|
From: "Ray"rayu@worldnet.att.net
Subject: Proof coins
--------------------------------------------------------------
I read in a coin book that a Lincoln cent "1990
proof...without the S" is a somewhat rare coin. Is this true? What does
1990 proof...without the S mean, does it mean an ordinary 1990
Lincoln cent without the letter "D" or "S" under the date? Any info would
be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
 Proof coins are
specially made coins struck with specially prepared dies and blanks.
The coins are struck twice or more and are carefully handled one at a
time. They exhibit mirror fields and often, frosted devices (the design
elements). Proof coins are not designed to be spent, though they could be
as the designs are identical to their standard circulating cousins though
in higher relief.
Proof coins are sold to collectors in sets
of proof examples of all the circulating coins of that year. Currently,
only proofs are struck at the San Francisco Mint. In prior years the mint
mark was added with a punch that was supplied by the Philadelphia Mint and
the mint mark was stamped into each die individually. (Mint marks are
now part of the finished die).
In 1990 a proof
die failed to receive the "S" mint punch and proof coins struck with that
die are missing the mint mark. Examples of this error currently bring
approximately $1,000. For further reading, see the article Observations on Proof
Coinage in the articles selection on CoinSite.
Comments: I think the site is an excellent resource for
teachers. The information is very complete.
Name:
James Zarrillo
Email Address: jzarrill@csuhayward.edu
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
am a college professor who at California State University, Hayward. I work
with students who will become elementary school teachers. I was visiting a
school today, and a fourth grade asked me the following question, "Why is
the dime so small? The penny and nickel are both larger than the dime, but
the dime is worth more. How come?
The United States
used to have an intrinsic monetary system that relied on circulating
precious metal coins for commerce. Coins were "the money". The
United States really didn't have a national paper money system until 1861
and that was controversial because they were "Legal Tender" notes, not
redeemable for coins. This fiat money was one way the United States raised
funds to carry on the Civil War. Paper Money redeemable for gold and
silver coins were restored after the war but the paper was only a receipt
for coins.
For money to be intrinsic, a dime had to have
virtually 10 cents worth of silver, a quarter had to have virtually 25
cents worth of silver,etc. In the early days of the country the precious
metal content of U.S. gold and silver coins was too high in relationship
to precious metal prices in Europe and massive amounts of coins were
melted, sold in Europe and resold back to the United States. The U.S.
reduced the precious metal content in 1834 and then in silver coins in
1853 and then was able to keep coins in circulation. Half dimes, dimes,
quarters, half dollars and dollars were struck in .900 fine silver and
their value, size and weight were proportional (less a small amount of
seigniorige to help defray the Mint's cost of producing the coin).
Practical considerations demanded a low
value token coinage in order to make change. The first copper cents were as
almost as large as current day half dollars. This was an attempt to make
that coin intrinsic (one cent worth of copper). It eventually became
impractical to use such a coin in everyday transactions and that coin was
tokenized and reduced by 1857 to the size we see the cent today. Token
coinage was not directly redeemable for precious metal coins and therefore
not legal tender. For example, a 19th century bank might refuse to change 25
cent coins into a silver quarter)
The copper-nickel 5 cent was introduced as a token
coinage in 1866 as was made larger for practical reasons. Though
tiny, silver half dimes continued to be produced until 1873 the larger
copper-nickel coin was easier to handle and less likely to be lost.
(Note that only precious metal coins had reeded edges. Base
metal coins had plain edges)
Though base metal coinage
was not legal tender, It was vital to help
complete transactions. The two major 19th century coin shortages, in the 1830's
and in the 1860's, virtually brought commerce to its knees due the dearth
of small change. A cottage industry developed during this period making small
change in the form of tens of thousands of "good fors" and "advertising
tokens" Click here
for more information about Hard Times tokens and here
for references to "Civil War Tokens"
After 1964 virtually all precious metals were
removed from the U.S. coinage system (a lower content, 40% silver half
dollars continued to be produced until 1970)
and the entire coinage system became tokenized. Coins
were produced that mimicked the look of the old precious metal coins by
the clever use of a copper-nickel sandwich with a pure copper core and a
reeded edge. This composition is known as copper-nickel "Clad" coinage. The
cent and nickel remained the same composition as before. The cent was
further debased in 1982 by replacing copper planchets with zinc and then
plating them with copper.
Today the size relationship between United
States coins still exists but for reasons of tradition only. Also, none of
our current coins are legal tender and no one is obligated to accept them as
money. Money's definition has changed radically over the years and now only
paper money in the form of Federal Reserve Notes are considered legal
tender.
Comments: Great information. I like this site.
Name: Kevin Hughes
Email Address: hughesk@kvmo.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
heard of the supposed error in the state quarter for North Carolina that
has Orville laying on the wing of the plane. I searched to look at it, but
did not find him on the quarter we have in our set. Is this coin really
supposed to have someone on the plane? I only found a single person
standing in the foreground and no one on the plane itself. If this is some
sort of error, what should we do and how much might it be worth?
This
is a striking problem not an error. The figure of Orville
Wright is lying prone on lower wing of the plane. If the figure isn't visible
it is most likely due to a weak strike, a filled die
or a strike from a worn die. For it to be an error, the
prone figure would have to be missing from the die. There are no North
Carolina quarter dies that have been reported with such an error.
Name: Steve Schenk
Email Address: berkelcoin@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
am trying to find information on the National Bicentennial Medals that
were sold in 1976. What did the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals sell for?
How much Gold or Silver is in them?
I'm not aware of
the silver medals but there are two gold medals that feature a image of
the Statue of Liberty. They come in two sizes. A small medal,
about 1/3 troy ounce gold, and a larger medal, about 2/3 troy ounce
gold.
These pieces seem to be a national secret as they are never listed in lists
of coins for sale or show up in any current mint literature that I know of.
I would like to know more about them too.
Name: Michael zarnowski
Email Address: onefastmikeandot@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
When purchasing a coin or coins and a dealer or seller tells you he or she
has cleaned a coin. Will this degrade the coin and cause it to scratch and
or loose its value ? Thanks *** Michael
Disturbing the
surface of a coin by cleaning is obvious to trained numismatists and
knowledgeable collectors. Yes, it reduces the desirability of the coin and
therefore the price. There are situations where coins have been
conserved by removing dirt and encrustations, especially when the coin has
been in the ground or under the ocean. Trained conservators know how
to remove foreign material without further damaging the coin.
Note that wear is not considered damage and is the natural
progression of a coin. Though circulated coins are usually less expensive
than coins in new condition, they also often have character. There are many
collectors that prefer coins in XF and AU grades because of this factor.
Also, uncirculated examples of rare dates are often out of the price range of
the majority of collectors so nice, untreated, circulated examples are very
desirable.
Comments: This site is very interesting and helpful
Name: Jasmin
Email Address: jmustafovski@sprint.ca
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
1848 "5 LIRE ITALIANE" diameter 30 mm heads- statue holding a lance
in the right hand and she is raising the left hand beneath the statue is
the letter "M" letters and symbols can't be printed Question: What do you
think the coin is worth and is it rare? Thank you!
You have a 1848
Revolutionary Provisional Government of Lombardy - Venetia 5 Lire.
(weight: 25 grams of .900 fine silver (.7234 troy ounce pure). The
coin was issued after the rule of Austria ended over these northern
Italian provinces.
The obverse shows 5 LIRE ITALIANE surrounded by a
wreath, the legend around, GOVRENO PROVVISORIO DI LOMBARDIA, the date 1848 is
below. The reverse shows a crowned figure of Liberty standing facing her
head is turned to her left. She is wearing a flowing gown, her left hand is
raised and her right holds a lance. The legend, ITALIA LIBERA DIO LO VUOLE,
is around. The mint mark "M" (Milan) is in exergue.
Value depends on
type and grade (condition). Range: $20 - $600+
Name: Tom Zito
Email Address: tmbz@hotmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
have read in different magazines & periodicals that it is the coin,
and not the holder, that has the value (asked by many people in regards to
whether their mint & proof sets were worth more intact or if broken
up). What I don't understand though, is why are there different prices for
certified coins, even though they are certified as the same grade. Why
does PCGS garner higher prices than NGC, even though NGC is the chosen
service of the ANA. And NGC gets higher prices than ANACS, which are about
the same as IGC, but still higher than PCI. As for SEGS, I rarely see them
offered.
Can you explain why in these cases, it is the holder and
NOT the coin that creates the prices we see. Thank you.
Tom Zito
The market you are observing is for holders not coins.
Comments: Pretty helpful site
Name: Colin Hutchison
Email Address: colin_work_2000@yahoo.co.uk
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
had a collection of old coins as a kid. Looking at them again the other
day, I found one that had always interested me. It is a Mexican coin,
dated 1843, silver coloured, pretty large and heavy. It isnÕt clear what
the denomination is, but it has the figure 10 D (perhaps 10 dollars?).
There is some sort of eagle I think on one side. Any ideas what it is and
if it is worth anything? Thanks.
You have a Republic
of Mexico 8 Reales (10 decimos). The coin weighs 27.07 grams and is .903
fine silver (.7859 troy ounce pure silver). The obverse features an
Eagle with open wings holding a snake in its mouth, perched on a cactus. A
wreath is below. The legend is, REPUBLICA MEXICANA. The
reverse shows a liberty cap and the word (LIBERTAD) over sun rays.
The legend is arranged to show the denomination - mint mark -date -assayer
and the silver content. For example: *8R.Ca.1843.RG.10 Ds.20Gs.
The Mexican
Republic continued the Spanish Monetary system until the establishment of a
decimal system under the Empire of Maximilian (1864 - 1867)
The value
of Republic 8 reales depends on the variety, mint mark, assayer, date and
grade (condition). Based the above factors the value range is approximately:
£7 - £170 (US $10 - $250).
Comments: I think its a great way to be able to find out your question
about coins when its kinda hard to find a good site out there.
:)
Name: Traci
Email Address: GratchPassFaery@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Okay, im not very good with coins, but i found this in my drive way
today....and i live in Arlington, WA so i thought it was pretty strange.
*Its an old german coin from 1941. on the back it has the little
eagle thing sitting on a swatiska with 1941 at the bottom. above it,
it says something like "Deuitches Reich" on the front it has a bid 5 in
the middle and around the edge is has something like "Reich p Fennis B"
and two little leaves at the bottom. its kinda worn and im not much
good with german. its got little ridges on the side like a
dime. its a greyish color, and kinda a light material, not sure what
though. just wondering what it might be worth, if anything. an
answer would be greatly appreciated! :) thanks. traci
One reichspfennig was the lowest denomination in the Third
Reich's Monetary system. This small zinc coin was minted in the hundreds
of millions and was an easy souvenir for the U.S. soldiers occupying Germany
to acquire after the war ended in 1945. The coin was minted at seven
German Mints and can be identified by the mint mark, a small
letter (A,B,D,E,F,G,J).
Average circulated pieces are worth less than
U.S. 10 cents.
Name: Herbert Gopstein
Email Address: herbgo@home.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Hello Doc,
I collect military items. Just today,
I bought a small box of WWII knives, medals etc. in a small box.
There was one 20 Lira coin in the box with a picture of Mussolini.
I checked "World Coins" and could not find it. The obverse,
however, is identical to the 1928 10th Anniv. of WWI. I noticed in
you response to someone else who appears to have the same coin (30 January)
that there is not such a coin. This is a puzzle since the
one I have in front of me looks real enough. It does not appear
played with. The rim is milled. I would very much appreciate any
help you can give me in judging reality and value. Sincerely, Herb
Gopstein
 |
This
is part of a group
of fantasy pieces that were privately made, possibly as a proposal
for a future coinage. The coin shows a helmeted Benito Mussolini/Roman
Fasces on reverse and celebrates the coming to power of the
Fascists in Italy.
They were struck in 1943 (though they show the dates of 1922-23)
and in 20 and 100 Lira denominations and in gold, silver and
silvered brass (your coin, I think). There is also a gold coin of
Vittorio Emmanuel III (30 grams of gold) in this same group.
Market value for the silvered brass 20 Lira: less than US
$10. Market value for the silver 20 Lira (17.5 grams) about
$20.
|
Comments: it's great, saves alot of frustration, which i now have had
for well over an hour.
Name:
miriam howard
Email
Address: MTMP8@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
any worth on a 1911 christian x 20 kronner danmark gold coin? where is it
from, any info is helpful, thank-you!!
Denmark, but it can't be
Christian X. He didn't become king until 1913. 1911 20 Kroner show the
head of King Frederik VIII (1906-1912). Gold 20 Kroners from this
period contain .2592 troy ounce of gold or a bit more than a quarter ounce
so that is the "floor" value (See the CoinSite's Metals page
for
current gold prices). Examples in About Uncirculated to gem
uncirculated grades can bring two or three times the gold value.
From: .Carino@ph.nestle.com
Subject:1707 coin
-------------------------------------------------------
Sir/Madam
I would like to ask question to the coin doc about my coin with wordings
in front of the coin which says FRID.D.G.REX BORUSS.EL.BR and on the
reverse side SVVM CVIQVE 1707 C-S-.
My question is what country this coin belong and how much does it worth?
Thank you.
Fermin S. Cariño Jr.
Nestlé Philippines, Inc.
1707 Prussia,
Thaler (I'm guessing the denomination since you didn't provide a design
description or size).
Obverse: Bust of King Friedrich I of Prussia (1701-1713) surrounded by the
abbreviated Latin legend, FRID.D.G.REX BORUSS.EL.BR (Friedrich, By the grace
of G-d, King and Elector of Brandenburg). The reverse shows a crowned
FR monogram at center and order chain around with the medal at bottom
bisecting the date 1707. The legend around is SVVM CVIQVE suum cuique
(Let each have his own).
Value depends on authenticity, (lots of fakes exist) and grade (condition).
Approximate value range for genuine examples: $200 - $6,000.
Comments: Love the site!!
Name: Cutler Whitman
Email Address: cwhitman@boxingdigest.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Dear Doc, I have found a coin that has a date of 1933. It has a ship
on one side and a shield on the other with the value printed: 5$00
on the bottom. Any thoughts would be great.
You have a 1933 Portugal 5 escudos. The"$" is used here like Americans use a
decimal point and Europeans used a ",". In fact, that was the original use for the "$" sign.
The coin weighs 7 grams and is struck on .650 fine silver blanks (.1463
troy ounce pure). Almost seven million were struck in 1933. Market value
ranges from the bullion value to about $15 in uncirculated grades.
Name: D. Dye
Email Address: dye@semo.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I
have a 1961 Lincoln Penny that has a band around the outside edge.
This band does not appear to be altered or added to this coin. Any
information would be welcome.
There is no
mechanism in a coin press to add a "band" around the edge of a coin.
It is possible to have deep edge because of high striking pressure. Also,
it is possible for a coin to get stuck to the obverse (upper) die and to
strike other coins with the reverse (brockage). The "stuck" coin's
edge increases in size until the coin falls off. I once saw an
Eisenhower dollar at the private museum at the Denver Mint that could pass
for a small cup. Coins victim to this error have deformed reverses.
Coins are often used in advertising media and are encased in
holders. The maker often will solder a band around a cent as a frame to hold
the coin in place in a key ring or other advertising holder.
If you believe that your coin is a genuine mint
error, you can show the coin to a coin dealer or send it to the American
Numismatic Association for authentication (see their link on the CoinSite Links page
).
From: "Yunier Hernandez Torres" yunior@ghost.matcom.uh.cu subject: 1943 copper
cent
--------------------------------------------------------------
I am sorry for not writing you along this days, but i got in trouble
with my email and I could not send any message out of cuba but now
my email is back. I am sending you an attachment with a scan of a 1943
copper cent for you to see it an tell me what you think of it. Write me
and tell me your impression about its authenticity, Greetings, Yunior.
 |
This looks like a altered 1948 cent. The spacing looks too wide between
the "4" and the "3" and the "3" is the wrong shape. Note that the date is
a single punch, that is, the digits are not stamped separately into the
die. Sorry, no Cuban cigar! |
Comments: From what I've seen,
I'm very impressed.
Name: Armin Meyer Email
Address: hiplains@imt.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi! 'Can't seem to
find the answer to my question-namely, what would be a ballpark estimate
of how much I should ask for my complete set of Washington Quarters
1932-2001--all uncirculated and or proof (taken from Uncirculated and/or
proof sets. The 1932-1936 coins are uncirculated but one person's MS-60 is
another's MS-50 but like I say, what would be a starting figure for a
collection like this? (There are 210 coins total) Thanks for your help!
Meyer
Since
grading is critical and you believe them to be uncirculated, I suggest
having the coins graded by a third party grading service (see the CoinSite Links Page
for their Web sites. For example the 1932-D alone can vary in
price from about $200 - $6,000+.
Comments: This is an awesome site.....thanks to all who created
it.
Name: Cathy
Email Address: Fvance@cyberus.ca
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Hi Doc, I have a 1864 Confederate States of America five-hundred
dollar bill that is dated Feb 17th, 1864. It's in fairly poor
condition, but I was wondering what type of value this bill holds.
It was found between the walls of an old house that was being demolished.
Thanking you in advance for your time, Sincerely
Cathy.
This is a scarce type. The note has red underprinting, a confederate seal
with an equestrian statue of George Washington below the Confederate flag at
left. General "Stonewall" Jackson is at lower right. Low grade but intact
examples bring $100-$200.
Comments: Informative, easy to read, can spend many
hours researching!!! Name: Fredi Branch
Email Address: ammobox@inna.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Dear Doc, I have a 1884 Carson City uncirculated silver dollar which
I would like to know the value. It is in a rectangular plastic case
which is in a black box with a medium blue lining. On the inside top
of the box are the words "As we approach America's Bicentennial, this
historic silver dollar is one of the most valued reminders of our national
heritage. RICHARD NIXON"
The paper inside the box has a blue # printed on the upper
right corner which is "83276182". The 3 paragraphs on the paper
describe information about the historic coin, valuable memento, history, etc. At
the very bottom of the paper is printed "United States Government
1972".
Can you tell me what it's worth might
be or how I can find out? I am not familiar with grading and other
words I've read about. I sure would appreciate any information you'd
share with me. I really have learned a lot from your site.
Thanks! Fredi Branch, Gloucester, VA.
In the early 1960's
the U.S. government discovered huge quantities of uncirculated silver
dollars in storage. Many bags of 1,000 were sold at face value. As
the price of silver rose substantially over the face value of all silver
coins, the sale of dollars was withdrawn. Many souces from collectors to
dealers and the general public recommended various schemes in which to
sell off the remaining government silver dollars.
On Dec 31, 1970 President Nixon signed the Bank
Holding company Act which included a provision authorizing the General
Services Administration to sell the silver dollars. In 1971 the
Treasury turned over the remaining silver dollars to the General Services
Administration. They were stored at the Bullion Depository at West Point,
New York.
The GSA held five mail-bid sales of
Carson City Mint dollars and two fixed price sales of general mixed dollars.
They were encapsulated in hard plastic holders with a black background and
packaged in a cardboard box as you described. Prices varied from $20 to
about $85.
Of the Carson City dollars, a few lucky recipients
received better date Carson City dollars but most received the more common
1883-CC and 1884-CC examples. The holders hold appeal to some
collectors but the value of the coin depends on the actual grade and the
reflectivity of the fields (very reflective fields are called
proof-like or Deep Mirror).
Approximate
value Range for uncirculated 1884-CC Morgan Dollars: $50 - $500. 1884-CC
dollars that grade higher than MS65 bring much higher prices.
For information about grading, see the CoinSite
FAQ and the article U.S.
Coin Grading
.
From:JERRY DEGRAFFjerry074@earthlink.net subject: gold coin
-------------------------------------------------------
I have a
1997 walking liberty gold coin. On the back there is an eagle landing in a
nest with a Brach in its talon. There is a mother and two babies in the
nest.At the bottom it reads 1oz. fine gold 50 dollar. I was wondering if
it was worth more than that.
Thank you
The denomination of
$50 on the United States Gold bullion coins called "Eagles" makes it a
coin but it has nothing to do with its real value. Your coin
contains one troy ounce of pure gold and its value depends on the price of
gold in the market (currently about $260 per ounce). See the
CoinSite Metals Page for current gold price. Note that the coin
usually brings a premium of 5% or more above the bullion price unless the
coin has been damaged.
Comments: This is the only place that I know where I can get
the answer to any of my coin questions. This site is by far the
best.
Name: Andrew Wege
Email Address: wegefamily@charter.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I have a very
interesting coin that I would like to know more about. I have asked
a few people about it and all they can tell me is that it is Roman and has
a picture of Constantine on it. The coin is about the size of a
penny and it is made out of copper. On the front the coin has a head
of a man facing to the right. There are words both to the right and
left of the head. To the left in caps it appears to say
CONSTHN. To the right it appears to read TINVSHVS.
On the reverse of the coin right in the middle is what looks like a
wreath. At the bottom inside part of the wreath it has what looks
like a six point star. To the right and left of the star are
X's. In the very center of the wreath is a dot and written across
inside the top of the wreath is the letters VOT. Underneath the
wreath it has the letters SMHA. I might be reading them upside down
though. It could be VHWS. Around the outside of the wreath it
has something written. It says DNCONANTINHXHVC. Anything that
you could tell me about this coin like when and where it was made and the
value of it would be appreciated. Any other information that you
have would be great also. Thanks.
You have a bronze
Imperial Rome AE3 (about 17 mm in diameter) of Constantine I, The Great
(307-337 AD). There was so much revision of coinage in this period
that the names of the many small denomination coins have been lost. Today,
numismatists identify these coins by their size and type, AE=bronze
1-4=
the size (like shoes, except the larger number means a smaller
coin).< /P>
The obverse shows a laureate bust of Emperor
Constantine I, the abbreviated Latin legend around is: CONSTANTINVS
AVG. The reverse shows a laurel wreath around VOT. xxx ("votis" or a
vow or prayer probably short for something like "votis incendimus aras",
that which has been vowed or promised. "I'm going to kick the barbarians
out of Rome", one on the top ten list). The legend around is D.N.
CONSTANTINI MAX. AVG. ([so says] Emperor Constantine, the Great). In
exergue (the place under a dividing line on a coin)
are letters representing the Mint where the coin was struck, like a
Mint Mark on a U.S. coin (yours the Sirmium Mint?).
Bronzes similar
to these are
often found in large numbers in archaeological digs and find their way into
the numismatic market place. After all, small change is a very important part
of any monetary system (imagine all the billions of Lincoln cents two
thousand years from now). Approximate value range for average examples $10 -
$35.
Comments:
just found your site and think its great to have a site like this on the
internet.
Name: mike
Email Address: oz1665@home.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: hi doc, i am into
metal detecting and do a lot of beach hunting and last weekend i found a
walking liberty half 1936 and i noticed on the front, right above where it
is stamped "in god we trust" there was another stamp into the coin that
reads SALEM ORG have you ever seen a coin with this stamp on it? can you
tell me what it means. thanks doc for your help. mike
Counterstamps on
coins is an interesting area of collecting and goes under the heading of
Exonumia. The stamp, of course, has been added by someone to a
normal circulating coin. Advertising, political messages, souvenirs
and vending machine test coins are some of the reasons that U.S. coins are
sometimes found counterstamped.
See the article Reengraved
Cents in the CoinSite FAQ for more examples of this kind of alteration.
Comments:
Great information, I was able to find information about several other
coins that I have.
Name: joy
case
Email Address: ajmcase@starpower.net
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: I found a small silver
coin, about the size of a dime, it has Carolus IIII del gratia, (1793 or
1795), on the front The back has a coat of arms in the middle, with the
words Hispan.ET. IND. M .F.M. There is a small symbol over the top
of the first M after IND. The coin is in pretty good shape, the
edges are a little worn, the lettering is still easily readable, except
the last number of the date is blurry. Any information would be
appreciated.
You have a Spain 1 1793 or 1795 1 real, Madrid Mint, Assayers MF (Manuel
de Lamas and Francisco Herrera) under King Charles IV . Coins similar
to these, mostly with new world mint marks, circulated in the United States
as legal tender until about 1858 and passed as 12 1/2 cents (called "a
bit"). (Very worn pieces were accepted as 10 cents). Value range in average
circulated condition $5 - $25.
Comments:
First time visiting, very informative!
Name: Elaine Flynn
Email Address: briar_rose7@hotmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi-I have an encased
giant silver 'medallion' like coin from the Washington Mint, which is
approx. 4" in diameter. The front has a picture of a large walking liberty
(I'm not sure that's what it's really called, but she looks to be walking
to me) with one hand out-stretched and a bouquet of two different things
in her other (perhaps wheat and olive branch?).
She appears to be wrapped in an american flag. Directly below her feet
is the date "1997". To her lower left is a brilliant sun on the horizon;
to her lower right are the words "IN GOD WE TRUST"; the word "LIBERTY" is
written across the top. I guess it's signed by the artist, "DUREK" is
printed beneath one of her feet. The back has a large eagle in the center,
with out-streched wings and a sheild in front of his chest, a branch of
some sort (olive?) is in his left foot and directly below that is a small
box with "XX" inside, arrows are in his right foot. A banner in his mouth
reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM". A downward pointing triangle of 13 stars is above
his head as well as the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
Across the bottom are the words "ONE POUND FINE SILVER .999. The
'ribbed' edging has some sort of small, round 'burn' like spot/sodering
mark (perhaps made during the minting process?) at one end, on the other
is a smooth area with the serial number "0183" imprinted in it. It looks
to be in mint condition, and has a blue velvety case with the picture of a
silver eagle and the words "THE WASHINGTON MINT" printed inside the lid. I
received it when my grandfather passed away in 1999, and can't find
anything out about what exactly it is or how much it is worth...can you
help?? Thank You!
The
"Washington Mint" is a private mint with no relationship to the
United States Mint. They create promotional items, in this case a
enlarged reproduction of a one ounce U.S. silver eagle. The value of this bullion item is the
silver content ( 1 troy pound=12 troy ounces). See the
CoinSite Metals Page for current silver prices in
troy ounces.
Name: Linda Coleman
Email
Address: linda.coleman@revlon.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: What was the error
made on the South Carolna state quarters (2000) and the potential
value? We are not sure what we are looking for.
The pilot, Orville Wright, lying prone on the wing.
There is no mint error, just some coins are struck better or worse than
others making the pilot more or less visible. An error would be if
the pilot was missing on some working dies. (Ah! The "no Orville"
variety).
Name:
AnnMarie Bee
Email Address: survivor1@myself.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Question: Yes, I read your
information regarding the two headed coins. Are you saying that this error
was NEVER made at the mint? A friend has found a 2 headed 1982 quarter in
good to fair condition and cannot find any evidence of tampering. He has
had it looked at with a magnifying glass and other methods. Is it possible
that this is real and if so how do you determine the value? Thank you
I usually
don't respond to question about 2 headed or 2 tailed coins as this subject
is covered in detail on Coinsite. Yes, this error was NEVER made at
the mint, at least not yet, (ok, there was a crude fabrication of two
obverse dies by a mint employee on a copper-nickel Indian cent in
1859). The reason that this hasn't happened has much
to do with how obverse and reverse dies are manufactured.
A diagnostic is to simply weigh the
coin. A standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. Any deviation
from this weight would indicate that the coin was altered. If you find
that the coin weighs this exact weight, congratulations, you are now
wealthy and have in your possession the worlds only known United States
two headed quarter.
Now, you
need to have it certified. You can have this done at the American Numismatic
Association in Colorado Springs. Though the cost is nominal (about $25), I
would hand carry the coin to them and wait for the certification. After
certification you might want to hire Brinks or some other security
organization to transport the coin to a safe location. Any major auction
house would be happy to arrange the sale of the coin.
After the coin is sold (ahem!), remember the Coin Doc!
Good luck
| 
![[Most Recent Quotes from www.kitco.com]](http://www.kitconet.com/images/quotes_special.gif)
