Different Values Likely for Same Dollar
Question: In a recent column you said an 1879 dollar was worth $2,000 and up. I have an 1879-O circulated dollar and, enclosed in heavy plastic, San Francisco Mint 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881 and 1882 dollars. Are they of any value?--F.S.
Answer: Inadvertently, perhaps, you have brought up a very important aspect of coin pricing. No two coins are identical and values can vary even though coins are graded the same. My MS-65 dollar might be worth more than your MS-65 dollar, or vice versa, even though they are the same date and mint mark and generally regarded to be in the same condition. That’s because one coin might have more eye appeal than another or might be better struck or have nicer toning or luster. There are many other possibilities. But the point is that pricing is just as difficult as grading.
When I estimate the value of a reader’s coin, I can only give an approximation. Usually, I’m quite conservative and will guess what you might reasonably expect to get from a dealer, based on the description of the coin. Other times I will give a price range, and it can be as broad as $25 to $2,000. Granted, that’s quite a range. But it shows the possible variations that can exist when information about a coin is vague. As an example, your coins, from the descriptions you provided, are probably in the $25-to-$50 range, if indeed they are uncirculated. That, of course, is keeping in mind that there are varying degrees of uncirculated--all the way from Mint State 60 to Mint State 70.
Even coin dealers are not immune from this problem. A recent advertisement in a coin publication lists $20 Liberty gold pieces in choice BU (brilliant uncirculated) condition for $529. In the same ad, other $20 Liberties with the same description are priced at $569. Why two different prices for the same denomination coin in the same condition? I can’t answer that one. But a comparison of the coins involved would probably clarify the matter.
Now, don’t get angry at me if a coin dealer offers you only $8 each for your coins. That’ll be because the dealer doesn’t believe they’re uncirculated. A quick inspection will determine their true worth.
Q: I have the following paper bills. Can you tell me their value? From the United States, $1 silver certificates dated 1923, 1928 and 1935; $2, 1928. From Canada, a 25-cent bill, 1923. From Mexico, a 20-peso bill, 1915.--J.L.
A: Your 1923 silver certificate is worth about $10, the other U.S. bills have little or no collector value. The Canadian bill is $5, the Mexican bill is $10.
Q: I recently purchased, through an auction, a coin described as “Pseudo-Rhodes, c. 170 BC, silver drachma, 2.69 gram, Head of Helios. Ex Sitichoro hoard.” I paid $210 for it, and I am thinking of having it set in a bezel in a necklace. Would I be making a mistake by doing this? I heard that using a coin as jewelry lowers its value.--P.S.
A: Generally, I never advise turning numismatic material into jewelry. Any sort of wear, scratch, ding or abrasion can greatly diminish a coin’s value. However, you’re asking about a coin that’s probably been through quite a bit in the last 2,000 years. What more can happen to it? The ancient coin is still only worth $210--to you. It’s yours now to do with it as you please. Undoubtedly, it would make a distinctive piece of jewelry. As long as you don’t attach something to the coin, such as solder or glue, I doubt that you have much to worry about.
Q: Will you give me a value on the following gold coins? Napoleon I--20 franc 1807, 20 franc 1812, 40 franc 1811, Napoleon III--10 franc 1866, 20 franc 1857 and 50 franc 1859. Also, a 40 lira (Italian) 1812.--J.F.
A: The gold 1807 and 1812 20 francs are $150 each, the 40 franc is $250 and up; the 10 franc is $50, the 20-franc Napoleon III is $95 and the 50 franc is $300. The Italian lira is $250.
Q: Recently, while cleaning out my grandfather’s attic, I came upon his old coin collection. Please tell me how much these coins are worth; all are in very good to excellent condition. Pennies: 1854, 1857 and 1858 with a flying eagle on the front; 1859 through 1862 and 1864, 1865, 1868, 1870, 1872, 1874, 1877 and 1879. Nickels: 1869, 1871, 1875, 1859, 1881 and 1886. Dollars: 1860, 1862, 1865, 1866, 1868, 1872-S and 1873-S. Please respond soon. Many of my friends have been offering up to $850 for this collection.--M.W.
A: If you want to remain friendly with your friends, you might want to have your coins appraised by a professional. That’s the best way to determine a fair price and for all concerned to know what’s involved. Your flying eagle cents are worth $4 each and up; the Indian head cents are $3 each and up with the 1868 at $15, the 1870 at $20 and the 1877 at $100 and up. The nickels are $5 each and up; the Seated Liberty dollars are $50 each and up with the 1873-S $400 and up.
Q: Recently, I discovered a small cache of old American coins. They are all very worn but identifiable. Do they have any value? There’s an 1899-O silver dime and Indian head cents dated 1898, 1902, 1903, 1905, 1906 and 1907.--C.M.R.
A: Your dime is worth 50 cents and up, as are the cents, depending upon condition.
Coin News
David Ben Gurion, first prime minister of Israel, is being honored with a limited-edition bronze medal on the centennial of his birth. The Ben Gurion Centennial Medallic Sculpture by artist Marika Somogyi (pictured on Page 22) is 4 3/4 inches in diameter and weighs almost two pounds. No more than 250 medals will be made, each hand-finished. Medals are available for $100 to the nonprofit Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., Berkeley, Calif. 94795.
Coin Calendar
Friday, Saturday and Sunday--A three-day show featuring a coin auction will take place at the Holiday Inn Embarcadero, 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Hours of the show are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (619) 273-3566.
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.