Numismatists Thrive on Showmanship
To all of you who write and ask what your coins are worth: This is the weekend you can find out without any guesswork. I can only give general price information in most cases because the condition of a coin is so important in evaluating it. So, if you want specific pricing, the best place to get it is at a coin show where numerous dealers gather in one setting.
They’re there to buy, sell or trade, and you can try your luck in the open marketplace, accepting only the best offer or at least satisfying your curiosity.
The 21st annual Glendale Coin and Stamp Exposition takes place this weekend, and it offers a friendly setting for beginners and experts alike. The three-day show is expected to generate lots of interest.
Dave Griffiths of Century Coins in Downtown Los Angeles is producing the show, which he expects to be a good one. “The coin market has been warming up recently,” Griffiths said, “especially silver dollars and gold.”
Coin shows can be a lot of fun. The dealers display their wares, and if you don’t see what you’re interested in, just ask. If they don’t have it, they might know someone who does. A lot of trading goes on between dealers, and often a coin will change hands several times in the course of a day. Most dealers are quite knowledgeable, so feel free to pull up a chair and ask questions.
Griffiths’ show, which takes place one week before a more massive show in Long Beach, is at Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale. Hours are noon-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2.
Question: Some time ago, I read in your column that one could buy Canadian coins from the Royal Canadian Mint. I sent them an order for several coins on March 18, and so far I’ve had no word or coin from them. Is this a scam of some sort? It is peculiar that a mint would have a box number for an address. I would appreciate an answer.--C.F.C.
Answer: The Royal Canadian Mint does indeed have a box number. But I notice that it does not exactly jibe with the one you used. This is definitely not a scam, and I doubt that your order would have gone astray because the number you used is not that far off. The correct address is: Royal Canadian Mint, P. O. Box 457, Station A, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 8V5. You might want to contact them at the correct address if your coins do not arrive shortly.
Q: Will you please give me the value of a $2 1/2 gold piece, 1853; also an 1881-S silver dollar in good condition?--V.M.
A: Your quarter eagle is worth $200 and up; the dollar is $10 and up.
Q: I’m hoping that you can give me some estimates on the value of some coins I have. They are in very good or better condition. The dates of the large cents are 1821, 1822, 1827, 1828, 1830, 1832, 1833 and 1836 through 1888. I also have two Canadian large cents dated 1859 and 1888.--B.T.
A: Your large cents (you seem to have a fairly large collection) are worth $3.75 each and up, depending upon condition. The Canadian large cents are $1 each.
Q: Could you tell me the value of a Columbian half dollar, World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago 1892? It’s in good shape.--R.Q.
A: Your coin is an example of the first United States commemorative coin. It shows the bust of Christopher Columbus on the obverse; his flagship, the Santa Maria, is on the reverse. The 50-cent coins were sold for $1 each at the Chicago Expo but were minted in such huge quantities that many, unsold at the fair, were released into general circulation. Your coin is probably worth about $8.
Q: Is there any extra value to my Series 1981 $5 bill with an extra margin on the right side (copy enclosed)? Also, please evaluate the following, all in fair to good condition: 1901, 1902, 1911 nickels; 1929 dime; 1915, 1937-S buffalo nickels; 1886, 1894, 1895, 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 pennies; 1961 proof set; 1978 mint set, Denver.--H.C.
A: Your bill has no collector value. Your Liberty-head nickels are 50 cents each and up; the dime is $1; the buffalo nickels 20 cents each and up; the Indian-head cents, 50 cents each and up; the 1961 proof set, $16; the 1978 mint set, $5.
Q: When my grandfather died, he left me an 1853 $1 gold piece. There is one problem--he had a hole drilled in it so it could be used on a necklace. Does this depreciate the value? By how much? Also, the coin is so small, I don’t see how it could have been used. Is it a replica of a larger coin?--R.G.
A: The coin was indeed used as money. Because of the hole, your coin is worth about $25 to $30. Without the hole it would be worth $165 and up.
Q: I have three silver dollars--1978-S, 1883-S and 1885. Are they worth more than their face value?--N.W.S.
A: Indeed. Your dollars are worth $10 each and up, depending upon condition.
Coin News
The sixth edition of “Coins of Canada” by J. A. Haxby and R. C. Willey is now available in a new and larger format. Expanded data and listings are included in the revamped and updated edition that also serves as a price guide to Canadian coinage. It is available through bookstores and coin dealers for $3.95 or from Unitrade Press, 127 Cartwright Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6A 1V4.
Yet another work is being offered by Q. David Bowers. This is a rather modest offering, dubbed a monograph and called “The Compleat Collector.” It consists mostly of ramblings about the coin hobby with Bowers providing his insights on the current state of affairs. Copies, which are $4.95 each, are available from Bowers & Merena Galleries Publications Department, P. O. Box 1224-NR, Wolfeboro, N.H. 03894.
Coin Letter
Some time ago you had an article on the coins of China. I research the various coin and antique shops of the Orient, always aware of the number of counterfeits that are offered, and I have many of the older dollars and trade-dollar issues. A further note on Chinese currency: The first stamping machine for use with dies was manufactured in Massachusetts and shipped to China in the late 1880s. On arrival and before being unloaded, the ship sank. I understand it was later salvaged for the warlord who ordered it. I have visited mints in many countries, always searching for the unusual. The hobby is extremely interesting.--R.D.D.
Don Alpert cannot answer mail personally but will respond to numismatic questions of general interest in this column. Do not telephone. Write to Your Coins, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.