Age Is a Major Variable in Figuring Price of Proof Sets

Question: Please tell me the value of the following proof sets: 1939, 1954, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1982. I also have a silver bar that has the marking 109.43 on the face of it. Can you tell me the value of this bar? --I.O.

Answer: There’s been a love affair between collectors and proof sets for many years. Proof coins are made on polished dies and are usually double struck. They have an extremely shiny finish and are easily distinguishable from their brilliant uncirculated counterparts.

Individual proof coins were made available to collectors for a slight overcharge beginning in 1858 from the Philadelphia Mint. Branch mint proofs are few and far between. Collectors were able to assemble proof sets in this manner until 1915, when proof production was discontinued, possibly because of World War I. It wasn’t until 1936 that modern proofs came into being, and the popularity has grown from a low that year of 3,837 sets to the present, when 2 million-plus is not uncommon.

Early proof sets--those put together by collectors--command hefty prices, although each coin has to be carefully examined.

Modern proof sets fluctuate in value, with the earlier sets being high-ticket items, but many of the later issues are actually worth less than their issue prices. For example, your 1939 set is worth about $1,600 and the 1954 set is $75. However, the 1968 is $5, the 1970 is $10, the ’71 and ’72 are $5 each, the ’73 is $9 and the ’82 is $5.

The marking on your silver bar indicates its weight. With the spot price of silver at $5.20 an ounce (the price fluctuates daily), your bar is worth $569.

Q: I have a silver coin about the size of a 50-cent piece. It’s Patrona Bavaria, 1866--the Virgin Mother and Infant Jesus embossed on one side. The reverse is not in excellent condition; it had been a pin to wear. Does it have collector’s value? --L.E.M.

A: Some collectors might be interested, although the condition would discourage the discriminating. It’s probably worth from $8 to $10.

Q: What can you tell me about a Canadian penny found on a farm near Stratford, Ontario, in 1904? It’s dated 1852 and inscribed Upper Canada. It is a large-size coin. --R.S.

A: I have been unable to identify the coin you describe. The Bank of Upper Canada produced tokens from 1850 to 1857, and there were some other Upper Canada issues, but the dates don’t seem to jibe. Regular Canadian large cents were first produced in 1858. Perhaps wear has altered the date or perhaps it’s unclear due to the strike. The tokens I mentioned and others are not great rarities, but they do have some value. It’s important to get a positive identification on your coin. Take it to a specialist in Canadian coins.

Coin News

Benny Goodman will be honored Wednesday at the Hollywood Bowl, and he’s also being honored in October with his induction into the Jewish-American Hall of Fame. A plaque will be installed at the Magnes Museum in Berkeley, and medallic versions of that plaque (pictured) are being made available to collectors. The medal, created by Marika Somogyi, is available in bronze (500 pieces at $20 each); silver (250 piece at $85 each) and gold (50 10-karat pieces at $1,050) from the Magnes Museum, Dept. L, 2911 Russell St., Berkeley, Calif. 94705.

More than 1,500 coins will be auctioned in conjunction with the Greater New York Numismatic Convention on Sept. 7 and 8. Featured is a quality collection of half dollars. For a catalogue, contact Stack’s, 123 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y. 10019; telephone (212) 582-2580.

More than 4,500 coins will be auctioned at the Vita International Hotel in New York on Sept. 11-13. The Kissel and Victoria Collections catalogue is available from Auctions by Bowers and Merena, Box 1224, Wolfeboro, N.H. 03894; telephone (603) 569-5095.

Coin Calendar

Friday, Saturday and Sunday--The 26th Convention of International Numismatics will be held this weekend at the Airport Hilton Hotel. The convention theme is “The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.” A highlight of the show is an auction of world and Mexican coins.

Saturday and Sunday--About 80 dealers are expected at the semi-annual Pasadena Pavillion Coin and Stamp Expo. Buying and selling will highlight this summer tradition. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The show takes place at the Pasadena Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.