Encouraging Kids to Become Collectors
There were some interesting responses to a recent column about Pioneer gold. I’ve been chided by Matt and Jessie Gainsley of Koins 4 Kids, who were complaining about a reader’s reference to “many fairly worthless types, like Shield nickels in pretty average shape, old Wheat pennies and the like.”
The Koins 4 Kids kids say “to us and thousands of other kids, these coins are the bulks of our collections. . . . Instead of the answer you gave, you might have encouraged (the writer) to give his ‘worthless types’ to a kid who might have felt them to be a priceless collection, and thus started him on the road to a lifetime of collecting enjoyment.”
Actually, I have encouraged just such gifts in the past. Worn coins that have little numismatic value and only a slight chance of appreciation should be donated to clubs that encourage young numismatists. Or give them to friends, relatives or neighbors so that young people can enjoy them and learn some of the fascinating stories that coins can tell.
Matt and Jessie Gainsley appear to be young entrepreneurs who bill themselves as “the only dealers in the country whose customer list is composed entirely of kids.” Their business card lists Koins 4 Kids at 18951 Wells Drive, Tarzana, Calif. 91356. There are two phone numbers: Matt, (818) 344-9081, and Jessie, (818) 344-4035.
Also on the subject of Pioneer gold, M.L. writes that the “piece I have is octagonal, incredibly thin, with stars and a very Aztec profile wearing a feather headdress on one side, and simply California gold with 1853 inside laurel branches on the other. Is this also a souvenir piece? As your other reader mentioned, I have not heard or seen any information on this type of piece before. . . .”
From your description, your coin seems genuine. As a general rule, if the coin has a bear or the word Eureka on the reverse, it’s a replica of some sort. If it has the word Dol or Dollar, it’s likely to be genuine. Only a close inspection by a professional can determine a coin’s genuineness and worth.
Question: I have a French 10-mark coin dated 1371 with a star and date on the front. On the back is Marco on the top, the word Francs on the bottom and 10 in the middle. Can you tell me the value of this coin?--J.P.
Answer: Your coin, I’m sorry to say, has more age than value. It’s worth about $3 or $4.
Q: I have a $100 bill that has the following: Franklin’s picture and the words Series of 1934 and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Calif. Does this have any additional value since it is 53 years old?--J.B.
A: Your $100 bill is only worth face value. It hasn’t collected any interest or collector premium in all those years.
Q: When I was a kid, I found a copper German coin in a pinball machine. On the front of the coin is a large 2 with the word Reichspfennig on the top and two oak leaves with an A in the center. On the reverse is an eagle holding a circle of oak leaves with a swastika in the center. On the bottom is inscribed Deutches Reich 1937. Is this coin worth anything? It is in good condition.--J.M.I.
A: Your coin is only worth about $1 to coin collectors, although someone interested in Nazi memorabilia might pay a little more.
Q: I was just given a gold coin in mint condition, the size of a 5-cent piece. It has the word Helvetia on the front, 20 fr and 1909 on the back. I would appreciate knowing its approximate value.--C.C.
A: Your Swiss 20 franc is essentially a bullion coin and worth between $95 and $105 in today’s market.
Q: My mother has a 1915 gold $1 coin that says Panama American Exposition-San Francisco on it. How much is this worth?--D.J.
A: Your mother’s coin is a commemorative marking the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915. Only 15,000 of these dollar pieces were minted. The obverse depicts a Panama Canal laborer. Prices range from $400 to $1,500, depending upon condition.
Q: I am in possession of a gold coin in mint condition. One side has the picture of a young boy with the words BRUXELLES at the top and MANNEKIN-PIS on the bottom. The reverse side has a figure kneeling and the inscription BRUSSEL BRUXELLES--EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE. I am most anxious to find out what the value is.--R.L.
A: Your coin essentially is a gold commemorative medal. It is worth about 10% to 25% more than the price of gold, which fluctuates daily. For a specific price, check with several dealers.
Q: I have two coins I would like to sell. One is an 1882 Shield nickel. The other is a $20 gold double eagle. Can you suggest someone I could take them to?--D.H.
A: You will have to do a little homework. The price range on your coins can be considerable, depending on condition. I cannot recommend specific dealers. Take the coins around locally or attend a show where many dealers will be in attendance. It will take a little work to determine the best price.
Coin News
Europe’s attempt for economic unity may be coming of age with the release of Belgium’s 1987 ECU coins. These are the first legal tender coins denominated in the European Currency Unit and are available in gold and silver with only 15,000 proof sets worldwide. The obverse of each coin features an effigy of Charles V (pictured), Holy Roman emperor from 1519 to 1556. The effigy originally appeared on the silver Carolus guilder between 1540 and 1548. The face value is 50 ecu for the gold, 5 ecu for the silver. The 50 ecu is a bullion coin of one-half ounce fine gold. In the United States, only the proof gold and silver set will be available. For information, contact Manfra, Tordella & Brookes, 30 Rockefeller Center, Mezz. Office 50, 59 West 49th St., New York, N.Y. 10012; telephone (800) 223-5818.
Inveterate collectors will enjoy browsing at Relic Americana, which has just been taken over by David Halpin, a young, enthusiastic numismatist. The store, reminiscent of a curiosity shop, was established in 1962 by Frank Strauss, who has retired. Some of the material has probably been in the store since the beginning. “I’m still sorting through the merchandise,” Halpin said, “and I discover something interesting every day.” Halpin intends to concentrate on coins but will also handle baseball cards, antiques, stamps and other collectibles. Relic Americana is at 122 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia; telephone (818) 357-3620.
The fifth edition of “Coin World Almanac” by the editors of Coin World is a handy, comprehensive volume now available for hobbyists. The 744-page handbook, much improved over earlier editions, includes information about current U.S. and Canadian issues, a chronological history of gold and silver prices, and recent values for U.S. and Canadian coins. Coin World Almanac will be in bookstores this month; $24.95 for hardcover, $14.95 paperback. It is also available from the publisher, Pharos Books, 200 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. 10016; telephone (212) 692-3700.
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.