The Coin Doc's Questions and Answers

Comments:        I think the site is great. Many times questions come up and coin collectors do not always know were to turn for answers. The coin doctor is great. Thank you.
Name:        Raymond Ellis
Email Address:   regis22@mediaone.net
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Coin doctor:
             My mother and I was recently cleaning out my grandmothers house after her passing and found an old coin book from Whitman on coin collecting when i open book in a plastic baggy was a small paper bill that said 15 cents on it I looked it all over and found it was dated march 31 1863, National bank note co. New York and has two signatures, Colby Spinner and John Allison I have done some book reading but not much on paper money below one dollar amount. My question is is this real paper money and how can I find its worth? Thank you so much.

In 1861, at the start of the Civil War, values of metals from copper to gold began to rise rapidly. Coins were either hoarded or melted leading to a severe shortage of small denomination coins, the coins most people needed for ordinary daily transactions.

Postage stamps were tried as emergency currency (the law permitting this was signed into law on July 17, 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln) but, as one can imagine, soiled and sticky stamps were difficult to count and redeem. The Treasury printed small notes that had similar designs to the then current postage stamps but they weren't really legal. The law was changed to accommodate fractional currency notes (notes with face values under $1). The Federal Government hired four private bank note companies to print 3,5,10,15, 25 and 50 cents denominations. There were five issues of these notes but not all denominations were printed for each series.

About your note:

Colby Spinner were two different individuals: S.B. Colby-Register of the Treasury (8/11/1864 -9/21/1867) and F.E. Spinner - Treasurer (8/10/1861 - 6/30/1875). John Allison was Register of the Treasury (4/3/1869 - 6/30/1878) and was the second successor to Colby after Noah L. Jeffries. Colby and Allison can't be on a note simultaneously. It is possible to have signature combinations as Colby - Spinner or Allison - Spinner on United States paper money.

Only the fourth issue of fractional currency contains a 15c note. The front shows the bust of Columbia, designed by C. Romerson, at left. The back is green. The note was printed by the American Bank Note Co. The signature combination is Allison - Spinner. There are five varieties. Value depends on grade (condition):

Large Seal with watermarked paper - approximate value range: $10 - $100
Large Seal with pink fibers in paper - $10 - $125
Large Seal with pink fibers in paper, the right end is blue - $12 - $120
Large Brown Seal - $15 - $1,000 +
Small Red Seal, pink fibers, the right end is blue: $12 - $125

A specimen 15c note, really a pattern that was never adopted for commerce, exists. This note features General Sherman and President Grant at left and right. These notes have the Colby - Spinner signature combination. Backs are either red or green. Approximate values, depending on grade and variety: $145 - $4,500.

Comments:        Seems to be a source of good knowledge on both U.S. and foreign coinage. I hope my queries are easily answered.
Name:        Tom Keown
Email Address:   tkeow1@eckerd.com
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Question:        I have some old coins that I am having problems
identifying, and I am hoping you can shed some light on them.

The first coin is dated 1632. On one side is the legend “STE:POM:CAS:VA:CR:IA:D:BVRG:I:NV:1632”. The center design is pretty worn, but it appears to be some sort of eagle with what may have been a shield on its breast. The other side has “CHRISTIAN:DG:MARCH:BRANDBVRG:PRVS”, and features a design with two shields. The left shield has a lion, and the other a four-square checkerboard. Above the shields is “IIII K”, and below the shields is a large letter “F”.

The second coin is dated 1763. One side has the legend “CHRISTIAN * IV * D * G * C * P * R * BAV * DUX”, and features a bust of what I am assuming is Christian IV. The other side has the legend “NACH DEM CON VENTIONS FUS”, and features an upright lion with a crown, in an oval. On top of the oval is a larger crown. Below the oval is the number “10” (which bisects the date on either side of the oval), and below that the letter “M”.

The first coin appears similar to some old coins I have dating back to the Holy Roman Empire. The second resembles some coins from Austria. But the only rulers I have been able to find with the name “Christian” are Danish. However, the dates are wrong. There was a Christian IV who reigned from 1588-1648, which put the first coin within his reign. But why no designation of “IV”? And Christian IV was long dead when my 1763 coin bearing the name “Christian IV” was minted.

I know this is a long shot, and I apologize if I am wasting your time. But if you can offer any assistance, I would be most greatful.

1.You have 1632 (German States) Brandenburg-Bayreuth silver 4 Kreuzer (also known as a "Batzen"). The obverse features joined shield of the two states united under King Christian (1603-1655) within a beaded border. The denomination IIII.K (4 Kreuzer) is above the shields. Below the shields is the Mint Mark "F", representing that the coin was struck at the Furth Mint. The reverse features the characteristic "German" eagle with a similar beaded border.

Rulers had extensive titles both real and ceremonial and insisted that all their titles appear on coins. Coin designers worked out standard Latin or German abbreviations that could become even more abbreviated (and more difficult to determine) depending on the size of the coin. On this piece the legend start on the eagle side and continues on the reverse:

"CHRISTIAN:DG:MARCH:BRANDBVRG:PRVS" and then "STE:POM:CAS:VA:CR:IA:D:BVRG:I:NV:1632" (Christian, By The Grace of G-d, Margrave of Brandenburg, Prussia, Stettin, Pomerania, Cassubia, Vandalia, Crossen....Burgrave of Jagerndorf, Nuremburg...1632)

Numismatic value depends on grade (condition): Approximate range: $10 - $75

2.1763 Brandenburg-Bayreuth silver 10 Kreuzer struck under Fredrich Christian (1763-69) Note that Brandenburg-Bayreuth is located in northern Bavaria which passed to the German State, Ansbach in 1769.

CHRISTIAN * IV * D * G * C * P * R * BAV * DUX (Christian IV, By the Grace of G-d, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria)/ NACH DEM CONVENTIONS FUS[se] (According to the convention standard)

Approximate value range: $10 - $50.

From: "Surendar" s19111977@rediffmail.com
Subject: East India Co. coin
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I am just attaching the image of the coin that i possess.
Kindly let me know the value of the coin and let me know if there are any customer willing to buy it.
I tried from ur site where i am not able to locate it...expecting a reply from u...rgds,shiva.

The East India Trading Company began with a license to trade in Bengal India in 1633. The coinage used by the East India Company was Mughal type coinage, without images as proscribed by the Muslim faith and in Arabic. The designs were approved by the Nawab or governor.

The first East India Company half annas and annas under the Bengal Presidency weren't produced until AH1188 (Moslem Calendar), the year 1774 in the Gregorian Calendar and were issued under the name of Shah Alam II, a Moghal Emperor and struck at the Calcutta Mint. The coin is in Arabic.

It wasn't until the power of the East India Company became so great as to be more of a conqueror of India than its trading partner did English and British symbols begin to appear on East India Company coinage. By the closing years of the 18th century Indian coins in English appear in the Madras Presidency in the form of the 1/96th Rupee (also known as a 1/2 dub).

Where does your token fit into all of this? You have a fantasy piece most probably a souvenir of the East India Company probably made, based on the style, I would guess, somewhere in first or second quarter of the 19th century. Besides the style and language being incorrect, the Hindu symbols on the reverse are inappropriate for this area and era.

There are collectors for this fantasy (tokens are under the heading of "exonumia"). Approximate value range $5 -$15.

Comments:        Valuable, very informative. They are a must for any coin collector.
Name:        Jesus Cadenas
Email Address:   Jesus_Cadenas@eca.com.ve
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Question:        I have a Venezuelan bank note from American Bank Note Co. that has kind of a Goddess holding a globe and on the reverse two angels. I would like to know who these gods were.This bank note was issued by the Banco Mercantil y Agricola, a private bank before 1940. Thanks in advance.- Jesus Cadenas Caracas, Venezuela

The design featuring a reclining allegorical female figure supporting a shield with the bank's monogram and globe at center appears on the 1929-35 issues of the 10, 20 and 100 Bolívares of the Banco Mercantil Y Agrícola.

One could surmise that the figure represents Agriculture and Industry but was probably chosen by the bank from the American Bank Note Company's catalog of engraved images. It was cheaper to use an existing engraving than to commission an original design. Thus the images were simply designs from the imagination of a ABNC engraver. It is not unusual to find similar or even the exact design on other currencies.

From: pop.gate.net
Sent to the Coin Doc from Paper Money Charlie's
Subject: note for sale
1) Are you interested to buy a one hundred dollars paper bill, from Louisiana, dated 1863?
2) At what price?
Henrietta

The note is a Civil War State Issue of Louisiana, is dated 10.3.1863 printed black on white linen paper. The signatures and serial number were added by hand after the note was printed. It features a portrait of Gov. T. Moore at upper left. The State Capitol bldg at top ctr., seated Liberty at lower right. A Woman is seated at the center on the back of the note. The buy price depends on grade:
VG - Fine $12.
VF - $25.
Uncirculated examples: $50.
Response from Henrietta
Your description is exactly right. Don't you think I should get at least $100. for a $100. dollars bill? In other words, this note has no value at all? Thank you for answering, Henrietta

Though all currency issued by the United States of America is still legal tender, the note in question isn't. That is because it was issued under the authority of the State of Louisiana as part of the Confederate States of America, a political entity that dissolved in 1865, the end of the Civil War. Only collector value remains, the denomination is immaterial to its value. The note trades at the reported approximate market values. Notes issued by the United States from the Civil War period can have considerably more value than their face value because of their rarity and collector demand though you can still redeem them for face value.

Comments:        I just recently found this site and I think it's great. Thank you!
Name:        Lucy
Email Address:   darlene@hypertech.net
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Question:        I have a gold medallion of Marilyn Monroe dated 1926-62 that belonged to my father-in-law. I am assuming he got this as a gift in the navy. One side has a nude picture of Marilyn Monroe and the other of an eagle. Could you please tell me if this is worth anything and how much? Thank you

I'm sure it would be worth more than the gold content. Many different "lucky pieces" were sold or given to Service Men and were acquired either at souvenir shops near military bases or in packages as part of morale building gifts from the Red Cross or Special Services.

I have never heard of any pieces with this design struck on gold planchets. This medal certainly would be rare for at least two reasons: The relative high price of gold and the fact that it was illegal during that time for U.S. citizens to own gold bullion.

It would be helpful to determine the maker of the piece and why it was struck in gold. I'm sure this gold piece would bring a handsome price at a medals and tokens auction.

Name:        REGINA ROSS
Email Address:   castle1@e-universe.com
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Question:        I have a 1955 s "error" lincoln penny, but i can't find reference to it. the date is not double die, but the reverse is. The obverse, maybe? i'm no expert, so i would have to e-mail a photo.

You have a copper Lincoln cent that shows a multiple strike on the reverse. This was caused by the coin not being properly ejected from the coin press and then struck again but this time outside of the collar that holds the blank in place when it is struck. The damage on the obverse was caused by the partial reverse second strike.

This is very different than a "double die" where the die is manufactured improperly and has a doubled image. Each coin struck from a double die has the identical defect. Multiple strikes are unique. Approximate value: $25 - $35.

Name:        shelley
Email Address:   myfriend37@hotmail.com
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Question:        how much are the state coins worth today? How fast will/do they build value?

The copper-nickel State quarters being produced by the U.S. Mint are worth face value, that is 25 cents each, and are the current circulating quarter. Each coin is produced at the Philadelphia, (P) mint mark, and Denver Mint, (D) mint mark, in vast quantities, approximately 500 million coins each year.

Collectors try to acquire high quality pieces either from U.S. Mint sets, available from the U.S. Mint in the year of issue, or buy original rolls or bags from the Mint. There are also proof issues struck at the San Francisco Mint, (S) mint mark, in both copper-nickel and in 90% silver.

You can often get mint condition pieces at your local bank though they may or may not be of the same quality of as the Mint's offerings. You can put together your own copper-nickel sets from 1999 - 2008 for a total of $25 per set (a total of 100 quarters from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints purchased at face value).

Since so many coins are available I don't expect that sets of business strike examples will bring much of a premium unless they are in unusually high mint state quality. It does seem that some of the proof issues have done fairly well already. For example the 1999 silver proof set, which includes all the State Quarters for 1999 in 90% silver, currently trades for about $85, well above its issue price from the Mint of $31.

To participate in the Mint's programs please see the Link to the United States Mint on the CoinSite Links Page.

Comments:        Very informative site. I have found several of the answers I needed.
Name:        Tracey Wilcox
Email Address:   lrwtjw@irtc.net
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Question:        My father-in-law has an 1873 coin about the size of a silver dollar. It has a 5 in the center and it says Francs. There is a wreath with Republique Francise and a star in it on the front of the coin. On the back is a picture of a man in the middle and a woman on either side of him. I'm not sure if he said there was a robe or a rope with the words liberte egalite. On the lip of the coin is Fraternite Dieu * Proteze * LA *France 5 Stars. Do you know anything about this coin and how much, if anything it is worth?
Thank you very much.

You have a 1873 France 5 Francs (10 centimes=1 decime, 10 decime= 1 Franc). The obverse shows 5 FRANCS 1873 surrounded by a wreath. The reverse shows 3 allegorical figures representing Liberty, Equality and Brotherhood, the legend around is: LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE. In exergue (below the line that the figures are standing on) are two stars and the designer's signature (Dupré). The coin has a lettered edge with the inscription: DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE (G-d Protect France).

The coin was struck from 1870-1878 at the Paris ("A" mint mark) and Bordeaux ("K" mint mark). Two proof only issues exist for 1878A and 1889. The date 1873A has the highest mintage of this run of dates with more than 27 million pieces struck. The 1873K is much scarcer with only 3.8 million coins struck.

Market value depends on grade (condition) and mint mark.

1873A 5 Francs - approximate range: $5 -$15
1873K 5 Francs - approximate range: $6 -$45

Name: NancyB
Email Address:nol@sc.rr.com
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Question: Sir I have a coin that I have copied the exact description from the internet. I received this coin from my grandfather that died in 1950s at the age of 92 years old:

LUSITANIA Medal
Shortly after the event a commemorative medallion was struck by the Germans. Believed to have originated in Munich the medal was cast in iron and was 2.25 inches in diameter and weighed 1.5 ounces. The designer was Karl Goetz, creator of many medallions, and the initials K.G. are clearly visible on the obverse.

On the obverse, under the inscription "No contraband" (Keine Bannware), there is a representation of the Lusitania sinking. The outline of the liner has been altered to resemble a warship. The designer has also put and aeroplanes, which (as was certified by United States Government officials after inspection) the Lusitania did not carry, but has conveniently omitted to put in the women and children who were on board. On the reverse, under the inscription "Business above all" (Geschaft uber alles), a smiling skeleton at the New York booking office of the Cunard Line is depicted. A line of waiting potential passengers and victims refuse to attend to the warning against submarines, given by a German figure in the background. The figure, presumably the German Ambassador, gazes reprovingly on the whole proceedings.

There are, however, certain anomalies which have always caused considerable speculation. The arrogant manner in which the victory is proclaimed in the inscription. The liner Lusitania, sunk by German submarine 5th May, 1915, provides perhaps the most obvious example - as in actual fact the sinking occurred on 7 May. The discrepancy in date may have been a genuine error but it was interpreted as a being a clear indication that the sinking was pre-planned - and not just one of the fortunes of war. The propagandists made the most of it.

Just how many of the German originals of the medal were struck is not clear but it is doubtful whether these exceeded more than a few hundred. The message they conveyed had a boomerang effect and the British authorities, in agreeing to the production of 250,000 copies to be sold in aid of St.Dunstan, saw in it a damning commentary on the ruthlessness of the German war machine. This point was emphasised in the wording on the box in which the British copies were issued. There could be no doubt about the callousness of the enemy.

Many of the British copies are readily found today. As for the German version these are rarer and more valuable. There are several small differences between the two types. The most obvious being in the spelling of the word "May" in the date. On the German version this is spelt "Mai". It has also been suggested that there may in fact be a third type in existence, also German, on which the correct date of the sinking, 7 May, is shown. The way in which one piece of propaganda served two warring nations is ironical.

[The majority of this information was taken from an article from Coin Monthly, April 1968, by P.J. Leighton ].

Mine is the German one that spells May as "Mai". Can you tell me what it might be worth? Thank you so very much for your assistance.

There are other versions of the Goetz satirical medal of THE SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA (Die Torpedierung der Lusitania). The medal speculates that the Cunard Lines ship was really carrying contraband and not the innocent passenger ship that it was. In addition to the copies made by the British for propaganda purposes, there were replicas made by a firm in Pennsylvania in about 1918 which also has the spelling "Mai". The medal is cast and 58 mm in diameter.

You need to determine which version you have, the original Goetz casting, the British or the Pennsylvania replicas. You can authenticate your piece at The American Numismatic Association. See the CoinSite Links Page for information. Value depends on origin, variety (may 5 or may 7) and grade (state of preservation). Approximate range: $15 - $500+.

Comments:        Very useful information.
Name:        David N. Jackson
Email Address:   dnjackson@mailcity.com
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Question:        Did the portrait 8 reale coins minted in Mexico City in 1776 have grooved edges? I also see a difference in the portrait in mine versus other examples I've seen. Does this coin have more value than just the silver content and does the differences in the portrait increase the value?

Portrait 8 reales have an ornamental edge imparted by the collar that held the coin in place when it was struck. The obverse portrait of King Charles III can vary among Mints as the dies were sunk locally. For example the hair style on an 1776 Seville 8 reales differs completely from a Guatemala Mint example of the same date. There are also variations in other design elements.

Values of Spanish Portrait 8 reales depends on Mint, grade (condition) and sometimes the variety. For example 1776 Guatemala 8 reales is normally seen with a "G" mint mark though there is a far rarer variety or 1776 8 reales with an "NG" mint mark.

Approximate value range for a 1776 Mexico City F.M. 8 reales: $10 - $200.

Name:        D. Phillips
Email Address:   rlt@anonymous.to
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Question:        I have found a coinem it's a 3/8" ST. GAUDENS 20 DOLLAR GOLD COIN, DATED 1908 with no motto. Is this a real coin or is it some type of reproduction?

It obviously isn't a real coin as the St. Gaudens $20 gold piece is a standard coin of the United States with a standard size and weight. A St. Gaudens $20 gold coin weighs 33.436 grams, is .900 fine (.9675 troy ounce of gold) with a diameter of 34 mm.

Miniatures in brass or 10K gold were privately made during the 1970s has a novelty item and to spoof the high inflation rates of that era. Other miniatures of U.S. coins exist, all privately made.

Name:        Matt Hayden
Email Address:   zambo98@hotmail.com
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Question:        I have a small coin, it is enclosed in a star shaped coin protector. coin is in center, It is a silver or aluminum coin, on one side it says, remember the maine, with a picture of the ship maine, and on the other is a flag of cuba, with the words Cuba must be free" Do you know of this coin?

Not a coin but a medal. Many were made as souvenirs after the sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 which launched the Spanish-American War. Some of the medals attributed to this era were struck on re-rolled armor plating from remains of the actual ship by the Springfield Iron Co. in Springfield, Illinois. They were very creative with this concept and made anything from models of the ship, hat pins, ash trays as well as an extensive assortment of medals. These items were very popular and were successfully marketed.

Medals from this era are collected by numismatist that specialize in "exonumia".

Approximate value range: $15 -$100

Comments:        I appreciate that you answer questions.
Name:        Jim Boggs
Email Address:   jboggs@tridium.com
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Question:        I was given a copper coin by my grandmother at least 20 years ago that I have been curious to identify. It is approximately the diameter of a nickel and the thickness of a penny. On one side, there is a border of dots and the letters F.H.G. On the other side is a smaller ring of dots and the number 2. I have no clue where it came from or what is was for. Any ideas?

Sounds like a hat/coat check token. F.H.G. would be the establishment and the "2" is the rack where the hat/coat was hung.

Approximate value: $5-$20.

Name:        Aaron Switzer
Email Address:   arrbzqrp@hotmail.com
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Question:        I have a coin that says "CAR.FELIX D.G.REX SAR.CYP.ET HEIR" around the outside, and " 5 Centesimi" in the middle. The date is 1826. It is one inch across, 2 mm thick, and appears to be copper. Other side shows two vines around a coat of arms with a crown on top. the coat of arms contains an eagle? with a cross on it's torso, and a small crown above it's head. what coin do I have? And is it worth anything? Thanks alot. -Aaron

You have a 1826 Italy (Italian State of Sardinia) 5 Centesimi (100 centesimi= 1 Lira) struck under King Carlos Felice (1821-1831). The obverse shows a wreath encompassing the denomination 5 CENTESIMI, the abbreviated Latin legend surrounds the rim: CAR.FELIX D.G.REX SAR.CYP.ET HEIR (Charles Felix, By the Grace of G-d, King of Sardinia, Cyprus and Jerusalem). (Note that many European rulers claimed Kingship of Jerusalem or ruler of the "Holy Roman Empire". These titles were ceremonial or honorary.)

The reverse shows a crowned shield surrounded by a wreath. The coin was struck in copper at the Milan Mint (anchor mint mark) or the Turin Mint (Eagle's head). A total of about 43 million pieces in total were struck.

Numismatic market value depends on condition: Approximate value range: US $1 - $35.

Name:        lee b. harris
Email Address:   lnjharris@intellex.com
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Question:        I have a copper colored coin with an eagle on one side with the words E and a star between PLURBUIS UNUM and the date 1787 and the reverse side has a mountain with sun and rays above it, with the words COLUMBIA and other words that i cannot really tell. one looks like nova

You have a replica in copper of a gold "New York Brasher Doubloon". Ephraim Brasher was a goldsmith and jeweler and a neighbor of George Washington. This was an era of patterns or suggestions for coinage for the fledgling country of the United States.

The coin was modeled after the Spanish 8 Escudos which was the standard, gold world trade unit. It was equal to 16 Spanish 8 reales also known as "Pillar Dollars". Though Brasher's coins were never adopted the Spanish standard was in the form of the U.S. dollar which equaled the silver content of the Spanish 8 reales.

Brasher's original coins are quite rare and valuable especially because of their important historical relationship to the beginnings of the United States. Only a few coins were made:

There are two "1742" (1786) Lima style gold doubloons and one 1787 New York gold doubloon with Brasher's punch on the breast of the eagle and several 1787 New York gold doubloons with the Brasher punch on the Eagle's wing. There also exists a unique 1787 New York half doubloon which is currently housed in the Smithsonian Collection in Washington, D.C.

Comments:        I think the site is wonderful, very informative.
Name:        Todd VanMeter
Email Address:   zztodd@zztodd.com
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Question:        How do I get a rainbow tone on a coin? Or what is the chemical process to make a rainbow tone?

"Rainbow" toning or patina is an optical effect caused by graduated layers of silver oxide on the surface of a coin. This is often seen on coins that have been in contact with a sulfur source (a great oxidizer) for a good number of years (usually 20 years or more). These coins, if also in high grade uncirculated condition, are highly prized by coin connoisseurs for their extreme beauty.

Usually the sulfur source is not uniformly in contact with the coin. For example, old time coin albums were manufactured with large amounts of sulfur. The edges of the coin were in direct contact with the cardboard that suspended the coin in its place in the album. Oxidation emanates from the edge where it is thicker, toward the center which is further away from the sulfur source. The thicker the oxide coating the darker the toning. The graduations of oxide create light refraction that show the spectrum from black and dark blue (thick oxide) to reds and golds (thin oxide). The same effect was seen on bags of Morgan and Peace dollars that were stored for many years in government vaults. The canvas bags were strong sources of sulfur compounds and coins in contact with bag also exhibit similar rainbow toning seen in the albums.

The main difference between artificial and natural toning is how the oxide and therefore colors are distributed throughout the coin's surface. Artificial toning usually shows abrupt changes in color versus the continuous graduations often seen on naturally toned coins. Also, artificially toned coins are often first chemically stripped of all toning then treated with sulfur compounds or other chemicals and then heated. When one chemically removes the oxide coating, the coin's flow lines that are present on a uncirculated coin are partially removed. This results in a dull coin or one with a significant loss of luster. Though coin "improvers" have become adept at simulating natural oxide toning, careful observation can often identify these creations.

Comments:        I have spent about 6 hours searching your site. I think it is great!
Name:        Sherry
Email Address:   sspinner@worldnet.att.net
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Question:        My husband's great-great grandfather was Francis Spinner. He was the US trasurer from 1861 through 1875. I would like to purchase something with his signature. I am having troulbe locating anything. Is there any paper money with his signature?

Francis E. Spinner was the first Treasurer of the United States to have his signature on U.S. currency. He served four terms in office that began on April 17, 1861 and ended on June 30, 1875. He is noted for introducing women into government employment as well as presiding over this office in during the dark days of the U.S. Civil War.

You can purchase currency from this period with Spinner's signature of various types and denominations, including fractional currency, from a currency dealer. See our advertisers at CoinSite's Dealer page and at www.sellcoins.com

Comments:        Pretty cool site. Lot's of great info on coins.
Name:        Nate Esty
Email Address:   nesty@imarkgroup.com
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Question:        My friend has an 1813 Trade and Navigation token. On one side is has a picture of a ship sailing and says Trade and Navigation 1813. On the other side it says Pure copper preferable to paper and says half penny token in the middle. He wants to know it's approximate worth and origin.

This is a Nova Scotia half penny token, essentially emergency money. There are several Nova Scotia tokens dated 1813 and several varieties that feature a sailing ship. "Trade and Navigation" was a popular phrase in the colony and the reference to "COPPER PREFERABLE TO PAPER" was a comment on a failed issue of paper money.

Collector value depends on variety and grade (state of preservation). Approximate range: US $3 - $150.

Comments:        Very helpful best on web.
Name:        Jerimy Huff
Email Address:   jhuff@siscom.net
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Question:        Coin doctor, I have a 1858 coin from Austria. I found a lot of coins similar to this one, but nothing identical. I was wondering if you could give me some more information. The front of the coin has FRANZ JOSEPH IVGG KAISER V OESTERREICH , and also has a mint mark of A. On the reverse it has 1858 EIN VEREINSTHALER XXX EIN PFUND FEIN. thanks for the help.

You have a 1858 Austria, one Vereinsthaler (Thaler). The "A" mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Vienna Mint.

The coin features the head of King Franz Joseph I (1848-1916) facing right. The abbreviated German legend around is: FRANZ JOSEPH I. V.G.G KAISER V OESTERREICH (Franz Joseph I, By the Grace of G-d, King of Austria). The reverse shows a two-headed crowned eagle, date below, the German legend is: EIN VEREINSTHALER XXX EIN PFUND FEIN (30 vereinsthaler makes one pound [of silver]). The Thaler weighs 18.5186 grams is .900 fine silver and its content is .5359 troy ounce of silver.

The Austria monetary system in 1858 was:

100 Kreuzer = 1 Florin
1 1/2 Florin = Vereinsthaler
Fractional and multiples of these denominations exist.

Money was intrinsic, that is, its definition as money was its weight of precious metal. Placing the silver relationship on the coin (30 of these coins makes a avoirdupois pound of silver) was an attempt to make the coin easy to translate into other national currencies.

Market value depends on grade (condition): Approximate range: US $10 - $80

Comments:        Hi Coin Dr.
Well this my first time using this site so far it seams easy, I like the site. Name:        jose arabi
Email Address:   joearabi@netzero.net
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Question:        I hope yopu can help me. I have this canada one cent with an image of female left side of the face from the shoulder up. There is a dotted circle around the image. Between that dotted circle and edge of the coin this is what is written
VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA
      ONE
     CENT
     1859 The coins dimmentions are 2 1/2 cm. Don't know the
weght.

I WOULBE VERY GRATEFULL IF YOU CAN GIVE ME ANY IDEA ON WHAT THIS COIN IS
WORHT if possile.

The first decimal coinage for Canada was the 1858 cent. This coin was produced in 1858 and 1859. The design shows the head of Queen Victoria of England facing left, the Latin legend "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA REGINA CANADA" (Victoria, by the Grace of G-d, Queen of Canada). The reverse shows a motif of maple leaves surrounding a circular beaded border enclosing ONE CENT 1859. The diameter of the coin is 25.4 mm, it weighs 4.54 grams and has a plain edge.

No more cents were produced until the Canadian Confederation was established in 1876. The previous design was continued.

The value of the 1859 large cent depends on the variety and grade (condition). Approximate range: US $1 - $2,500.

Name:        Tina
Email Address:   taztina65@hotmail.com
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Question:        The North Carolina quarter has "first flight" written on it. It now has first in flight written on it. Is either of them worth anything?   Thank you   tina boley

As far as I know, there is only one master hub for the North Carolina Quarter and the legend reads "First Flight". There are no other legend varieties. The legend was suppose to commemorate the first flight of the Wright brothers therefore the "First Flight".

North Carolina was never a center of flight development; Ohio, Washington State or others could claim that mantle. Also, as mentioned before by me and others, "First In Flight" might indicate to some that North Carolinians were cowards. If you have a North Carolina quarter that reads "First In Flight" please send us a scan so we can share it with our readers.

Name:        Robin
Email Address:   mrm@newulmtel.net
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Question:        have a Maryland 2000 state coin - silver in front - gold on the back - it is heavier then the normal state quarters. Do you know how many of these were made like this and or its value

There are no known State quarters struck in gold nor is there any planchet stock in which to strike such a coin. Composite stock where silver is on one side and gold is on the other is even more unlikely. But if it were possible, the coin would be quite a bit heavier than a standard copper nickel quarter. Click here to learn more about plated coins and how promoters plate coins for advertising purposes.

You can weigh your coin to check:

Standard copper-nickel quarter: 5.67 grams
90% silver proof quarter from San Francisco Silver Proof Set ("S" mint mark on Obverse): 6.25 grams.

A coin in a composite of gold and silver would far exceed the above weights.

If you determine that the coin is as you described, it would be a discovery piece and be extremely valuable. You can have your coin authenticated by any of the third party grading services or the ANA. See them on the CoinSite Links page .

Name:        Stephanie J. Smith
Email Address:   ssmith4@lane.k12.or.us
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Question:        I have a 5-cm diameter silver-colored token that I can't find any information about. It has a raised image of Leonardo da Vinci's head and beard on the front. On the back, it is imprinted with raised letters "LEONARDO DA VINCI NEL V CENTENARIO XV-IV-MCMLII". There are also two leaf motifs; perhaps an oak branch to the left and perhaps an olive branch to the right of the writing. In very small print on the bottom it is imprinted with "LORIOLI". Although the token is silver-colored, the color is coming off in slight spots and scratches, with a darker color visible underneath. The thickness varies from 2.5 mm at the top to 4 mm at the bottom where his beard is. I would appreciate any information you could provide.

Your medal commemorates the 500 anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci and is dated April 15, 1952 (XV-IV-MCMLII). As it is usual for a designer to sign his work, "LORIOLI" was most likely the designer. Based on your description, this is a plated piece, most likely silver plated over copper or bronze.

Though I have no other information as to the issuer, though that might be imprinted on the medal (you might take a look at the edge), this type of piece is reminiscent of the typical, privately minted pieces sold in tourist shops all over Italy. These are collectable but their value depends on the issuer, quality of work and the condition of the piece. Estimated value: $3-$10.

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