1961 Dime

Silver! Despite the fact that silver is at a relative low point it is still considered a precious metal and a good investment. Found this tiny piece of silver in my change a while back.

It seems to be cleaned or at least ran through some kind of liquid at some point. 1961 was just 54 years ago so these coins are still considered common. Of course silver coins get filtered and save these days but there are still many chances to find them in your change if you use cash a lot. 

Here's the stats for this dime...
Type/Country: 10 Cents / United States
Year: 1961
Mintage: 93,730,000
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Value: $1.13 in G-4 (a silver value of $1.124, a copper value of $0.001)

Do you have a silver coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1953-S Dime

Over two years since I last found a good silver dime like this one. Currently silver is at a low compared to the last few years but it is still silver.

Also happens to have the S mint mark for San Fransisco which is the least common of the three mint marks for this year. Silver has a duller finish when older then copper-nickel. Instantly when I saw this coin in my change from a local fast food joint I knew it was silver. Still I have been fooled some older copper-nickel dimes are hazy and black so I think they are silver. Turning them on there edge is sometimes needed to see the difference. The copper streak is almost always visible on clad dimes. 

Here's the stats for this dime...
Type/Country: 10 Cents / United States
Year: 1953 S
Mintage: 39,180,000
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Value: $1.19 in G-4 (a silver value of $1.183, a copper value of $0.002)

Do you have a silver coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1944-D Wartime Silver Nickel

Of the eleven wartime nickels this is one of the more scarce dates. Just over 32 million were minted compared to the 100+ million made of the Philadelphia nickel. It still does not carry much of a premium over metal value.

This coin is tarnished and deeply scratched but it still has over $1.00 worth of silver in it. Although silver is at a relative low point, less than $20.00 per ounce, it still is a precious metal. I understand this coin is not that attractive but no need to dump it since it will always carry a small premium. Granted if that person kept it I would not have found it so it is a mixed feeling.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 5 Cents / United States of America
Year: 1944-D
Mintage: 32,309,000
Metal: 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese
Value: $1.25 in F-12

Do you have any nickel and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1942-P Wartime Silver Nickel

1942 nickels were not all silver some were copper nickel. The reason was a wartime need for nickel to make weapons and ammunition. The mint began making normal copper-nickel coins early in 1942 but then switched to a  copper-silver-manganese alloy.

If you have a 1942 nickel just check the back to see if it is silver or not. The 35% silver coins are distinguished by a large mint mark above the building. Although silver prices are currently less than $20 it does add a large premium. Each wartime nickel has a current metal value of $1.13 but has been as high as $2.50 in recent years.

This change find is my first silver in about two years and because of that I have been double checking every nickel I come across, with great results. Nickel and dimes are the best place to look for circulating silver since the value is not high and coins designs have not changed much.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 5 Cents / United States of America
Year: 1942-P
Mintage: 57,873,000
Metal: 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese
Value: $1.25 in F-12

Do you have any nickel and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1883 Morgan Dollar

Hooray for silver as it is still slowly going up but no where near the highs of a few years ago. Silver will stay below $30 for a while since the economy and the world is relatively stable. The lack of U.S. involvement in Syria did stabilize the market further. It is still odd how world events affects metals so much when realistically the amount of silver reserves never changes and actually get s bigger.

1883 is a common year and the value in low grades is just above metal value but it is easy to own. Keep these common Morgans in a cool, dry, and dark place for safe keeping and when you need to get some quick cash then do not be afraid to sell them.

While I am all for collecting I am not much for investing. Too many people hoard coins then live miserable lives and after death the relatives sell the coins for a fraction of their worth. Sell a handful of common Morgans to pay for current things is fine and you should not feel like you are missing any future opportunities. Your current mental and financial health should always be a priority.

Here's the stat for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 1883
Mintage: 12,290,000
Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
Value: $23.00 in F-12

Do you have a silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1890 Morgan Dollar

Have a 1900 silver dollar and want to know its value?

Silver is slowly getting to $25.00 per ounce which should be the new normal. It was undervalue at $18.00 and now we may see an upswing in all metals due to world issues and holiday sales. This is another common Morgan that is great to invest in.

When picking up Morgan Dollars for investment try and make sure LIBERTY is clear and there are no major scratches or gouges. Aside from those points everything else is fine, toning, weak spots, gunk, and even cleaning will not affect silver value.

Here's the stat for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 1890
Mintage: 16,802,000
Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
Value: $20.00 in F-12

Do you have a silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1900-O Morgan Dollar

Have a 1900 silver dollar and want to know its value?

It is faded, tarnished, and scratched. It is also 113 years old, from New Orleans, and silver. So which side wins? Neither the fact that over 12 million were made means this is common and in low grade is still just junk silver.

Invest in silver now because it still is hovering around $20 and the world is getting less calm. I am not hoping for disaster but having some silver in your portfolio is a small security deposit in case of bad times.

Here's the stat for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 1900-O
Mintage: 12,590,000
Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
Value: $20.00 in F-12

Do you have a silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1901-O Morgan Dollar

Have a Morgan silver dollar and want to know its value?

Common junk silver from 1901. Is that even possible? Yes it is. Not to mention it is also from the New Orleans mint. Even with all that in low grade you will only get melt value.

This coin was in bad shape the tarnish turned it greyish and kind of slick. Maybe it was in a fire but I think bad holder may have ruined this coin. The O above DO in DOLLAR reminds you about its New Orleans birth and in dollar coins that means little. New Orleans minted millions of silver and gold coins each year so they are rarely worth anything more than the Philadelphia mint, in some cases Phillies are worth much more.

Here's the stat for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 1901-O
Mintage: 13,320,000
Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
Value: $20.00 in F-12

Do you have a silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

2001 American Silver Eagle Dollar

Have a 2001 silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Silver bullion coins are made specifically for their metal content and not the face value. American silver bullion coins are available in either five ounce coins (25¢ face value) or one ounce ($1 face value) coins. Available directly from the mint there is also a huge secondary market because silver is always in demand.

Just in case you look at this coin and ask why is it so spotty the answer is because it is silver. Pure silver like this tends to tarnish if not stored properly. Cleaning it will ruin the coin and eliminate any extra value.

The front has the the classic Walking Liberty design seen on older half dollar coins. It also has LIBERTY, the date, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The reverse has a heraldic eagle under thirteen stars. The reverse contains the value ONE DOLLAR and 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, and the UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 2001
Mintage: 9,001,711
Metal: 99.93% Silver, 0.07% Copper
Value: $20.00 in any ungraded grade

Have an America silver eagle and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1953 Shoulder Fold Canada Dime

Have a 1953 SF Canadian dime and want to know its value?

Shoulder fold Canadian dimes are very difficult to identify in less than uncirculated condition. The queen should have a strap on her shoulder that looks like parallel lines. Unfortunately the original die was not cut deep enough so it looks like she is strapless, the scandal!

 

I think the picture is clear enough to show the shoulder fold or strap.  Although it is worn and dirty most of the detail need to identify Shoulder Folds (SF) and No Shoulder Fold (NSF) is there.

The DEI is another quick way to identify the SF vs. NSF. The I is not extremely flared at the end. Also the E in the NSF version has almost the top flare and middle flare almost touching. This one is very straight and nothing is flaring out too much.

Even if you cannot tell the difference you are in luck because in circulated grades they have the same value.

Here's the stats...
Type / Country: 10 Cents / Canada
Year: 1953 SF
Mintage: 17,706,395
Metal: 80% Silver and 20% Copper
Value: $2.00 in G-4

Do you have a Canadian coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1968-S Proof Half Dollar

Have a half dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Half dollar coins are still difficult to come by in my change so I use to buy them when they were cheap. This one I bought was around face value a few years ago even though it is a proof. The reason is that it was stored improperly and the holes on the holder is giving it nasty tarnish marks.

 

In case you cannot see the problem spots here is a nice close up.

I should take it out of the holder and replace it but it has little value other than metal so no big loss. The plastic of the holder does not show the full coin brilliance but there is some haze on the coin itself.

Half dollars from 1965-1970 are silver clad.

Silver clad means the coin has three layers. The two outer layers are 80% silver and 20% copper while the middle layer is 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. The total net weight of pure silver is 0.1479 ounces or 40% silver.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 50 Cents - Proof / United States
Year: 1968 S
Mintage: 3,041,506
Metal: 40% Silver, 60% Copper
Value: $4.50 added a few cents because proofs should have extra value

Although the above was another coin from the vault I did find something late yesterday but I will wait to show that one.

Have a fifty cent coin from America and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1948 Mexico 5 Pesos

Have a Mexico coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment

If you are reading this then you survived the Mayan calendar ending and have yet to notice that our regular calendar also ends in about 10 days. To celebrate the end of calendars here is some Mexican silver. This coin has the highest silver content of any Mexican coin.

 

When I first got this cinco pesos coin as sort of prize from a collector friend it had a value of about $12.00 back in June 2006. By April 2011 it reached its peak value of about $42.00, today it is worth $25.79. It contains 0.8680 troy ounces of silver which is the most ever used in any circulating Mexican coin.

The most recent change with Mexican money is the ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS which means UNITED MEXICANS STATES (not in order) . They recently started proceedings to drop the United States part in order to seem more independent. Originally they copied America's formal name to get a more respect. Lately some Mexicans feel like they are just a shadow on the world stage and want to be recognized just as Mexico. If this does get passed expect money changes by 2014.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 5 Pesos / Mexico
Year: 1948
Mintage: 26,740,000
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper?
Value: $26.00 in Almost-Uncirculated

Do you have a Mexican coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1879 Morgan Silver Dollar

Have a Morgan dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Well Morgan and silver seems redundant but it is descriptive. Got this one from Eastern Numismatics back when they had them at 5 for $85 or something. Morgans are among the most collectible of U.S. coins and it is amazing that these chunky coins were once commonly circulating.

Silver dollars always keep great value. This coin can get all scratched and lose all collectors value and still gain in metal value every year. That is kind of true with all metal coins including clad coins, which why going back to the gold and silver standard is ridiculous since the market can easily be manipulated like all currencies.

As a coin it is the standard for all other American coins. Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back. The eagle is holding arrows and branches and is surrounded by a wreath. Thirteen stars on the front symbolize the first states and the two in the back are for decoration.

Here's the stat for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Dollar / United States
Year: 1879
Mintage: 14,806,000
Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
Value: $29.00 in VF-20

Do you have a silver dollar and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1943-P Wartime Silver Nickel

Have any nickel and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Wartime nickels were made from 1942-1945 out of silver, copper, and manganese. The reason for the lack of nickel in these coins was that it was needed for armor during World War II. The silver alloy mix tends to tarnish fast since it is 35% silver. Also many having peeling or lamination error since the mix and pressure used was not perfected.

Found yesterday in my change from some local supermarket this is the third 1943-P nickel I found in my change. After receiving change I put all the unsearched change in my right pocket and the searched change in my left. After getting home I just took a quick glance at the small change I had and instantly noticed this nickel's color and huge P over Monticello.

That huge P mint mark was added this way the public knew that coin contained no nickel. It is also an easy way for the government to recycle the old nickel coins. Now the huge mint mark is an instant way to see you found a silver nickel.

Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 5 Cents / United States of America
Year: 1943-P
Mintage: 271,165,000
Metal: 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese
Value: G-4 $1.58

Do you have any nickel and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1918 (c) India-British Rupee

Do you have a coin from India and want to know its value? Comment

Showed this coin when I first won it in a coin contest back in 2005 but did not feature it.

This coin was made in Calcutta since there is no mint mark during the time of British rule. It is silver but no longer accepted as legal tender. Were it not got a cut or gauge at the back of the king's head this coin could have graded much higher.

The wreath of flowers on the back encircling the ONE RUPEE 1918 is wonderful. Even the edge has ornate denticles.

The front has old King George with the title of emperor as well. This design is known as Type II since the original 1911 version had been modified. Apparently the tiny elephant on the King's coat had straight legs and some Indian's thought it looked like a pig. This was a bit of an insult so the broadened the bottom of the feet and made it more elephantine for 1912 and later issuing.

Here's the stats for this coin...
Type/Country: 1 Rupee / India-British
Year: 1918 (c)
Mintage: 205,420,000
Metal: 91.7% Silver (assuming the balance is copper)
Value: XF at $12.50 There is a cut/damage on the coin.

Do you have a rupee from India and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you

1946-D Dime

Do you have a dime and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Told you it is possible to find anything in your change. After fifteen months of no silver I got this silver dime in my change two days ago. Just normal change from a supermarket. I noticed the 1946 before anything else, I did not even check the edge to prove it was silver.

Things of note for this particular dime:

1. It is worn, weighs 2.47 grams (normal should be 2.50 grams)
2. The front is caked with something brown (the less I think about it the better)
3. The back is scratched from rim to rim (all value above good is gone)

In case you are looking for the D mint mark it is under the RIB.  This is my first 1946-D I found from my change. I think the dark and crusty nature of the coin let it pass from hand to hand without being plucked out. As I wash my hand for the hundredth time since finding this coin I do it with a smile because it is still silver. 

Here's the stats for this dime...
Type/Country: 10 Cents / United States
Year: 1946 D
Mintage: 61,043,500
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Value: $2.46 in G-4 (a silver value of $2.458, a copper value of $0.002)

Do you have a silver coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

2011 Annual Sets

Do you have a coin set and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Early this time posting about the annual coin sets. For the mere price of  $136.80 you too can once again own coins that are very shiny.

The price breakdown:

2010 Proof Set	14-Coins	$31.95
2010 Silver Proof Set	14-Coins	$67.95
2010 Uncirculated Coin Set	28-Coins	$31.95
Shipping & Handling		$4.95

The Silver Proof Set jumped in price by $11.00 since last year. On the news that silver prices are still rising the mint has suspended sales on this set. The reason is that they are not making enough profit on these coins. As of today (April 19, 2011) silver is $43.87 per ounce add the other metal costs there is about $63.77 worth of metal in this set. Not to mention the cost to place in them in these plastic and paper sets. You can quickly see the profit/loss margin is way too close.

Check out the new packaging it reminds me of a box of chocolates.

 

The new packaging is an attempt to be hip and I guess save on graphics.

This was my favorite of all the coins.

Aside from the shiny coins another bright spot was the quick delivery. I ordered them on April 12 and it was in my hand by April 18. This was done by shipping through FedEx Smartpost which takes it from the warehouse and delivers it to the local U.S. Post Office of the recipient.

Here are the stats...
Type/Country: Silver Proof Set / United States
Year: 2011-S
Mintage: Not yet known.
Metal: Silver proof type, except for the nickel & dollars, cent.
Value: $70.00 in box

Type/Country: Mint Set / United States
Year: 2011-D, 2011-P
Mintage: Not yet known.
Metal: Normal circulation type.
Value: $31.95 in box

Type/Country: Proof Set / United States
Year: 2010-S
Mintage: Not yet known.
Metal: Normal proof.
Value: $31.95 in box

If silver does not go down soon the mint will probably take the unusual step of raising the price of its silver set. The reason they should be hesitant is that they had printed ads with the old price and people these days are likely to sue over a slight breeze so this is one headache the mint is trying to avoid.

Do you have an uncirculated mint or silver proof set and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

1940 D Dime

Do you have a dime and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Some predict 2011 will see silver go for fifty dollars an ounce. I honestly did not think silver would hit thirty dollars an ounce in 2010. Predictions aside silver is always a good investment, I always liked it more than gold but not as much as platinum.

Finding a silver coin in my change happens once every year or two. Thanks to all the hoarders and roll hunters it becomes harder to find old American coins in decent condition. Finding this coin was a nice holiday treat.

This nice silver dime does not have the full torch lines. Full torch lines are when the vertical bands and horizontal bands are clear and you can see that each splits in half. This worn example only shows partial splitting. Full bands are worth much more and are the most desirable among collectors.

Also you can see the mintmark on the reverse after the word ONE. It is not ONED it is actually the Denver mintmark.

Here's the stats for this dime...
Type/Country: 10 Cents / United States
Year: 1940-D
Mintage: 21,198,000
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Value: $2.66 in F-12 (a metal value of $2.66)

Let me add one more thing on the obverse of this coin is a W over an A to the right of the neck. Many people think it is a V or double V or something about World War II and victory. Nope, it is Adolph A. Weinman initials. He was the artist and sculptor who designed this coin.

Do you have a silver coin and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

2010 Annual Sets

Do you have a coin set and want to know its value? Leave a comment

Again late posting but seeing how it is not 2011 yet I consider it a win. For the mere price of  $125.80 you too can own coins that are very shiny.

The price breakdown:

2010 Proof Set	14-Coins	$31.95
2010 Silver Proof Set	14-Coins	$56.95
2010 Uncirculated Coin Set	28-Coins	$31.95
Shipping & Handling		$4.95

Well with these prices should the average collector bother with these? A two dollar increase in the proof and four dollar increases in the other two sets is just the beginning. Over the next few years the prices will be going up so starting a collection will be more difficult. Granted a little financial planning  will having you rolling in unnecessary collectors items. Although missing a chance to buy them now means buying them from a third-party seller who will mark them up 50% to 500%.

 

 

Here are the stats...
Type/Country: Silver Proof Set / United States
Year: 2010-S
Mintage: 476,999 estimated
Metal: Silver proof type, except for the nickel & dollars, cent.
Value: $60.00 in box

Type/Country: Mint Set / United States
Year: 2010-D, 2010-P
Mintage: 527,742 estimated
Metal: Normal circulation type.
Value: $40.00 in box ($5.00 increase as of 2012 values)

Type/Country: Proof Set / United States
Year: 2010-S
Mintage: 978,010 estimated
Metal: Normal proof.
Value: $38.00 in box ($3.00 increase as of 2012 values)

As for the photography my excuse is time, I am rushing these shots so...yeah...that is the story I am sticking to.

Do you have an uncirculated mint or silver proof set and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.

Annual Sets Unwrapped

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I can complain about how my deliveries get to my home on time but then the landlord holds on to them for a month without telling anyone. Alas, I won't since this is Christmas and my spirits are high.

For $85.85 I got the 18 piece silver proof set and the 36 piece uncirculated mint set. This is a large amount of coins because of the multiple dollars, cents, and quarters. The fact the cents are 95% copper also make these sets unique.

Oh and the higher price is due to the ever rising price of silver.

Notice something odd, let me zoom in for you.

At first I was going to freak out but it is just a loose cent. I have to knock back in place without scraping all the others. The large amount of coins makes the package very loose and heavy.

Here are the stats...
Type/Country: Silver Proof Set / United States
Year: 2009-S
Mintage: 694,406 estimated
Metal: Silver proof type, except for the nickel & dollars, cents are 95% copper.
Value: $70.00 in box ($10.00 increase as of 2012 values)

Type/Country: Mint Set / United States
Year: 2009-D, 2009-P
Mintage: 643,897 estimated
Metal: Normal circulation type, cents are 95% copper..
Value: $40.00 in box ($2.00 decrease as of 2012 values)

Do you have an uncirculated mint or silver proof set and want to know its value? Leave a comment / question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.