The Coin Doc's Answers

Return to the Coin Doc's Answer Archive Menu

Comments: Very good.
Email Address: eddy_rc@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Eddy
Your Question: I have some Spanish silver coins from 1535- First Spanish coins to be minted in the New World for the Spanish Crown - Juana & Philip.
I think they are referred to as Cobs.
Do you know anything more specific about them?
How much are they worth today?
Many thanks

The Mexico City Mint was the first Spanish Colonial mint in the New World and was established in 1535. The first coins were struck in 1536. The term cob refers to the crude method of minting which resulted in uneven, less than round coins. The coins from this era were struck under the Spanish rulers Juana y Carlos. You don't mention which denomination, but only 4, 2, 1 and 1/2 reales in silver were struck at the Mexico City Mint in this era (The first Mexico 8 reales wasn't minted until 1573).

Coins from this era are almost oval in shape, show the pillars of Hercules with a "4" between (4 Reales), 2 pellets (2 reales), no pellets (1 real). Each of these denominations shows the Spanish Shield with Castles and Lions. The 1/2 real replaces the shield with a crown.

Based on your description the Mint Mark should be Mexico City (M on the earliest coinage and Large M with a small 'o' above later). The mint mark was placed to the left of the shield or the crown. There are also assayer marks, mostly single initials, that reflect the person in charge of minting the coins. Cobs are collected by denomination, Ruler, era, mint-mark, assayer and condition. Examples of these early silver coins can bring from $50-$2,500 depending on the above factors.

Comments: It is pretty interesting - we have just got on the internet.
Email Address: pgreen@bconnex.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: pgreen
Your Question: We found some old coins, most say 10 or 20 coronae from 1905, 1909, 1911, 1848/1908. And another one - 20 mark deutsches reich 1895. Could you please tell us where these are from and what is their present value?

The 20th Century 10 and 20 Corona are from Austria and are gold coins. They were trade units and were minted in large numbers. Except for some exceptions, they are essentially bullion related items.

• 10 Corona=.0980 oz pure gold content
• 20 Corona=.1960 oz pure gold content

You don't say which is which, but if you have a 1909 20 Corona, that would be quite valuable. It is worth somewhere between $400-$2000 depending on condition. The 1911 20 Corona is also scarce and brings $100+. There is no 1848 Austria 10 or 20 Corona but there are similar coins called Ducats with this date (.1106 oz pure gold)

The 1895 German (Actually Prussia) 20 Mark (.2304 oz) is another example of a high mintage trade unit. If you want to figure out the base value for these coins, simply multiply the decimals above against the world price of gold in dollars.

Comments:
Email Address: tjpeaco@ibm.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Tommy Peacock
Your Question: I need to know the price on a 1858 fine flying eagle one cent piece.

There are three varieties of this coin that are important to collectors:

1. 1858 Large Letters - The Letters A and M in AMERICA on the obverse, are connected at their base. Value in the grade Fine - less than $25.
2. 1858 Small Letters - the letters A and M in AMERICA are clearly separated. Value in the grade Fine - less than $25.
3. 1858 , 8 over 7 - From a 1857 die. The "7" was polished off the die but the top is still visible over the top right of the "8". Value in the grade Fine about $80.

Email Address: dawn@tgi.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Dawn
Your Question: I found a 1943 dime in my purse. I think it's silver
(at least thats what I was told. does it have a value?
Any info would be helpful.
Thank You

The United States minted 90% silver coins through 1964. Billions of these coins still exist, especially in average circulated condition. They became a way of trading silver when the silver price went crazy in the late 1970's. They are still sold in $1,000 face value bags as an alternative to silver bars. Therefore, your circulated 1943 silver dime (.07234 oz pure silver), is worth about approximately 30 cents (at about $5 silver), not a treasure but still 3 times the value of copper-nickel dime.

From: keslinke@chicagonet.net (Jim Keslinke)
Several years ago I found a 1928 $2.50 gold indian head coin mounted in a gold ring. I never had it appraised and gave it to my mom for safe keeping. What is the coin worth today. Jim Keslinke

Since grade is everything to the numismatic collector, coins used in jewelry are considered damaged goods and trade at a small premium above the gold content (.12094 oz pure gold).

Comments: Lookin' gooo-oood!
Email Address: sgm31@student.canterbury.ac.nz
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Vince MacDonald
Your Question: I need to find a reliable dealer who buys current circulating major currency coins at a reasonable percentage of spot exchange. I live in New Zealand and we have no such service. HELP!
Vince

In most countries today, coins are tokens and not considered legal tender. That's a complete flip from the old system where precious metal coins was the money and currency was a receipt for coins deposited in an official institution.

Today, base metal coins are only redeemable in the country of origin and even then there can be problems. Many banks don't want the hassle or work of having to count, or if the coins are already rolled, verify, each roll. You'll have to have bank accounts in many countries to redeem large amounts of coins. If you do, you can redeem the coins for the full face value.

There are people that do just that. Because of the weight and labor factor they buy the coins at a steep discount, usually 50% of face or less. They deliver the coins personally to the countries of origin. Also, "foreign currency coin traders" usually are only interested in high denomination coins. They would not accept, British pennies or US cents for trade. The weight factor alone makes handling low denomination coins too expensive. My suggestions is to call the foreign currency exchange dealers in your area and find out who is performing this service. These coin traders may only show up when they are delivering coins to banks in your area.

Comments: i think it is OK for now, this is my first time at this site.
Email Address: jrs71569@netscape.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Jim Schuette
Your Question: what is the approx value of a 1943 liberty head dime? it is in good condition with a couple tiny scratches on the head side. it also has a W on the head side just a little above the year stamp.
also what would be the approx value of a 1909 penny that has VDB on the back side and an S above the year. these were given to me when i was born by my great grandfather in 1969. i have five of these and i have no clue as to what they are worth.
could you please help me?????????
thanks

The dime is a silver item, (see an answer above re:1943 dime). The "W" you mentioned initials of the designer, Adolph A. Weinman.

The 1909-S Lincoln cent is a rare coin. Genuine examples bring $300 and up depending on grade. However, you might have a problem. The "S" mint mark is only located BELOW the date on genuine examples.

Email Address: normik@worldnet.att.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Ron
Your Question: I read that a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is priced at 500,000.00. What would a 1910 Liberty Head Nickel in near mint condition be priced at? Please respond.

The Eliasberg specimen of the 1913 Liberty Nickel brought $1,485,000 at auction. The 1913 Liberty Nickel is a special case. There are only five know specimens of this surreptitious issue that was minted with a date a year after the series ended. Only Buffalo Nickels were officially minted in 1913.

The 1910 Liberty Nickel was a regular issue coin, more than 30 million were struck. They are easily obtainable in all grades including mint state. AU examples are worth $20 or so.

Email Address: chuckie-cheese@worldnet.att.net
Your Name: Charles hicks
Your Question: I have an 1853 penny and I want to know how much it is worth. Can you help me?

I'm assuming that you are asking about a 1853 US Large Cent. Depending on grade and variety, the value ranges from approximately $3 to $500.

This is a popular date to collect by variety. In this era, many of the design elements were struck into the die by hand. The result was that each die was slightly different. There are thirty-three different die varieties of this date. (See the book "United States Copper Cents" by Howard R. Newcomb, Sanford J. Durst Numismatic Publications, New York, N.Y.

mail Address: c.induni@gte.net
Your Name: cynthia
Your Question: I have two coins and I would like to know their approximate value. The first is a 1975 gibraltar uncirculated gold L100 coin. It has Queen Eliz II on the front and a castle on the back. The second is a gold coin with Queen Eliz II on the front with 1971 and on the back it says Mauritius Independence 200 rupees. Thank you.

The 1975 Gibraltar £100 is a low mintage coin commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Introduction of British Sterling to the Island. Only 1,625 coins were minted. Unfortunately, at the moment, there are more coins than collectors for this very attractive modern piece. It has a high gold content, .9170 oz of pure gold and should bring at least a 10% premium over that.

The 1971 Mauritius Independence commemorative is also a low mintage coin, 2,500 minted, but it too brings only a 10-15% premium over gold (.4587). Both of the above coins are beautiful and well designed. Hold on to them, they are sure to be worth more in the future.

Comments: Pretty good so far, if the Doc's got the answer to my question I'll have a better rating. ; )
Email Address: ImaCoolgi@aol.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Chris
Your Question: I have a coin the size of a half dollar. On the front it says One Penny and the date is 1949. On the back side there is a mans head and it says GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX:FIDEI DEF. My questions is, what is this?????? And although I don't care about it's value I'm wondering what it is worth also.

You have a Great Britain Bronze Penny. George VI is on the Obverse and Britannia, seated on a rock, holding a shield and trident is on the reverse. The legend is the standard Latin formula and translates as "George VI by the grace of G-d King of all the Britons and defender of the faith". Though it is a common coin in the numismatic market, this large attractive coin spells fun! Enjoy.

Comments: A very informative site for the veteran and rookie collectors alike.
Email Address: agnanta@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Nanta
Your Question: Hi Doctor,I have 2 coins I would like information on please. One is a 1873 Trade Dollar in fine condition and the other is a 1900 $20 gold. I wonder what they are worth now...?
Thank you for any answer you may be able to give.

Sincerely,

Nanta

The 1873 Philadelphia U.S. Trade Dollar was the first of its kind. The coin was made to compete with other coins that were circulating in the Orient during this era. It lost out badly to the British Trade Dollar and the series only was in useful production for a few years. Average circulated coins trade between $60 and $200 depending on grade.

The 1900 Philadelphia $20 Liberty brings about 5% over gold content in average circulated grades(gold content .9675 oz pure gold) and a great deal more in any high uncirculated grade.

The emphasis of this column is not so much to price coins as to share information about them. Also, market prices can vary greatly from grade to grade. Other factors come in to play as well. Patina and strike are also important as well as the mint mark. To give you an example, a certain coin in the grade Good, which is a coin with little detail remaining might price at $18 in the market. The same coin in pristine uncirculated condition, lets say MS65, with all the important features struck up might price at $20,000. Not all coins have this extreme range but many do.

Email Address: terrynydia@muhlon.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Terry Markwell
Your Question: Is the Lincoln Memorial Penny worth collecting? If so, what years should I collect? What year did they take most of
the copper out of the penny? I've got about $100 dollars worth and I've been thinking about turning them into the
bank. Please, reply

To complete a set of Lincoln memorials, in any decent grade, is quite an accomplishment. There are many scarce or rare dates in this series, especially before 1934. Lincoln cent collecting is a noble and well respected area of U.S. coin collecting. I would recommend the following book:
The Standard Guide To The Lincoln Cent by Sol Taylor, Ph. D. P.O. Box 5465 N. Hollywood, CA 91616
You may be able to get a copy at your local coin shop or book store.

The Lincoln cent was minted in steel with a zinc coating in 1943 to free up copper for the war. Since 1982, the crossover year when both types were struck, cents have been minted in Zinc with a copper plating.

Talk to someone at your bank about redeeming $100 worth of cents. Find out how they want the coin prepared. If you just walk in with 200 rolls of cents, they may just refuse to redeem them. Banks have no obligation to convert coins to paper money.

Comments: Absolutely informative and can be enjoyed by everyone interested in numismatics.
Email Address: pckilala@uni-wide.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Paul C. Kilala
Your Question: I have purchased the 1998 Blackbook Price Guide to World Coins. In the Philippines section, the Isabel II 50 centavos coin was priced at US$300 for an average fine condition. I have an Isabel II coin worth 50 centimos with the inscription ISABEL 2A POR LA G. DE DIOS Y LA CONST 1868. Would you know the inscription in the reverse side of the coin that the Blackbook is referring to in order for me to confirm if I have the same coin? Is it really worth US$300?
Thank you very much for your time.

Only if it is dated 1866 or 1867. The 1868 is fairly common in circulated grades. The legends on the obverse and reverse are the same from 1865-1868.

Email Address: phipp002@mc.duke.edu
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Sue Phipps
Your Question: In the mid-80's my father purchased some coins from a company in Minneapolis called 'Security Rare Coin and Bullion Corp'.

Do you have any knowledge of this company and how to reach them? The phone # on the invoice seems to be out of date (612-593-0533)

The coins he purchased were:

1 Silver Dollar Roll - 1881 -S - Uncirculated (20 coin roll)
1 Silver Dollar Roll - 1904 - O Uncirculated (20 coin roll)
1 Roll 1884 -O Morgan Silver Dollars Premium Grade Uncirculated. (Grade MS63)

I don't have any current information about that company but I can tell you that the dates of these coins are common. That means when you find Morgan Dollars, those dates show up first.

The actual quality of the coins would determine the value. Uncirculated coins of these dates can bring anywhere from $15 to $75 dollars each for coins that grade from MS60-65. Hire a trained numismatist to give you a written appraisal. You can then know what a fair price would be when you sell the coins in the market.

Email Address: guilref@uhls.lib.ny.us
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: mbpreller
Your Question: Can you help identify the origin of a particular coin?
It's got Arabic writing on it, has the symbol of an ear
of corn on one side, and a coat of arms with two lions
on the other. We're unable to determine where it's from.
Thanks for your help!

Though Morocco comes to mind with a two lion motif surrounding a crowned shield over a 5 pointed star, I don't remember a coin with a ear of corn. There were F.A.O. issues that were commemorative of World Food Production that were issued by many countries but I don't remember one as you have described. A photo would help as the Arabic inscription would show the denomination and the Mint Mark.

Comments: very well presented, and usable, its just a shame that british sites are not as available!
Email Address: neilwebb@thedirectorscut.u-net.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: neil webb
Your Question: Please can you help me to find a British site to help me.
A neighbour recently died and asked for us to execute their will, we have come across coronation coins for the last three british king and queens and need somebody to assist in appraisal of the items. In order to settle the estate!
There are many quality coin dealers in London. You can try any of the following:

Lobel's Colin Narbeth
Box 198, 45 Gt. Russel Street
London WC1B 3PA

Philip Cohen
20 Cecil Court
London WC2N 4HE

Spink & Son Ltd.
King Street,St.James's
London SW1

Tell them that the Coin Doc sent you....

Comments: I'll think it's great if you answer my question!
Email Address: lamaya@acadia.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Lauren Bustard
Your Question: I have a 1926 silver coin from either Vietnam or Cambodia. It says Republique Francaise on the front with date and a picture of France's version of the statue of liberty. On the back it says Indo-Chine Francaise, then Piastre de Commerce, then Titre 0900 Poids 27 GR with a garland or wreath of some sort. Do you have any idea where this is from and what it's value may be? Thanks! Lauren

The coin is a one Piastre (100 cents=1 Piastre)of French Indo-China. Neither Vietnam or Cambodia existed as separate political entities during this period. The terms Titre 0900 Poids 27 gr refers to the fact that the coin is .900 fine silver and weighs 27 grams. The coin is not particularly rare in circulated condition and undamaged average circulated pieces dated 1926 bring $8-$10.

Comments: looks like a great place for people with no experience to get some help.
Email Address: m.frazier@umassp.edu
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Mike Frazier
Your Question: i have some coin/token/medallions that i would like to know if people collect.
1. a copper coin slightly larger than a quarter: front side inscription 'NOVA CAESAREA' with what appears to be a horse head
near the center. Reverse inscription 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' with a shield in the center with horizontal
lines on the top and vertical lines on the bottom. Date appears to be 1780 something.

2. a peeny sized copper token : front side top inscription 'Time is money', bottom inscription 'EXIGENCY',
horse and rider in the center with a date of 1863. Reverse inscription on the top 'MUSSEY'S SPECIAL
MESSAGE' and 50 Williams St New York in the middle.

3. A gold medallion from the American Institute dated 1856 (scratched inscription on the back to an ancestor for
'best blackberry wine'.

4. large silver medallion as above with revers inscription for 'best local wine'.

The Nova Caesarea is a New Jersey copper issued 1786 and 1787 and is State coinage minted before the United States Government built a Mint in Philadelphia. U.S. coinage didn't officially begin until 1793. The obverse shows a horse's head with a plow and the legend NOVA CAESAREA, which represented New Jersey. The reverse shows a United States Shield and the legend E PLURIBUS UNUM (one composed of many). There are lots of varieties but values can be from about $35 several $1000 dollars depending on the state of preservation, the variety and the date. Contact the American Numismatic Association,see the Numismatic Links Page, for information on attribution and certification.

Your second piece is a "store card" used as a cent during the coin shortage in the North during the civil war. There are many civil war tokens, many with advertising messages. Values:$5 and up.

The other pieces you mention are private medals. Though I'm not familiar with the "American Institute", gold presentation medals from this era are generally rare and quite valuable.

Comments: Well, he never claimed to be a linguist... :)
Email Address: fstgm1@aurora.uaf.edu
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Tristan Miller
Your Question: This is actually not a question, rather, I just wanted to point out an error that I noticed in one of your answers. In archive 3, there is a question about some old Reichmark coins that included the inscription "Gemeinnutz geht vor eigennutz", which you attempted to translate: "The inscription is kind of a pun and is a derogatory expression saying something like 'vile or base individuals go before self-interest (of the country?). Sorry, my German is a bit rusty.'"
Rusty indeed :) It actually means "the common good comes before self-interest".

Thanks to Tristan Miller for the help and the correction.

Email Address: brendon@indart.globalnet.co.uk
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Brendon Burns
Your Question: Historically - when did people start to collect/ or pay for old coins?

People have been collecting coins since coins were invented (c.700BC). Some hoards of Ancient Roman coins, at first were thought to be accumulations of money but under closer inspection consisted of coin types of various eras. These were actually coin collections. Even in Ancient Rome, Greek coins could have been hundreds of years old.

The source of these 'collectibles' could have been the money changers, that prowled the waterfronts and municipal buildings of Rome and its provinces performing the service of changing "foreign" coins to the familiar Roman ones. These people who performed foreign exchange services, would often trade for old coins (it was the weight of precious metal that was important for money) and then offer these "curiosities" to interested collectors. I guess that they were the first coin dealers. The Ancient Greek coins often exhibited exquisite designs and carefully minted and preserved pieces would certainly have drawn interest.

Comments: Very informative.
Email Address: nfitz@cancom.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Noel Fitzpatrick
Your Question: I sent you a question some time ago about a large silver coin that I thought was Swedish.You answered that you were unable to find it but that it might be possibly German.You were right.It is a Thaler from Augsburg from 1632.I got this information from a member of the Swedish Numismatic society.I was not given a value however.It looks to be in VF with moderate toning.It always helps to know the value.Thanks.Noel Fitzpatrick.

The date 1632 marks the beginning of Swedish rule under Gustavus Adolphus (1632-34). My notes show no silver or base metal coins from Augsburg dated 1632 except for a unique double thaler. Since there is only one know example of the double thaler, you either have the only coin in existence or a copy.

Augsburg gold ducats do exist with the date 1632 and bring about $300 or so in VF condition.

Email Address: dwightc@erols.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: dwight
Your Question: Just found a 1917 penny,, what's the value, history or any other information that you could provide, will be thankful for.. regards.. Dwight

I assuming this is a U.S. 1917 cent with no mint mark (struck in Philadelphia)in average circulated condition. The coin is common in the numismatic market place and would bring about 10 cents. It is unusual but not impossible to still find cents of this vintage in change.

The Lincoln cent is the longest running series in U.S. history. The portrait of Lincoln comes from the work of a young Lithuanian immigrant named Viktoras Barnauskas who later 'americanized' his name to Victor D. Brenner. Brenner's fine work came to the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt while Roosevelt was sitting for a portrait for the Panama Canal medal. Later Roosevelt recommended that Brenner be commissioned by the Treasury Department to design the new cent that would commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Brenner had designed a plaque honoring Lincoln in 1907 and it was this portrait that was used on the new Lincoln cent in 1909.

Most artists sign their work and though other coin designers before Brenner had their mark or initials somewhere on their coins, many felt that the V.D.B. on the lower rim on the reverse was too prominent. The initials were removed in September of 1909. That created several varieties of this first year of issue. Victor D. Brenner's initials were restored to the truncation of the bust in tiny, almost invisible letters in 1918.

Comments: Very informative
Email Address: blacksharon@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Sharon Black
Your Question: I found a coin that I have been trying to find out the value of. It is an 1874 Deutsches Reich Pfennig with a two in the center. Could you please tell me what the value of it might be. Thank you.

This coin is a 1874 German Empire 2 Pfennig (100 Pfennig=1 Mark). They were minted at eight different mints. The mint marks are designated by small letters (A-H) on the coin. The 1874H is the most valuable bring $10-$20 in average circulated condition. Other mint issues of this date bring from 10 cents to $20 depending on mint mark and condition.

Comments: It is great, i hope u can help me with it
Email Address: allanho22@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: allan
Your Question: Is Morgan Dollars worth collecting. I read the Austine rare coin web page and they recommend it. the price is about $20 to $25 U.S. I don't the grade of the coin. Can u tell me more about it.

Morgan Dollars are certainly worth collecting. They span the years from 1878-1904 and then again in 1921. The big, heavy silver coin has always been a favorite among coin collectors. The common date issues are inexpensive, even in uncirculated condition, because only a small percentage of the mintage was ever really used by the public. The coin owes its existence to the Silver Lobby that convinced Congress in 1878, to mandate the minting of silver dollars as a method of propping up the market price of silver.

Many Morgan Dollars were stored in government vaults in Washington until they were released to all takers in the 1960's. Original uncirculated bags of 1000 coins were sold at face value. The best condition coins were removed and the remainder were sold at small premiums or even returned to banks to be redeemed at face value. Some dates and mint marks were never found to be in the government's possession. Some dates were melted at various times when the government needed the silver for other purposes, that's why the 1893 issues are scarce or rare

Today most uncirculated Morgan Dollars are encapsulated and graded by either PCGS, NGC or ANACS. A market has developed that prices these coins according to the grade listed on the holder. Some dates, 1884-S for example, are so difficult to find in uncirculated condition that small increments in the numerical grade can command vastly different prices.

It surprises many people that many Morgan dollar dates can be found in nice condition. Some of the scarcer dates can be found fairly easily in circulated condition as well.

Email Address: Im4Jesus21@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Ben
Your Question: I was looking to find out if any of my old coins are worth money is there a place on this site for me to type in the year of a certain coin and find out what it is worth?

You should check out the FAQ. You'll that the value of coins depends very much on their date, mint mark, rarity and grade (condition). The price difference between grades can be so great as to make it useless to evaluate a coin by date alone. There are plenty of published coin catalogs that can give you an indication of what specific coins in a specific grade are going for in the coin market.

If you learn the basics of grading, the catalog will have meaning for you.

Email Address: thecurse@pconline.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: byron patterson
Your Question: i was looking through some coins and paper money that was given to me by my father. included are some military payment certificates for $1 , $0.10 $0.25 and $0.10..
these are from the late 60's - early 70's from when he was in the army. all of the payment certificates are paper. the 10cent certificate is in perfect condition (no creases in the paper from being folded. i was wondering if they are worth anything.

Yes, there is a great deal of interest in US Military Payment Certificates. There were few collectors of these notes at the time they were issued and they weren't directly available to the general public. They were essentially emergency money and the life span of these notes was short. The notes were changed often and the old notes demonetized and destroyed. For soldiers in combat, they weren't in much of a position to collect these notes as they were more interested in dodging bullets.

For example, an uncirculated 1961 10 cent note brings $50-$60 as of 8/98 and may be worth even more in the future. Some of the higher denomination notes bring good prices as these were the hardest for people to save. A 1965 $10 MPC in uncirculated condition would bring close to $200 and the 1961 $10 would bring close to $2,000.

MPCs are very exciting and have lots of stories and history behind them. You can collect WWII and post WWII era notes as well as those from the Vietnam Conflict.

Comments: GREAT SITE
Email Address: drrhetta@grits.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: tim ruff
Your Question: I HAVE TWO TOKENS FROM 1904 LPE WORLDS FAIR AN 1/4 AND 1/2 GOLD DOLLAR VALUES. THEY DO NOT APPEAR TO BE GOLD ONLY PLATED. MY QUESTION IS ARE THEY SUPPOSE TO BE ONLY PLATED? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED

They were suppose to be souvenir issues of California fractional gold. The original tokens WERE gold, the plated pieces are a modern fabrication.

Comments: First time visit.
Email Address: jowel@worldnet.att.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Sharon Daniels
Your Question: I have a coin that is a Las Vegas dollar. It has the year 1878, a showgirl on one side and a side view of a lady's head on the other. It is bronze in color. There is no casino name on it.Where is it from, and does it have any value?

Las Vegas didn't have casinos until the 1940's. The year 1878 is significant as it is the first year of the Morgan Silver Dollar. Though I haven't seen this piece before, it may be a commemorative issue by a private mint (There is a good collector base for casino tokens and medals) but it probably isn't a casino token. The casinos like to have their names on the chips, it's good advertising.

From: wjohnson@hughes.net (Wes)
I am looking for company's that mint or stamp tokens and or coins. What I want is to have a token or coin made, the size of a half dallor or a dallor, I need the first order of 1,000 to1,500 units and will need to reorder, however price is very important. I would like to have the coins made of metal, copper, brass or maybe a comosite. If you could supply me with some company names and phone numbers, this would me. Thank you, Wes Johnson.

It is rather costly to make a set of dies. The design has to be created and cut into a plaster mold. A reducing machine "cuts" the die by tracing the design from the plaster into metal. The completed dies are the same size as the token. The die is must then annealed to prepare the die for use. You would then have to pay a private company to fit the dies on one of their presses, supply the appropriate flans and strike the medals.

Die life is usually over 100,000 strikes. It wouldn't be cost effective to mint only 1,000 or 1,500 pieces. You could buy ready made tokens, similar to those used in video parlors, that could be stamped with just a message or logo. This process would be much less expensive.

Check you local video game places and ask them where their tokens are manufactured. The major mints such as the Danbury Mint or The Franklin Mint might consider your job to be too small but you could check them anyway just to see what the cost might be. Good Luck and send us one when you get it done!

Email Address: jumalon@webtv.net
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Rita Jumalon
Your Question: Hi Doctor: What a site! Have 2 silver pieces I would like information on please. The front has a Eagle, Nov.9, Munchen 1923-1933, the reverse, Undjhrhabt Doch Gesiegt. A German swastika, building with two lions on each side of the steps, some statues and 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver.
The other has a Horse standing on out stretched Eagle wings, wreath of leaves and small swastika. The reverse has a same wreath of leaves and the words Fur Verdienste Um Die Wehrhafte Ertuchtigung Der Deutschen Reiterjugend Also states One troy ounce .999 fine silver. The last question is a 1979 Canadian Penny which appears raised around the date and upper leaf. Is this a know error in Canadian coinage? I tried to locate information on all three through your site but was unsuccessful. Thank you for any help you maybe able to give. Sincerely Rita

Both of the "German" pieces may not be of German origin at all, at least not with the words 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver. It appears that both pieces are retro 'Nazi' fund raisers. Pieces like these were possibly produced around the 1970's or 1980's.

The first refers to the Nazi takeover in Germany and the legends says approximately, " It has yet to be seen" or maybe "You ain't seen nothing yet". The second piece says something like" For the profit of the able-bodied young German riders (cavalry?)" ergo the horse motif.

The Canadian cent sounds like a broken die error or cud. If a die is at the end of its useful life, it may crack and a small or even large piece may fall out of the die. Subsequent coins struck with the this damaged die exhibit a raised area where the metal flowed into the empty space in the die. Yes, these are collectable. Value $5+.

Comments: It's a pretty good site especially if my question is answered.
Email Address: JaguarGirl@aol.com
How did you find TCD: Dealer or Friend's Recommendation
Your Name: Christine
Your Question: I have a coin from 1914 that I have deducted is from India when it was a British colony but I can't find any information on it at all. Do you know of this coin? Further description- on one side it has a big "3" with a crown over it, the date, and ivy around the edges. On the other side it has the head of a King George and around the edge it says GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP: Hope you can help!

The coin you have is a Great Britain 3 pence, portrait of King George V/crowned 3. You are confusing the country with the legend that states that the king was ruler of The Britons and India. (GEORGE THE FIFTH BY THE GRACE OF G-D KING OF ALL THE BRITONS AND INDIA AND DEFENDER OF THE FAITH)

Comments: Pretty cool
Email Address: gerri44@hotmail.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Gerri
Your Question: I have several Wheat back pennies. I'm curious to know whether any of them might be valuable. Are there certain dates and letters that make them valuable?
Thanks,
Gerri

The value is established by collectors who compete to find the grades, dates and mint marks they need for their collections. For example, red uncirculated examples from the 1930's can bring $5 to $100 but circulated examples except for the 1931-S are virtually face value. The mint marks, the small letters that accompany the date, represent the mint where they were issued. For Lincoln cents the only mints are Philadelphia (no mint mark),(D)enver and (S)an Francisco. Some issues are rare because of circumstances. Good example are the 1914-D, 1909-S, 1909-S with the designers intials on the reverse, V.D.B., 1922-D, 1922-Plain (die error),1931-D and the 1931-S.

If you wish to learn more about Lincoln cents and the valuations in various grades see:

• A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman, Western Publishing Company, Racine Wisconsin, published yearly.
• The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent by Sol Taylor, Ph. D. Sol Taylor, P.O. Box 5465, N. Hollywood CA 91616, 1983

Please mention "The CoinSite and The Coin Doctor" when asking for these books.

Comments: great
Email Address: mullmj@netheaven.com
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: michael j. muller
Your Question: I have a nice specimen of a large US copper cent that seems to be in fine condition but a portion of the obverse is covered in a hard dark brown crud. I have not attempted to clean it as I know a shiny copper coin showing obvious signs of cleaning is worth less. A fellow collector suggested that I soak it in olive oil for a few weeks. I did and the coin itself looks great but the dark brown crud still is locked hard to the coins surface. Is this crud actually corrosion of the copper allow and if so what causes copper to acquire a brown crud. I am familiar with vedegris and this is not it. Also, are there any good books that are available to read about collecting US large cents and half cents?

It may be that your coin was in a fire. Black crusting is common on copper coins that have been in a high oxygen fire, such as in a blazing house fire. It is possible to remove the scaling but it should be done by an experienced recoverer. You can try the following with no guarantees:

Buy some copper soap (Vitrolin) at your local drugstore. Ask the pharmacist for the copper soap. Use a moist cloth to rub the copper soap onto the coin under a faucet with cold water. The olive oil is an old remedy and though I don't like the look of the coin after soaking it in olive oil, it does lubricate and preserve the metal. This procedure is commonly done on Ancient Roman bronzes.

The classic books on Large Cents and half cents are

• Sheldon, William -Penny Whimsy, Quarterman Publications, Lawrence, Mass., 1976
• United States Copper Cents by Howard R. Newcomb
• Bowers, Q. David -The Celebrated John W. Adams Collection of 1794 Large Cents, Bowers & Merena, Wolfeboro, N.H., 1982
• Breen, Walter -Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents - 1793-1857, American Institute of Numismatic Research, South Gate, Ca., 1983
• Cohen, Jr., Roger -American Half Cents - The "Little Half Sisters", Wigglesworth & Ghatt Co., Arlington, 1982

Email Address: willkpssj@sat.net
How did you find TCD: By Accident
Your Name: Pam Williamson
Your Question: I have a 1911 Liberty head nickel with cents on the back of it and I was wondering what it is worth today? It looks to be in good condition.

Circulated Liberty Nickels of this date quite common and are available in quantity. Value for average pieces-less than US$1.

Comments: I like your site - it's referenced by TONS of other sites that I've discovered. Thanks for the help !! -Chris
Email Address: cmedders@mindspring.com
How did you find TCD: Keyword
Your Name: Chris Medders
Your Question: My sister and I inherited a large chest of coins - some dating back to the 1790's. From what I have seen, we have a smorgasbord of everything - pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars in a bunch of different 'flavors' (Morgan half/dollars, Mercury dimes, Indian pennies, 1/2 pennies, seated/bust/walking liberty dollars, etc.). We are not collectors and would like to sell our entire collection (we're both married with kids, bills, etc.). How do I go about getting our collection appraised by someone that is reputable and getting fair-market value ?
Thanks !
-Chris

The collection should be appraised by a numismatist. It will cost you a fee but its worth it if he or she is knowledgeable. Contact the American Numismatic Associations for a numismatist in your area ( See The Numismatic Links Page). Do not sell the coins to the person who appraises the collection. That should be understood when you contract for the appraisal. The resulting document will give you a list of your holdings, their grades and a good indication of current market value. A well done appraisal should get you a value that should be +-10% of what you can receive in the wholesale market. If the coins are particularly valuable consider placing all or some in an auction. Usually, auctions bring somewhere between wholesale and retail prices.

Don't be disappointed if the collection turns out to be more of an accumulation and not so valuable. Collectors look for grade and rarity and that is what makes the market. There are lots of low value old coins around, even some dating back to the Roman Empire.

From: opedroza@worldnet.att.net (OSCAR PEDROZA)
Hello,
I need information on the sale of coins. I understand that the year, mint and condition of the coins have everything to do with a valuable coin, but I need to know if there is some organization, agency which will travel to and inspect the collection at one's home? I need to know if there is such a service available to the public. Please let me know ASAP!

See the above Coin Doc answer regarding appraisals. Remember that you are expected to pay a fee for the appraisers time and expertise. The appraisal essentially transfers his expertise to you.

From: papawpat@psci.net (cathy & chuck)
Coin Doc! I looked a little closer at the currency and found it seems to be from East Germany. The denominations start at 1 pfennig, which is strange because it is paper. Most of the Pfennig"s are in better shape than the Mark's Here is a list;(5) 1pfnnig, (2) 25pfennig, (8)50pfennig,(3)75pfennig,(3)1mark,(6)2mark,(2)5mark,(2)10mark,(6)20mark (2)50mark(2)100mark,(1)500mark,(1)1000mark. The 1000mark bill is in the best shape. Serial #003803 Reichsbanknote. Berlin,den 15.September1922. The dates range from 1914 to 1922 on the other bills. One of the 50pfennig is different than the others, it has Kreis Heinsberg at the top. I hope this information will help. My manners are slipping. Thank-you so much for answering my e-mail, I'm new at this and really didn't think anyone would respond. Thanks again, Cathy

Fractional currency is usually a temporary or emergency measure. However there are no 1 Pfennig notes from East Germany. East Germany didn't exist until after WWII and didn't issue currency until 1948. The following is a list of German fractional currency:

• 5 and 10 Pfennig notes-Federal Republic of Germany in 1948
• 5, 10 and 50 Pfennig notes (Land Bank) issued in the French Occupation Zone in 1947
• Rheinland-Pfalz 5, 10 and 50 Pfennigs, 1947
• Wurttemberg-Hohenzolern 5,10 and 50 pfennigs,1947
• German Armed Forces issues from 1940 in 1, 5,10 and 50 Reichpfennig notes

There are no official fractional notes in the 1920's. There is, however, notgeld fractional issues which was issued by individual towns and German States as emergency money in the Great Inflation of 1922-23. This is what you may have.

The notes of this period are interesting because of the social implications of inflation but many of these issues are still plentiful today. For example the 15.9. 1922 1000 Mark note is worth less than a dollar in uncirculated condition. Again, the specific issue and its condition (grade) is important to establish market value. Not all are inexpensive. For example, The 5000 Mark note of 16.9.1922 brings more that US$100 in new condition.