coins in the sets from this period WERE from circulation. They are known as "mixed" sets. It is not unusual to find coins with wear in these sets. As far as I know there were no official17 coin sets. You seem to have a conglomeration of various commemoratives and standard coins. These sets made great souvenirs, especially from those returning home from South East Asia during the War. The Thais were eager to please as well as make a few bucks.

Comments: Now that I've had time to look around, I enjoy your site. Unfortunately, as my specialty is Imperial Germany, you don't have as much to offer as I'd like. That won't stop my visits, though. Keep up the good work.
Email Address: wildman@ewol.com
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Your Name: Tom
Your Question: I have a German 5 pf. 1917a, au, that appears to have a copper or bronze finish. It is magnetic,so the bronze color must be a toning of the plating, but I've never seen zinc turn that color. Any ideas?

The coin was minted in iron. What you are seeing is rust!

Comments: INFORMATIVE
Email Address: joyce@isaac.net
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Your Name: joy
Your Question: I HAVE TWO COPPER COINS,1 IS A 1871 ONE CENT FROM PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.2 ND. COIN SAYS SUCCESS TO THE FISHERIES OTHER SIDE SAYS SPEED THE PLOUGH. DO THESE COINS HAVE ANY VALUE?

The 1871 One Cent of Prince Edward Island has some interesting facts associated with it:

• The first issue of decimal coinage
• The only coin issued by Prince Edward Island
• The only Canadian coin issued with the royal title in English
• The only coin struck at the Heaton Mint without the "H" mint mark

Value: $1-$200 depending on condition. The "Success To The Fisheries" piece is a privately issued token and served as emergency money and traded as a "penny". There are many varieties of this token - Value: $1-$20 depending on condition.

Email Address: ulf.angsas@stora.ns.ca
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Your Name: Ulf Angsas
Your Question: How much can a Canada 1 cent from 1945 be worth ?

Still about face value unless it is in new condition. MS65 specimens bring $3-$5.

Email Address: DragonFun@aol.com
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Your Name: Bob Albrecht
Your Question: I write instructional stuff for middle school & high school math-science. I'll write several units about pennies, pre-1982, 1982, and post-1982. My measurements indicate that pennies from 1994 to now are slightly thinner than earlier pennies, but have the same mass. Can you enlighten me? Was there a change in the way pennies are manufactured in 1994?

Not officially. The current cent is minted from zinc with a plating of pure copper. The total content is 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, at least that is what it is suppose to be. The United States went off the silver standard in 1964 and subsequently the Assay Commission was abolished. The body that used to check the specifications of the "coins of the realm" no longer exists. It doesn't matter since the coins are now essentially tokens and used for convenience only (note that coins are no longer legal tender). Other researchers have also found discrepancies in the weights of current coins. This never would have be tolerated in the days when coins were real money.

Email Address: Jerry.Egleston@alcan.com@internet
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Your Name: JERRY EGLESTON
Your Question: I FOUND A COIN AFTER A SEVERE STORM. IT IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN A U.S. QUARTER BUT ABOUT THE SAME WEIGHT. IT HAS CHINESE (?) OR ORIENTAL WRITING ON BOTH SIDES. IT HAS A SQUARE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE COIN. ANY IDEAS??? Thanks

You have a Chinese Cash. It was a denomination that existed for a long period of time in the Chinese Empire. The most common ones were minted from about 1875 to 1908 but some earlier pieces can sometimes be found in quantity also. They were usually cast or minted from brass. It is also where we got OUR word for "cash". Values: 15 cents to $35 Cash coins were stored on squared wooden sticks that had a hinged wood piece at each end, ergo the reason for the square hole in the coin. As far as I know, severe storms do not correlate with the appearance of Chinese Cash.

Email Address: kenevans@inreach.com
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Your Name: Ken Evans
Your Question: I have found a Large Australia Penny dated 1939 it has no ware or rub marks and the book I have has no listing for this coin is there a value for this coin and what is a good book for the listing of coins

The 1939 Australia penny was minted in Melbourne and shows a bust of George VI of England facing left. The reverse shows AUSTRALIA above a Kangaroo with the date and the denomination below. Uncirculated, red specimens bring $30+. Circulated examples are common. Try Krause Publications World Coin Catalogs. They should be available at your local coin shop or even the public library. They are a very general reference but will give you pertinent information.

Comments: First time. Don't know yet. I am not a coin collector so I don't think I could make a valuable assessment.
Email Address: lorettahartmann@msn.com
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Your Name: loretta hartmann
Your Question: I have United States proof sets 1976 thru 1982 in untouched condition. What is the approximate value? Ballpark?

I'm assuming that these are the regular sets not the prestige sets that come in a "book" like package. The values of these sets are nominal. Only the 1979 Type II and the 1982 Type II sets bring a significant premium. The "Type II" refers to the "S" mint mark on the coin. The mint mark punch was defective in both these years necessitating the introduction of new punches. The "Clear "S" coins in both these years bring a premium. Note that is is possible to find mixed sets that contain both the old and new mint marks. Values for complete sets of the Type II of either year: $150+ per set.

From:mack@ica.net (Monty Eberts)
I seem to remember the dollar symbol $ with two bars going through it instead of one. Which is the proper use of the symbol?

The single line. (Check your computer keyboard). The symbol and similar ones like it have their roots in Spanish and Portuguese history. The Portuguese used the symbol "$" but with two lines in the same way as we use the comma as a separator when we write a number in thousands. For example: 1,000 would have been written 1$000. The Portuguese called the symbol "cifrao" and the Spanish called it "calderon". Today, for example, the symbol with two lines represents pesos in Mexico. In North America, the symbol seems to have originated with the use of one line to create the dollar mark. Correspondence from as early as the late 18th century refers to dollars with the single line dollar mark.

Comments: Hugely informative and fascinating. I had fun reading through the archives, but, using AOL, it was very difficult to find specific articles...or maybe I just missed a key technique on the search page???
Email Address: freedmoney@aol.com
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Your Name: Felicia
Your Question: I have a commemorative medallion of the bicentennial and wondered if it has value. The obverse reads "200th Anniversary of the United States" and depicts about 9 men and women at the "First Coining Meeting". The reverse has a small centered Liberty Bell at the top and the Philadelphia Mint below, with a scroll and feather pen at the bottom. It reads "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land".

Another of the many commemoratives from the bicentennial in 1976 both official and crassly commercial. Value: keep and enjoy! (Not everything has to have a price).

Email Address: agadorsparticus@webtv.net
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Your Name: rodney
Your Question: i have an inaugural medal commemorating the inauguration of john f kennedy as the 35th president of the usa. it is a bronze medal. the designer was paul manship. the manufacturer was medallic art co. of ny. i would like to know if it has any value.

This particular piece was produced in large numbers (53,331) but it is the "official" authorized medal. Value: about $25. A silver version exists (7,500 minted) also. There is a unique gold medal that is house at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.