Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/5/2008

Question
I have 15 of these dimes with the head facing left all minted in the 1940's.Any idea if they have any real value.Thanks,John

Answer
Hello John,                   

Collectors have devised a numerical grading system for coins. It goes from 1 to 70. With 1 being barely identifiable as a coin and 70 being perfect. Coins taken from circulation usually fall between grade 8-VG (very Good) and grade 50 (AU or Almost Uncirculated).  

Nobody throws away money. Coins seem to continue to change hands and be stored away. Although you might not realize it there are many, many old coins around. Try to get your hands on a copy of the BLUE or RED BOOK titled - A GUIDE BOOK of UNITED STATES COINS - by R. S. Yeoman. It is all you need for help with US coins.  This book will give you a rough price range and help you understand grade on coins and therefore value them on a scale from 1 to 70.

For the more common date and Mint marks on silver coins before 1965, even in the worst condition (grade 1) the coin is worth about 11 to 12 times its face value for its silver content. If the coin is in a collectable condition there is a numismatic value added as well, most sell from $1.5 to $4.00 each at coin shops.

To give you an idea of grading factors here's a quick wear/Grading guideline for 1916 to 1945 silver dimes:
They must not have problems like dents, bends or having been cleaned:

GOOD or Grade 4 :
Letters and date clear no lines or bands on reverse faces.

VERY GOOD or Grade 8:
Half the sticks in the faces can be seen.

FINE or Grade 12:
All sticks in faces are defined. Diagonal bands nearly flat.

VERY FINE or Grade 20:   
Both crossing diagonal bands must show.

EXTREMELY FINE or Grade 40:  
Bands show only slight wear. Braids and hair before ear show clearly.

MINT STATE Grades 60 TO 70 :
STRICTLY NEVER CIRCULATED.  NO TRACE OF WEAR. Nice luster on coin. Although it can be toned as is common with silver.

If the coin is Uncirculated or has very little wear there would be a demand for it and the price can vary greatly.

Good Luck

PapaJack