The Coin Doc's Answers

Return to the Coin Doc's Answer Archive Menu

Email Address: zumerkz@piasanet.com
How did you find TCD: Newspaper or Magazine
Your Name: Kevin Zumbaum
Your Question: I have had an United States note(small currency), and am wondering what value it might have. It is a 1928 series note, it has an "A" at the end of the serial number in red. the serial number starts with an "I", it is in fairly good shape, and is signed by Clark(treasurer of the united states), and Snyder(secretary of the treasury). I understand that the mint destroyed the remaining notes so will this note go up in value significantly and what is it's value today Thank you

You don't mention what series letter, denomination or the grade but from the block letters you may have a 1928F $5 Red Seal (legal tender note). See the FAQ About Coins & Paper Money for more information about paper money types. Value: $8-$25 depending on condition (grade)

. I think you are confusing the 1966 $100 red seal with your 1928 note. The government contemplated destroying the $100 red seal since Legal tender notes are no longer required by law. I don't think that this was enacted. There was a idea floating around Congress to SELL the notes to collectors but I think that never got off the ground either.

In any case, all U.S. currency, at least from the $5 value and up will have been replaced with the post 1996 designs. Within two years none of the old notes will be obtainable from a bank. I think that all currency will rise in value as a collectible as paper money is eventually replaced by credit and debit cards or other forms of electronic money. This event will certainly increase the interest in collecting paper money of all kinds. Keep your note and get more!

Comments: Yet to find out its value to me.
Email Address: jerybee1@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: jery
Your Question: I have sealed £5 bag of 1966 uncirculated British pennies. Need to know current value for selling. In market to sell now.

There are 240 pence to a £, so you have 1,200 of these large heavy coins. Unfortunately, lots of these were saved by collectors and souvenir hunters. It was the next to last year in this series that had such an incredibly long history. The coin wasn't struck in 1968 or 1969 and the 1970 issue was only issued in proof sets. The country went decimal in 1971 making these historic coins obsolete.

The mintage for these last two years was quite large, more than 165 million pennies were minted and many were saved. The value is nominal but the fun quotient is high. They need to be kept in uncirculated condition for another couple of centuries before these beauties become someone's nest egg.

From: MONTYRN@aol.com
can you help me identify silver-toned coin bit smaller than quarter rider on horseback appears dressed in mail raised arm w/date 1557 at base of horse's feet. Writing I am able to discern..UNMONETAMAGNI.DUCAT. Back side is large bird, wings spread POMA- .D.XL.IGIS-UG.REX. Do you have any info on the origin from the writing? Thanks in advance.

Most likely the coin is from Pomerania (German State). They called the 4 pfennig pieces un moneta(Latin for coin). The "bird" is a griffin.

Comments: If the doctor can answer my questions I declare it to be a fabulous site.
Email Address: jgordon@gtn.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Lindsay
Your Question: What is Confoederatio Helvetica?
Is this 10 cent 1981 coin worth anything in London, Ontario Canada?

Confederatio Helvetica or Swiss Confederation is also known as Switzerland. The 10 Rappen coin that you have is 1/10th of a Swiss Franc. The foreign exchange value is about equal with a Canadian dime.

Comments: i'll soon find out.....
Email Address: cbache@online.no
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Calle
Your Question: Can you tell me what the english word for norwegian "myntbrev" is ? This a letter with coin and stamp. Look at http://home.sol.no/~cbache/myntbrev/NorskeMB.htm and you will see some examples. But in Norwegian only -- i'm Sorry.

You've answered your own question! "Mynt" =coin "brev"=mail

Comments: If you can give me any info on this I will think it is wonderful....
Email Address: jaykb@erols.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jay K Berman
Your Question: I am looking to find the worth if any of a collection of coins that where made at the Franklin Mint....the Bahamas 69 thru 74 coin set... proof and uncirculated...New Zealand 73 thru 75... would be happy to fax you this list thank you....

The sets wholesale at approximately $10 or so for the uncirculated sets and $15-$20 each for the proof sets. The New Zealand sets bring $3 or so for the Mint Sets and $5 to $20 for the Proof sets.

We try not to be a pricing tool but we like to be thought of as more informational and educational. Take these coins to a local coin show. You should receive prices close to the prices listed above.

Comments: first time looking up coins, but i will let you know
Email Address: dprgc@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: david p. rindt
Your Question: have a columbian half dollar commemorative coin. 1893 chicago worlds columbian exposition. was wondering if it had any value. thank you, dave

Yes, it is worth more than face value. Average pieces bring about $5. Circulated Columbian Exposition half dollars were made in 1892 and 1893 and both were sold as souvenirs for $1 at the exposition. The show opened a year late and that is why there are two dates for this coin. It seems that not very many were sold at the Fair. I guess many prospective buyers thought double face value was too high a price to pay. Years later, the remaining coins were released to U.S. banks at face value; that is the reason there are so many circulated examples. High Quality (MS65 or better) uncirculated specimens are scarce.

Comments: So far, I'm quite impressed. I like the easy search from Yahoo!!
Email Address: bmilhizer@home.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Brian
Your Question: I would like to know how much the following coins are worth: 1885 V (?) Nickel with 13 stars 1957 Canadian dime They both are in pretty good condition, but they need a good cleaning. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.

The 1957 Canada dime is essentially bullion (.0691troy oz silver) but the U.S. 1885 Liberty Nickel is the key date of the series and is worth in average circulated condition, Fine or so, about $300. I don't recommend cleaning coins. Circulated coins are expected to be dull. Below the grade EF40 there is no trace of luster remaining. Generally, cleaning a coin reduces its value substantially.

Email Address: NightLdy26@aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Rachel Downey
Your Question: I recently found a coin on one side it says "Liberte Egalite Fraternite" and has a big 10F, the other side has a big "RF" and a person with wings holding a torch, can you tell me what it is?

10 Francs from France. The Legends translates as Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. If you have a current 10 Fr, regular issue dated after 1987, it is about equal to US$1.60.

Comments: The site is intuitive, well organized, and packed with great information. I love it!
Email Address: jason_manson@hysoft.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jason Manson
Your Question: My mom brought over a Thomas Edison fifty year commemorative brass coin that my dad had saved. It is slightly larger than a quarter. Here are the details:

Obverse:
top: "Lights Golden Jubilee"
picture:
bottom: Thomas A Edison"

Reverse:
top: "Dedicated to better vision"
picture:
bottom: "1879 to 1929"
Any idea what this is, why it was minted, or what it's worth?
Thanks!

There seems to be quite a lot of medals honoring Thomas A. Edison in 1929. It seems the 50th year anniversary of the incandescent lamp didn't go unnoticed around the world. Edison was quite a prodigy inventor. He was responsible for more than 700 electrical inventions including the phonograph as well as the light bub.

I'm not familiar with this particular piece, but generally the small size ones go for around $25 or so. You might try looking at the edge to see the minter. Medallic Art Co. pieces from this era are popular.

I am familiar with a 1929 Argentine Medal that was minted for the same reason and shows up in auctions every once in a while. This is a large piece 71.3mm, that is almost 3 inches in diameter and is very artistic. It shows a bust of Edison facing half left and on the reverse, a nude female figure holding an electric light soaring above a nude male figure who has just dropped his torch. Quite a interesting and spectacular design. Value: about $150.

Email Address: rblack@digitalpilot.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Randy Black
Your Question: My father in-law found a 1851 $20 California Gold piece (not U.S. Mint). Can you help us locate a value for this coin?

Sounds like a Baldwin & Co. $20 gold. They were the first of the private issuers to mint the $20 gold denomination. California gold was emergency money and was a response to the lack of coinage that should have been supplied by the United States Government.(See other Coin Doc articles on California Gold).

This coin is extremely rare and it is almost incredulous to believe that a specimen could casually be "found" lying around. In any case, EF grade examples, which have evidence of light circulation or wear will bring between US$50,000-$60,000. Higher grade examples will bring far more. Note that many cast copies of this coin exist. These have no numismatic value. I suggest having the coin authenticated by the American Numismatic Association. See the Numismatic Links Page for their Internet address.

From: fish@sopris.net (Jim Boyles)
Dear Coin Doc,
In the summer of 63, I had a job where we received bags of coins from the mint,and we ran them thru a machine that counted and wrapped them. The machine jammed on a penny that had been mis-stamped. Most of the coin has no markings at all,but the stamp hit on the edge of the coin,causing it to be shaped like an 8. The markings are clear. What might this penny be worth ? Who would want it ?

There is a strong market for coin errors. I would think a mistruck copper cent the shape of the number "8" would bring quite a lot of interest. Estimate $100+.

Comments: No idea now
Email Address: germchim@bom3.vsnl.net.in
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Shahjahan Mohammad Ebrahim
Your Question: We are having around 2500 coins Indian origin, ruled by British Victoria/Edward/GeorgeV, VI/Williams. The coins are EFto VF to fine and some are Fair. We have Palestine coins of 1937 and portuguese coin of 18th century. We want to dispose our collection at one stake. Kindly guide us for the value of the 2500 coins,at your earliest.

You don't give me much to go on, like the denomination, dates or condition. It sounds more like an accumulation than a coin collection. Old don't necessarily make valuable, so stating that you have these coins is not enough to get anyone excited. If you think that they are rare dates or types, you'll have to spend the time to make an accurate inventory. Alternatively, you could hire a trained numismatist to produce a written appraisal. You could then use this document as a price guide.

I've seen many hoards like this where the coins are worth only a few cents each because they were common date, low-grade specimens. It is hard for many non-collectors to believe that coins 100 or 200 years old can sometimes be worth so little. Remember that these coins were money made of durable metal and no one throws money away. Collectors are looking for quality and rarity. The pursuit of these characteristics is all the fun and brings all the money.

Comments: Very interesting.
Email Address: nfitz@cancom.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Noel Fitzpatrick
Your Question: I have been given a crown sized silver coin.It is dated 1632 and is Swedish.The obverse has a likeness of Gustav Adolph who ruled until that year.The reverse has a coat of arms ,the date and an inscription which reads: princ:finland:DVX etho:et:cardoming. The obverse reads:Gustav Adolph:DG:Sveco:gotho:Vandalo:Rex.Mag.There is no denomination present,so I do not know if it is a coin or a medal.It is in vf or better condition.None of the books I have found had this item present .Any information would be appreciated.

Gustaf II Adolphus ruled Sweden from 1611-1632 but Sweden's geographical possessions were spread far and wide in Europe. You might check Erfurt (German State) that was under Swedish rule in 1632. Don't forget, these 18th century rulers were blood related or in a conspiracy of one kind or another to control as much of Europe as possible. The feudal system of pyramid loyalties was still going on. If you decipher the Latin legends it does give us a clue to where this coin might have been minted. None of the Swedish Crowns or Rixsdalers, dated 1632, show a shield on the reverse, only a figure of Christ. This indicates that the coin might have been minted somewhere else.

Princ. Finland Dvx Etho. et Cardom. Ing.- Prince of Finland, Duke of Estonia and Carelia, Lord in Ingermanland.
and the obverse.....
Gustav Adolph D.G. Sveco(rum) Gothor Vandalo(r) Rex Mag(nus) (Dux Find.) - Gustavus Adolphus the Great by the Grace of G-d designated king, prince, heir, King of Sweden Gotland, Vandalia, Grand Duke of Finland.

Maybe one of our readers can shed some more light on this mystery.......

Email Address: tah1@bryant.edu
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Taylor Henshall
Your Question: I have been told in the past that there is a rare penny from the early 1940's, when the government started making steel pennies to conserve metal for the war effort. I have a 1941 penny with an "S"...Is this penny rare?

The only year that steel cents were minted was 1943. These are extremely common. There are two rare error coins, a 1943 copper cent and a 1944 steel cent. These are well documented on this site in the FAQ and in other Coin Doc articles. The "S" simply is the mint mark for the San Francisco Mint.

From:RMASTERSON@worldnet.att.net (RICHARD MASTERSON)
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I HAVE A 1987 SILVER DOLLAR UNCIRCULATED, DOES IT HAVE ANY VALUE, IF SO WHAT WOULD THE VALUE BE. THANK YOU DICK MASTERSON

Yes, its silver bullion value (1 troy oz). These are called "Silver Eagles" and are minted by the United States Mint. They feature a walking Liberty design reminiscent of the old Walking Liberty half dollar. The 1987 version was minted in Philadelphia and 11,442,335 were made. There is also a proof edition with a "S" mint mark. A proof of this date brings about three times melt.

Comments: kewl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Email Address: snowman@ezonline.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: dan
Your Question: a friend found a coin as follows:
lady sitting on a shield looking back and holding an object, 13 stars, the letter T, and 1861 on the back is:
the words "confederate states of america", 7stars,7stripes, sheild, object on left(looks like) corn, object on right (L/L)cotton, and the letters "dol." This was found on an old R/R bed in Southcentral PA, between Gettysburg and Carlisle. The rail line was used as a connection from Gettysburg to the outscurts of Carlisle. Any info would be more than welcome and honored, thanks!

Only 4 Confederate States half dollars were minted. The minter used a obverse die from the Northern Seated Liberty design left over in the New Orleans Mint when the United States split into two entities and a new reverse designed by B.F. Taylor. In fact, this was the ONLY coin struck in the South during the tenure of the Confederate States of America.

There are "restrikes" of the CSA half made from regular 1861 half dollars with the reverse planned off and restamped with the Confederate die. There is also a token issue made by J.W. Scott and Company with a "Scott" obverse and the Confederate reverse. There also exists modern brass reproductions.

The restrikes number only 500 and bring from US$1000-$3,500. The Scott Tokens bring approximately $300+. The modern reproductions have no numismatic value.

Email Address: cpyle@olg.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Carol Pyle
Your Question: I have a coin a 1926 sesquil. On one side it has the liberty bell with 1776-1926 on one side,on the other side is a ship with Treasure Island Doubloon printed on it. I have tried to locate information on it in many books via the library but I have been unable to locate any information on this coin. Any information including it's value would be appreciated.

What you have is a Mardi Gras token. These tokens, usually minted in brass, aluminum or white metal are tossed off the floats to parade viewers during the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Each float crew have their own token design, sometimes borrowed from real coins. In this case, the Liberty Bell design was borrowed from the 1926 United States Commemorative half dollar, Sesquicentennial of American Independence.

Note if your token is minted in silver, it is one of the presentation pieces awarded to each of the crew on that particular float. The crew works all year to build the float that will be in the following year's parade.

Email Address: jbary231@usaor.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jo-Ann Bary
Your Question: I have the following ONE CENT COIN. WHAT COUNTRY IS IT FROM?? AND IS IT WORTH ANYTHING ??? 1943 One Center Nederlanden Der Koningrljk Thank you

The coin is from The Netherlands and was minted in the U.S. for the exile government during WW II. It may also be one of the coins used in Surinam or Curacao, these have a palm tree symbol. The Netherlands issue shows an acorn. Both versions show a Mint Mark (P=Philadelphia S=San Francisco or D=Denver) next to the date.

Email Address: rex@router.proxima.kherson.ua
How did you find TCD: Dealer or Friend's Recommendation
Your Name: Elena
Your Question: Dear Sir!
 I want to sell the unique collection of ancient coins Greek polis Olbio (7 BC-3 AC )- 304 pices. Were I can find information for real price of such collection? Thank you for help.

I think you mean Olbia in the North-West Black Sea region. They issued silver and bronze coins mostly from third to the first centuries BC. They usually show the head of Demeter and a sea-eagle carrying a Dolphin on the silver coins and the bearded head of the local river god, Borysthenes. There is also an unusual series of pieces that are cast, not minted, in bronze and show Athena or a Gorgan head with a wheel on the reverse or a similar sea eagle as on the silver coin issues. There is a disagreement between researchers on exactly when these coins were made but most agree on the above date range. Near Olbia was Tomi, the place of exile of the famous Roman poet Ovid.

Such a collection might do well in an ancient coin auction. There are several well known houses in the U.S. You might try contacting the following:
Sotheby's
1334 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 606-7000

Classical Numismatic Group
P.O. Box 245
Quarryville, PA 17566-0245
(717) 786-4013

Coin Galleries (Stack's)
123 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-5955

Comments: Very nice. Would be helpful if grouped by question type, foreign coins, paper money, etc.
Email Address: rgbeam@ctc.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: RG Beam
Your Question: I was looking through some change and ran across a 1997P Jefferson nickel with what appears to be die damage on the reverse. Over the top of Monticello and to the right of the dome, it looks as if a "flame or smoke" is coming from the roof. It also has what appears to a die fracture running from the right most column down across the steps and across the C, I and T in Monticello. Both of these areas are raised which leads me to believe that it is a result of die damage. I have looked at other 1997P nickels and they do not have the damage. Has anyone else observed this? If so, does it have any potential collector value?

When a die gets close to the end of its useful life it can sometimes crack. Subsequent coins struck from this die will show an irregular raised line reflecting the die crack. If the crack gets large enough, a piece of metal can fall out of the die. The result is a raised blob of metal on the resulting coin called a cud, possibly the cause of your "flame or smoke" that you mentioned above. Obvious cracks and cuds are collectable and do bring a premium in the numismatic market.

Email Address: mceller@engin.umich.edu
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: mark celler
Your Question: I have a coin from ceylon. On one side there is an elephant with the date under it 1802. On the other side there is the number 192. I was wondering if this coin was worth anything considering the country does not exist as ceylon now.

One of my favorite coins (I love elephants). This is a one year issue as a business strike though there are proofs and gilt proof of this date and 1804. The 192 stands for 1/192 Rixdollar. Value for regular issues U$2 to US$50 for VG to XF examples. Uncirculated business strikes are rare and bring far more.

Comments: I've been looking for it.
Email Address: egdon@erols.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: egdon
Your Question: I have a coin which I am having some trouble identifying. It is a copper coin, about 1-1/8" in diameter with a smooth edge but a ridged ring around the outside of both face and back. In the center on the front[?] is a shield decorated with a diagonal stripe and two rearing lions [or dogs - you know the kind]. The shield is flanked by two 'cherub' figures and is topped by a 'crown', with vines curling around it. The inscription around the edge reads 'F BESSON. ES[ER] A[I].C[RI].D.G[RES].CAP[NF].DER[ER].VNIQ.ENS.EIG.D.C.S.DV.ROY'. The letters in parentheses are superscripted. The back is a little more worn, but seems to be an oil lamp with a glowing flame at the spout. This side reads: EN SERVANT LES AVTRESIEME CONSVMME [DF], and is dated 1673. The denomination is not obvious, so perhaps it is a token or medal of some sort. Do you know anything about this coin? Please e-mail me if you do - thanks!

Seems like a store card for a restaurant owned by F Besson. Store cards were used then like business cards are used today. They were usually minted in brass or copper. It's hard to estimate value for this piece, but similar English token are worth $25 and up. Maybe one of our readers knows this piece.

Comments: Cool. If i ever decide to collect, i'll be back.
Email Address: hamlet@together.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: MJJ
Your Question: Please explain the image that appears on the back (tails side) of an ordinary dime. it's driving me crazy. What are the plants/flowers? why are they there? what is the significance of the torch? Thanks.

The Roosevelt dime's reverse was an evolution of the Winged Liberty Cap dime (commonly called the Mercury dime). The Mercury dime design was created just before the United State's entry into WW I. The reverse design shows the Roman fasces which consists of an executioners axe bound to a bundle or rods or sticks. The symbol represented the power of life or death and was a strong, belligerent statement very much like "Don't tread on me" or "beware enemies of Liberty".

In Ancient Roman times it represented the power to kill mercifully by the axe or slowly and painfully by the rods. Unfortunately, the faces symbol also became the symbol of the Italian Fascists, The Blackshirts, in the 1920's. Americans seemed to have missed this association and the Mercury dime stayed unchanged until 1945.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away, he was commemorated on the dime and his bust replaced the Winged Liberty motif. It was also an opportunity to eliminate the faces in favor of a Liberty Torch with the bundle of rods making up the base. The vegetation is an olive branch representing peace.

Email Address: jfout60@westark.edu.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: jake fout
Your Question: I have a 1943 italian 20 lere piece with mussolini on the front of it. I was wondering how much it is worth.

There are no coins with portraits of Mussolini nor is there a 1943 20 Lire. Though the fascists had seized power in the 1920's, Vittoria Emanuele III (1900-1946) was still a figure head king and it is his portrait that is on these coins.

You may be thinking of the 1923 20 Lire. This coin shows Vittoria Emanuele facing left , 20 Lire and the Roman faces on the reverse (see the previous article). The coin commemorated the 1st Anniversary of the Fascist government. Value: $100 to $500 depending on grade.

Comments: So far, so good!
Email Address: lambertl@tcd.ie
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: lisa lambert
Your Question: I have recently inherited 2, solid gold 20 FF Napoleons, dated 1859. Any idea of the value and/or rarity?

French gold 20 Francs of this era were essentially trade units and were minted in vast numbers. Today they are bullion items and trade at approximately their gold value. Each coin contains .1867 troy ounces of gold. If you multiply this decimal against the current gold price you will get the approximate US$ value.

Comments: Nice site.
Email Address: agraham@panama.c-com.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: A. Graham
Your Question: Doctor, I would like to know the value of the Ferdinand and Isabella 1,2,and 4 real Spanish coins in fine condition. My library does not have any current information on these medieval coins. Thanks for your help.

You don't mention the mint marks (muy importante) or the specific type but here is an approximate range in average circulated condition:

• 4 Reales-note some 4 reales were actually struck under Carlos I, though they say "Los Reyes Católicos" in the Legend. Values: US$350.-US$4,000.
• 2 Reales-US$100.-US$200.
• 1 Reales-$60.-$1,000.

Comments: Very Useful.
Email Address: wolfes4@erols.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Janet
Your Question: I recently acquired a 1928 $10.00 Gold Certificate. I don't know anything about Gold Certificates. Could you please explain the significance of this bill and what a VF/XF graded certificate is worth?
Thanks, Janet

All paper money has an obligation, that is how the note can be redeemed. A long time ago, the United States was on a bi-metal system and paper money was a receipt for bullion in the form of gold or silver coins. Gold Certificates were receipts and could be redeemed on demand for its face value in gold. Your $10 gold certificate would have gotten you a $10 gold piece, or two $5 gold coins etc on demand at your local bank.

Alas, those days are gone but the paper money is collectable. For example an uncirculated $10 gold certificate is still worth more than $10 to a collector. Value: $40-$60.

Comments: if you answer my question, I'll think it is wonderful.
Email Address: sunny@lightspeed.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: jan
Your Question: I have a 1857 canadian 1/2 penny/token. how much is it worth?

Your probably have a Bank of Upper Canada Token. These were minted in Penny and 1/2 penny denominations. The Bank of Upper Canada was given the right to make these copper coins during the civil unrest in Montreal in 1849. They are dated from 1850-1857 and show St. George slaying a dragon with the date below on the obverse and a crown, anchor and cornucopia on the reverse.

They are very plentiful and most bring approximately US$1.

Email Address: kc10flteng@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Bob Barrett
Your Question: During a recent trip overseas, I purchased a coin at an antique shop that I can not find any info on. Please help me. It is a silver dollar with an Indian head on the front with the word "LIBERTY" on its head dress. Around the outside of the coin is "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". On the back once again it says "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in the center is a wreath with "1 DOLLAR" and "1851" in the center of it. The edge of the coin in serrated. If anyone can help me please let me know. Thank You Bob Barrett

There is no U.S. coin as you have described. My guess it is a reengraved coin, that is a coin with some of the design planed off and new elements added by hand. A good candidate for this concoction is the1952 Dominican Republic one peso. It has the Indian motif with "Libertad" on the head band. There is a wreath on the reverse and if you planned off the center, you could engrave the legend you mention above. The coin is also the same size as a U.S. silver dollar.

Email Address: kenevans@inreach.com
How did you find TCD: Dealer or Friend's Recommendation
Your Name: Ken Evans
Your Question: I have come across some coins dated 1990 nice little plastic holder from the (USSR) Leningrad mint with 9 coins 10-15-20-50 KONEEK-( 1 PY__b) --1-2-3-5 KOIIENKH my ? is are thay the last coins from the USSR as it used to be? what are thay made of & there value.
You have a 1990 Russian Mint set. This set has an example of all the circulating coins of that year. The denominations are Kopeks and Rubles. Value: about $5.

Comments: I already learned a lot about the coins I found from some of the archived questions.
Email Address: cronenorth@earthlink.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Judith Favia Your Question: I am trying to assess my father's estate, and I have found coins that he obviously believed were valuable, including some mint sets, and lots of the 90% silver coins. What is the best way to find someone reputable to appraise them for me? Thanks for the help! Judith

From your description, it doesn't appear that you have any major rarities but if you have a considerable amount of this type of material, I suggest that you have an appraisal done by a trained numismatist. This person should not be the one that ultimately buys the coins. The appraisal will give you a close idea what the material is actually worth in the real market. Use the appraisal as a guide for value when you sell. An accurate appraisal should be within 10% + or - of the appraised value.

Email Address: ardenmann@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Mark Mann
Your Question: My aunt was going through some of her late husband's papers, and found a book from the post civil war period on the Michigan 3rd Cavalry, privately published, which listed all the members of the unit (including my uncle's grandfather)...pressed between the pages was a CSA $10.00 bill, 1864, Richmond, signed by Treasurer Allen ( I think), nearly perfect condition ( it had been in that book since the War. She asked me to find out it's worth, if any...could you help me with a ball park figure? She's pretty excited, but I told her not to get her hopes up too high. any help would be greatly appreciated...cheers, mark mann

I think the book is worth far more than the CSA $10. Uncirculated examples of this type, less than $50.

Comments: Great.
Email Address: jkeith@pen.k12.va.us
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jackie Keith
Your Question: I have a student with a coin that looks like a Peace silver dollar-- but there is no date. Instead of "In God We Trust" it has the silver content listed. What is this coin? Any ideas? We've check our local books in the middle school library.

It certainly isn't a Peace Dollar or any issue of the United States Mint. This is a private issue bullion item and as such, is valued for its metal content only. There is a whole slew of these kinds of bullion "rounds" with coin like designs. The hope of the maker, is that a consumer will be enamored with the design and be willing to pay an additional premium to acquire it. When resold these bullion items still only bring close to the silver value.

Comments: It seemed very interesting to a rookie.
Email Address: bullyfru@orc.ca
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Joe Mac Neil
Your Question: I have an old coin I know nothing about and would like a little information, if possible. The coin I have is a 1732 SILVER PILLAR DOLLAR (piece of eight). On the front of the coin it has the words VTRAQUE VNUM. This coin is in great shape and I'm curious about value and history. Also on the back of the coin it reads; PIASTRE AUX COLONNES D'HERCULE (PESO).

The Spanish Pillar dollar ( 8 reales) was the successor to the crude irregular cob coinage that was typical of the output of the Spanish Colonial Mints. The coin was struck on a coin press with the flan held in place with a collar that also created the ornate security edge. The first year of issue of this famous coin was at the Mexico City Mint in 1732. Pillar dollars of that date are extremely rare and bring quite a great deal of excitement when they are offered for sale.

The item you describe above is a modern copy of that famous coin probably made privately for some commercial purpose. The French inscription gives it away (it translates as "Pillars of Hercules dollar" and refers to the design on the original coin that shows this device. It was a powerful image and symbolized exploration of the great unknown). See another reference to this medal on this answer page

Comments: Great site!
Email Address: arossite@io.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Bruce Rossiter
Your Question: Hi! The Krause World Coin book lists Canadian dimes and quarters in 1967 as being minted in two types; 50% and 80% silver, and in 1968 as two types; 50% silver and 100% nickel. Unfortunately, it does not mention how to tell them apart! Any clues for those of us who have some from these years? Thanks!

Many years ago, I worked for a firm that wanted to make face value bags of Canadian coins. There is no visible way to tell, as the dies are identical and the alloy has the same appearance in both silver finenesses. The answer was to do a Specific Gravity test on each coin individually. This test is a ratio of dry weight to the coin's weight in water (Remember the story of Archimedes?). I'm sure that it wasn't cost effective (It seems that you could just assay a large number of them and get the net silver content that way).

Comments: It pleased me very much to find a question and answer section. It will help me conclude my essay.
Email Address: Bluestreaks@shaw.wave.ca
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Terra Louie
Your Question: How much was one shilling worth compared to half a crown in Britain during the 1800's?

The British monetary system was based on a archaic system loosely based on the Ancient Roman money system. It was introduced to the Britons during the Roman's long occupation of those isles. The system had has its base the penny that corresponded to the Ancient Roman silver denarius. In early Briton, only a few denominations of gold and silver existed but the many denominations and combinations of pounds, shillings and pennies became solidified just after the middle ages. The 19th century British coinage system worked like this:
The copper farthing was the smallest denomination and the gold Guinea the largest

• 2 farthings=half pence
• 2 half pence=pence
• 3 pence = threepence
• 4 pence=groat
• 2 threepence=sixpence
• 2 sixpence=shilling
• 2 shillings=florin
• 2 1/2 shillings=half crown
• 5 shillings=crown
• 4 crowns=pound
• 4 crowns, 1 shilling=Guinea

Note that with so many denominations prices were only quoted in pounds, shillings and pence. For example an item costing 2 pounds, 4 shillings, 3 pence was quoted as: 2L/4s/3d (The "d" corresponded to "denarius") or an item costing 4 shillings, 6 pence would be expressed as: -/4s/6d.

Fortunately for all of us, Great Britain decimalized in 1970. At that point, the shilling translated as 5 pence with 100 pence=1L.

Comments: I think the coin doctor is very helpful.
Email Address: jason_pouliot@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Jason Pouliot
Your Question: I have some very old coins that I found and I don't know very much about them. One of them reads "Continental Curency" and is dated 1776. It then has a circle with the word "Fugio." Also inside the the circle is a sun shining onto something. Underneath that it appears to "mind your business". On the reverse side there are thirteen circles linked together and inside a inner circle it says "We are one." Anything you can tell me about this coin is greatly appreciated.

This coin is best described as a proposal or pattern for a future U.S. dollar. All examples are dated 1776. The obverse shows a sundial and the word Fugio, Intending to refer to the expression "time flies", the reverse was suggested by Benjamin Franklin and shows a link design with the names of the thirteen original colonies. There is evidence that that some of these patterns actually circulated. They were minted in silver, pewter and brass with more than one spelling of the word "Currency". The obverse shows EG FECIT (EG made this); the EG traditionally is associated with the engraver Elisha Gallaudet.

Original Continental Dollars are very rare and can bring thousands of dollars at auction or private sale. Note that copies were struck in several different metals as souvenirs of the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 as well as from restrikes from copied dies in 1961. I've also seen museum copies but they usually are labeled "copy" or "replica" as required by current law. I suggest you show your coin to a trained numismatist or contact the American Numismatic Association (See the Numismatic Links page) to use their authentication service.