The Coin Doc's Answers
| Archive # 56 Press Ctrl+F to Search This Page |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
||||||
| Any word All the words Exact phrase |
| Archive # 56 Press Ctrl+F to Search This Page |
|
Question: I have a coin dated 1862. One side has a picture of
the Merrimac and reads:THE FIRST IRON CLAD 1862.The opposite side reads:
MADE FROM THE ARMOUR PLATE OF THE MERRIMAC. Can you tell me about this coin
or point me in the right direction? From: Royality33@cs.com Subject: Coin ID ------------------------------------------------------- Hello i was wondering if you could tell me anything about this old coin i have, on one side it is dated 1721 and has 3 crowns and what looks like F R S at the top above the crowns, on the reverse it has a much larger crown and a shield with 2 arrows. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I have attached scans for you to view. Thanks very much for your time, jason
From: JFH Subject: 1863 State of Louisiana One Hundred Dollar Bill ($100) ------------------------------------------------------- We have the above listed item in good condition. The bill has been preserved in hard plastic and is dated March 10, 1863. What is the range for a value on this item. We may be looking to auction this item. Any suggestions? Any input is greatly appreciated. Also we have a Ten Dollar ($10) bill dated 1934 with a blue stamp on the front.  You
have a Louisiana Civil War era note lprinted by the "Authority of the Act of February 8, 1863".
Most denomination were printed on the back of The Exchange Office of Holly
Springs, Mississippi notes. The notes were printed by B. Duncan of Columbia,
South Carolina.The 100 dollar note is dated 10.3.1863 (March 10, 1863) is black on white linen paper and shows the portrait of Governor T. Moore at upper left, the State Capitol Building at top center and a seated Liberty at lower right. On the back, there is a woman seated at center. "1 Hundred" on is at left and right. Approximate value Range: VG (very good) - uncirculated: $10 -$50 For information and approximate values of U.S. small size notes, please see CoinSite's What's it Worth? feature. Name: Allen Email Address: hurbielovebug@webtv.net ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I found a coin that is the size of a penny and looks like copper. It reads on one side, at the top treasury and on the bottom, united states mint. It has a scale at center top, stares center middle and a key center bottom. On the other side of the coin reads on top uncirculated on the bottom it reads Denver and in the center a very big letter D there is no date on this coin it is is good shape but would like to know more about it and what it might be worth? thanks for all of your help. I really like your site and find it very interesting.
You have a "Mint Set Token". This token is struck on a cent blank and is
included in United States Mint Sets. There are two types, one with a "P"
which accompanies the Philadelphia Mint coin package of the current year and
one with a "D" that accompanies the Denver Mint coin package of the current
year. Both of these packages make one Mint set. The tokens themselves have
no particular value.You can purchase current year Mint Sets from the United States Mint. See the CoinSite Links Page . Name: Heather Email Address: Heather_769@msn.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have heard that the phrase "FIRST FLIGHT" on the North Carolina quarter was an error and that the coins were worth more than face value if you had one. Is this true? and if so how much is it worth? All North Carolina
State quarters have the legend "First Flight". There are no other
variations. (One reader brought up the point that the phrase "First In
Flight" might be interpreted as those from North Carolina were
cowards).
Comments: The site is very user friendly and informative.....my son just started collecting coins, and your site will definitely be in his bookmarks. Thanks for the help. Name: Rick Dalrymple Email Address: YLEEKIOTE@home.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: Yesterday I received a quarter in some change that had two heads. The coin is dated 1985 (P) on one side and 1988 (P) on the other. Also, when you rotate the quarter, the image on the reverse is misaligned. I have read your section on "fake" two headed coins, but I am still hoping that this is a genuine mistake. Is there any way that it could be real, and how could I find out? Thank you for any help that you may be able to provide. Rick Probably not, especially
with different dates. You can weigh the coin, clad quarters
weigh 5.67 grams. Machine shop composites (magic or magician's coins) are usually
hollowed out shells made from two coins. Sometimes, lead is added to add
weight but the finished composite is not likely to weigh 5.67 grams.You can also buy additional pieces, just as you described, at a hobby or magic shop as these composites are made primarily for magic tricks. Invariably these coins get spent by accident and people are startled to find them in their change. There has been a report of a quarter struck (probably on purpose by a mint employee) with two reverse dies. Based on the die work, the coin was most likely struck in 1965. This piece is unique and of course, weighs 5.67 grams. If you wish, you can send your coin to the American Numismatic Association, PCGS or NGC for authentication. You can find their sites on CoinSite's Links Page. Contact them about their procedures for submitting coins for evaluation. Name: Andy Email Address: andy@blaze.ca ------------------------------------------------------- Question: British coin 39.7mm diam. 4.75mm thick, wide border engraved Britania 1797 with Neptune on a rock with trident & shield and laurel branch, ship in bkgrd. Reverse is Georgius III D.G.REX. on border and bust of Geo.III. Can you please tell me what this is (penny, halfpenny,etc.)and approximate value?
This coin was a overreaction to the severe coin shortage that existed in England prior to this date. This is a one year issue. Value depends on grade (condition) and, on this coin especially, the state of the coin's edge. This is a big heavy coin and comes often with dented edges. Coins in new condition without rim damage are scarce Approximate value range: $5 - $450. Name: sherry ingalls Email Address: singalls@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I've got what looks like a golden penny it is dated 1999 and was minted in Denver. I took it to the bank and they told me it was real can you give me any information about this. Was this just a fluke or did they ever really mint these particular pennies? thanks Maybe a real cent
but not a "gold" cent. You can determine this yourself by weighing the
coin on a gram scale (see a jeweler or a pharmacist if you don't have
one).
A standard zinc cent weighs 2.5 grams, a
gold cent would be far heavier.The most common explanation is that you have a gold plated cent. Plated coins are commonly used for advertising promotions (Got YOUR attention,didn't it?) and are usually given out as part of a promotional package. Plating coins does not increase their value. It is still one cent. Comments: This is the first time I have visited this site! Name: kathy kuhar Email Address: kathy@peteribold.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: Looking for information on a souvenir piece from Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, New York. The date appears to be April 1901. It has 1901 Indian head penny inserted into one side with "GOOD LUCK SOUVENIR" above and "BUFFALO NY PAN AMERICAN EXPOSITION" below. The penny is on top of a four leaf clover. On the other side the back of the penny can be seen and above it says "LUCKY PENNY", on the bottom it says "POCKET PIECE". The penny is two horseshoes wrapped around it and "I'M" is on left and "IT" is on right of penny. It also appears to say "PAT APR 23 1901" on one leg of horseshoe.
"Encased" coins are coins that have been inserted into a holder that
changes the character of the coin from money to an advertising or souvenir device.
The concept was really popularized at the Pan American Exposition in 1901
and was used extensively throughout the the 20th century for advertising.You have a neat encased cent! Estimated value in undamaged condition: $50 -$75 (see below for other examples of encased cents).
Comments: The funnest and most user friendly site for consumers in the world...er...on the Web! Name: Richard Breed Email Address: chardseed@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: Doc...I gotta few questions, as I've inherited a rather eclectic coin collection...small, yet interesting. The first is one of two single coins. (The rest are first coinage proof sets from islands and countries who are no longer around.) It is an 1847 Hawaiian penny...yet it's the first strike/die one with the crossed "4". My question, is how many of these are there out there? I found out that the total coinage struck was 100,000, yet 90,000 were melted in Boston in the late 1800's. So, I wonder how many of the remaining, are the crossed "4" variety? Next up...a chinese coin. I've been told is pretty old, maybe 500 ad or so...! Cheers...you rule! richard By 1846, the residents of Hawaii were growing out of
their barter economy and were resisting exploitative company script only good at
company stores. (For example, the Koloa Plantation paid workers exclusively in script).
When the Hawaiian coinage law was passed in 1846 authorizing a Hawaiian national coinage, the Hawaiian government contracted with the private mint of H.M. & E.I. Richards in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The initial order was for 100,000 copper 'Keneta' or "Hapa Hanele" ("Moiety" of 100 or, as Americans called it, one cent). The coins were of poor quality, the Kings portrait was incorrect and the denomination, Hapa Hanele, was misspelled HAPA HANERI. Though the Hawaiians hated the coin, anecdotes report residents throwing the coins into the ocean, they were used in other Pacific Islands for small change and the Hawaiian government continue to store the remainders. By 1862 the Hawaiian Treasury still had 11,595 pieces in stock and this was the last year that they were distributed. They continued to circulate as legal tender as "One Keneta" until 1884 when they were redeemed for the then current 1883 silver coinage. The Boston melt story is a myth. There are two main die varieties of the copper keneta of 1847: 1. Large Bust and letters. They come with 15 and 18 berries on the reverse wreath. The crosslet "4" is taller than the "7" 2. Small bust and letters, 13 berries on wreath. Plain 4 that is not taller than the "7". Souvenir copies of the 1847 Keneta exist. They were made for the centennial of the coinage in 1947 and sold at souvenir stands in Hawaii. The souvenir examples are usually in brass but retain the 1847 date. They may still be selling these souvenirs in Hawaii. Comments: Love the site! My father recently died and he saved a number of coins. Your site is helping me understand the legacy he left me. Name: David Email Address: CyberDocFP@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have some "Military Currency" in denominations from 10 sen to 5 yen. They all say "Series 100" in small print and have a large "B" in the center. Are these of some value?
You have Allied Military Occupation Currency issued by the United States for
use in Japan after the end of WW II. "B" notes were legal tender for
Japanese Citizens from 9/45-7/48. "B" yen circulated in Okinawa until 1958.
They were initially printed in the U.S. and later printed in Japan.
Values depend on the grade (condition) of the notes, the denomination and Serial number prefix and suffix. General approximate values range from US 50 cents - $30. depending on the above factors. Comments: Love it. Name: George Gray Email Address: dupont24@sigecom.net ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a 1897 U.S. Dollar, I am not sure if it is a silver dollar or not. I called a local coin dealer and he quoted me a surprisingly low number. I feel the coin is worth more but not sure how much. It is in good condition. What is the best way for me to find and sell it for the amount it is actually worth? I have been all over the internet searching , but with no luck. Thank you for your help
Morgan dollars (1878-1904, 1921) were struck on composition of 90% silver
and 10% copper. Silver dollars weigh 26.73 grams and contain .77344 of a
troy ounce of silver. 1897 Morgan Dollars were minted at three Mints, the
mint mark is under the wreath at 6:00 on the reverse. Coins with no mint
mark were struck in Philadelphia, 1897-O, struck at the New Orleans Mint and
1897-S, Struck at the San Francisco Mint.Values of Morgan Dollars depend on their condition and rarity. Most Morgan Dollars didn't circulate, except for in the Western States, where chronic coin shortages plagued commerce. If you lived in the eastern United States in the 19th century you would rarely encounter a silver dollar in day to day transactions. Since many dollars were stored Treasury vaults, they became subject to periodic melts when the silver was needed for other purposes. These melts help explain why some dates and Mint combinations are scarce or rare today. As with all coins, condition, rarity and demand are the factors that determine market value. 1897 Morgan Dollars are quite plentiful, even in uncirculated grades. Circulated pieces of this date are usually found in quantity and are often sold in bags of 1,000. mixed with other common dates. For the 1897-O and 1897-S issues, high grade pieces are scarce to rare. Here are some approximate value ranges or 1897 Morgan Dollars (grades VF-MS63). 1897 - $5 - $20 1897-O - $8 -$12 (VF - EF) AU - $50 MS60 - $450. MS63 - $4,000. 1897-S - $8-$10 (VF - EF) AU -$15 MS60 - $22 MS63 - $45. If you are not knowledgeable about grading, see the CoinSite FAQ article Coin Grading. To have your coins graded professionally, see the CoinSite Links Page for PCGS, ANACS or NGC. For general pricing on United States coins, see the What's it Worth? feature. For background information on Morgan Dollars see the History of U.S. Coins. Click here to see more information about this subject. From: ptbrooks@mindspring.com Subject: Quarter made like dollar coin ------------------------------------------------------- My elderly mother was given a supposedly $1.00 coin as a prize at senior citizens bingo. On closer examination it is a 1999 quarter but it is the same gold color and apparently the same material as the new gold colored $1.00 coin. As far as I can tell it is genuine and it is in good condition. When I questioned local coin dealers about it most of them said there was no such coin and if there was it was probably a fake. How can I determine if the coin is genuine and of any value as a collectors item? Thank you for you reply.
Though there are lots of reasons that a 1999 U.S. quarter is
not likely to have been struck on a Sacagawea Dollar blank, you can
tell immediatey by simply weighing the coin on a gram scale and measuring its diameter (If
you don't have a gram scale, see your local jeweler or pharmacist). Here are
the specs:-Clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams, diameter 24.3 mm -Sacagawea dollars weigh 8.1 grams, 26.5 mm in diameter. If your coin matches the specifications of the clad quarter then you have a gold plated quarter. This is commonly done for promotion and advertising purposes outside the control of the Mint and does not add additional value to the face value of the coin. If your quarter matches the dollar specification, than you have found a valuable treasure. You can have your coin certified by PCGS, NGC or ANACS. See their links on the CoinSite Links Page for contact information. Comments: Great site Name: Kris Email Address: dgillis@pei.sympatico.ca ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I am writing from Canada. I have a coin that has SHIPS COLONIES COMMERCE on one side and a brigatine on the other side. It looks like an oversize penny,about 1 inch in diameter. It has no date or country, province, etc. on it. Could you tell me the value of it and where it is from?
Comments: This is a great site and is very helpful. I'm glad we found each other. Have a great day. Name: Tj Collins Email Address: dtcollins@emeraldis.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a mint condition rare coin about the size of a silver dollar. The coin showes the pilgrims landing of 1620 at plymouth, Mass. On the front center a man is standing on a rock dated 1620 with clasp hands and nine kneeling around him, two more men off to the right side tending a boat, totaling 12 figures in all. A mountain range, six trees and a bare tree limb in the back ground. Under the man standing and below the 1620 date carver in a rock, is the date 1870, a rifle and hat laying on the rock off to the left side. The name "j.e.ellis.f." left bottom and "a.c. Warren" right bottom. (these two dates show a 250 year celebration) at the top of the coin are the words "pilgrim jubilee memorial.". On the reverse side is a large opened golden book with the words "holy bible" at the top of the page written on the book. A spread winged egale above the book looking down at the book. Above the eagle are the words "whose faith follow". Around the book are two different type branches tied together with a (scarlet) ribbon. The branch on the right is an olive brangh with 7 olive berrys. The branch on the left is an oak branch with 7 acorns. The letters j.e.e. At the bottom below the ribbon. To be 131 years old this is the most beautifully toned and engraved coin i've ever seen. Can you tell me how many were made?,are their where abouts known?,and estimate value. You have a
medal commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims. The medal
was commissioned by the Pilgrim Society, first chartered in 1819. Their
first meeting was held on May 18, 1820. The society received wide spread support
from the New England population and became a forum for political types rather
quickly. For example, on a meeting held on the "Forefathers Day" celebration,
December 21, 1820, the meeting's highlight was a speech
by the famous barrister Daniel Webster.Pilgrim Hall was built by the society in 1824 and houses the history and records of the 102 English, Dutch and Scotch Puritans who were the occupants of the ship Mayflower that landed on the Massachusetts coast on December 21, 1620. The Pilgrim Jubilee Memorial was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts at the Church of First Parish on December 1, 1870 (other churches in Plymouth also participated). Special trains transported "distinguished guests" who were then conducted to a special Memorial Service at the Church. United States Senator C. Winthrop was the key speaker. Following the service a dinner was served to about 900 people in the new railway station, followed by a Ball held in Davis Hall that was attended by approximately 400 "ladies and gentlemen" (sic). The origin of the commemorative medal has never been exactly determined. It is speculated that the A. C. Warren designed the medal and J.E. Ellis actually struck the pieces. Both names are found on these medals and both were members of the Pilgrim Society. The medal is described as following: Obverse: A scene depicting the Pilgrim's landing. Above the figures is the legend: PILGRIM JUBILEE MEMORIAL. The dates 1620 above 1870 is below. To the left of "1870" is a tiny J.E. ELLIS to the right, A.C. WARREN. Reverse: A Bible within a wreath, a bird with outstretched wings above. Above an around, WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW. At bottom in tiny letters, J.E.E. The medal was struck in silver, copper (red to brown color) and brass (gold color). All are rare. A silver example is in the possession of the Pilgrim Society. Rough estimate of value: US $300 - $500. Comments: I like this site alot Name: Ian Email Address: keeper2021223@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: how can you tell if the 1982 lincoln cent is copper plated zinc
You can simply weigh the coin on a gram scale. Copper cents weigh 3.11
grams, copper plated zinc cents weigh 2.5 grams. Another way to tell is to
exam the surface of the coin. The copper plated issues, especially in 1982,
suffer from gas bubbles from the manufacturing process. Look for these
bubbles on the surface of the coin. They are easiest to see in the fields.
Comments: Absolutely a Godsend! Name: Gerard Calippe Email Address: gcalippe@sanmarcos.net ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I operate Southwest Texas Gold & Silver Exchange.Yesterday, while looking through a client's collection i found a large Coronet cent which appears genuine and unaltered dated 1815. Is there a remote possibility that it is authentic? Thank you. There
are no known U.S. cents dated 1815, there were no copper planchets available
for striking. Clever alterations with the Coronet type are commonly made from
1845 and 1816 examples. The 1845 alteration always has too much space
between the "8" and"5". The 1816 is made by chasing the "6" with a graver
into a "5".Of course, you can always have the coin authenticated at the grading services or the ANA (see the CoinSite Links Page ). There has been pretty strange stuff showing up lately, so you never know. Good luck! Comments: Great! Very informative for coin collecters like myself. Name: Jim Gietler Email Address: gietler@wamusa.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a 1893 German 10 mark-Baden State in extra fine condition. How would I find a value as I am looking to sell this? Thank This is a gold coin
that features the head of Friedrich I. These coins were issued from
1872-1901. All were struck at the Karlsruhe Mint ("G" mint mark).
There are three varieties of this coin. Examples dated 1890 and
later are considered Type III. The coin contains 3.9820 grams of .900 gold
or .1152 of a troy ounce of pure gold. Market value for one in EF
grade dated 1893, approximately $200 (August 2001).
Comments: Best information I have found on the net!!! Name: Tiffany Idleman Email Address: sventek@swbell.net ------------------------------------------------------- Question: My husband recently inheirited some old coins. One of them is a copper 1854 liberty head one cent. Facing left. United States of America and laurels on the back. Mint P. The odd thing is on the back-it doesn't say one cent....it says " Onu Cunt". I have looked for wear-as if parts of the E in one and cent had worn....but no. It is stamped " Onu Cunt". WHat can you tell me about this coin? Does it have a value? Have you ever seen anything like this???
This is a well known alteration done outside the Mint as a scatological
joke. The technique involves the use of a tool called a "graver", that is
used to "chase" the metal in the lettering into the desired shape. The word
"One" is usually not altered but perhaps the "artist" was practicing.Other alterations of Large Cents include stamping the name of a store or individual for use as an advertising token, the adding of political messages or slogans and as "love tokens" where one side is planned off and a message is engraved. (Click here to learn more about this type of alteration). Also, for some examples of modern coin alterations see the CoinSite FAQ article, Reengraved Cents . Comments: Great site. I will pass the word around about your site. You should advertise or something. Maybe link with other site to get descent answers out to people. Name: Joe Catalano Email Address: JCAT45@JUNO.COM ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a number of proof sets which are now in U.S. Mint cellophane all have COA. Would it hurt collectability to remove them from their cellophane and put them in an airtite display case ? Makes em look nicer.
I do not think that removing proof sets from the original film
reduces their value. Look at all the slabbed proofs that are encapsulated.
It doesn't seem to hurt their value. There will always be collectors that
consider original packaging vital but often the original packaging doesn't
preserve coins very well.I once opened an original box of 1936 proof sets that had never been removed from the original mailing. The owner had simply taken the mailing box that contained the proof sets and put them in a safe deposit box. It was like opening a treasure chest. Unfortunately, many of the coins were toned to black. The presence of so much sulfur paper had an adverse affect on the coins. If you do place the coins in holders, be careful not to touch the surface of the proofs, fingerprints will certainly devalue the coins. You might consider non-powdered latex gloves (usually available at your local pharmacy by the box) to handle the coins successfully. You might also want to preserve the packaging separately from the coins and passed that material on when the coins are sold. Comments: great. this is the first time I have seen your web site, very interesting. I am making it one of my favorites. Bill Name: Bill Wilbur Email Address: pattiegirl70@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a Limited editon commemorative one pound Silver Eagle. Quality proof, mintage 10,000 diameter 3.5, fineness .999 silver weight one troy pound, edge reed, specificatons set by "Continental Mint" Yr. 1991. Any idea what it is worth? Thanks for any information you my give me.
You have a bullion issue by a private company that has no associated with the
United States Mint. Recently the Mint has sued such companies that appropriate U.S.
coinage designs, for copyright infringement. Often when these items are
advertised, the ad is constructed in such a manner that people are led to believe that these
medals are official issues with a limited mintage and might have future potential.
The market considers these medallions to be bullion items (12 troy ounces = 1 troy pound of silver) with no other value. This is not to say that someone might be impressed with this presentation and pay a premium to purchase it from you, just that there is no market premium above the silver value. Note that the term "proof" is not a statement of grade (condition) but a method of manufacture. Proof coins are graded in a similar manner as mint state coins. See the CoinSite Metals Page for current silver prices. Comments: I liked your site. It was very informative. Name: Mike Fraser Email Address: misyl.fras@sympatico.ca ------------------------------------------------------- Question: I have a Buffalo nickel coin that is 77mm in diameter. It looks identical to the coins on websites. It is dated 1913 with the S under the five cents. Is this an actual coin since it is so large, none of the sites I visited say the diameter of the coin. If it is not an actual coin for circulation, what is it and where did it come from? Thank you for your help. Michael Fraser U.S. 5 cent nickels are 21.2 mm in diameter. There
were no other sizes made. You have a privately issued medallion made to
compete with the U.S. Mint's issue of the 2001 Buffalo dollar (38.1 mm)
that is similar to the the original Fraser design. The U.S. mint
product is dated 2001. The private issue piece is essentially a
bullion item.
|
| Ask the Coin Doc - Copyright © 1997-2007 Robert S. Koppelman, Stan Klein & ROKO Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved. |
Home
FAQ
What's it Worth?
Articles/Opinions
Image Gallery
Ask the Coin Doc
U.S. Coin History
Commemoratives
CoinSite Buyers
Coin Dealers
Numismatic Links
Coin Doc Quizzes
Precious Metals
 |
![[Most Recent Quotes from www.kitco.com]](http://www.kitconet.com/images/quotes_special.gif)
|
 |
|
|
||
Copyright 1997-2008 ROKO Design
Group, Inc. All rights reserved. |
||
|
||
