Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/30/2008

Question
i want to know if 1971, 1972 and 1978 eisenhower silver dollars-copper nickel, ef40 worth anything?

also, buffalo nickels?

Answer
Hello Dawn,                          

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 Almost Uncirculated).  

The Eisenhower Dollar is not worth much more than face value in circulated condition. They were made in the millions and are still available in mint state grades.

Your grade of EF is a grade of 40 to 49 on the scale and the coins at this time may only sell for $1.15 or so.

For Eisenhower Dollar coins in mint state grades from 60 to 64 they sell for $2 to $4 dollars. If the coin is made at the San Francisco mint it will have a letter S above the date. Some of these were made with silver instead of nickel and sell for about $12 dollars each depending on grade.  

Remember this same type of point scale grading goes for all coins.

For Indian head nickels (Buffalo nickel), these are a hot collectable in hi grades. Even some in lower grade can be hard to find. They are graded by how visible the buffalo’s horn is of course the Date must show and any mint mark letter it may have.

They were made at 3 mints and in 7 varieties.  You can look for the 1937 3 legged buffalo and the 1938 double mint mark. Write me again if you see these features on the coins.

Here's a quick wear/Grading guideline, NOTE: They must not have problems like dents, bends or having been cleaned.

GOOD or Grade 4:
Letters and date clear no Buffalo Horn on reverse but no wear to the outside rim from letters.

VERY GOOD or Grade 8:
Normal wear, flat looking, very little sharpness remains but all major details visible and Half the Horn still shows.

FINE or Grade 12:
All details strong and definition remains on some high areas of the coin and three quarters of the horn still shows.  

VERY FINE or Grade 20:   
Two thirds of hairlines strong, cheek bone is well defined but worn. Full horn shows but worn.

EXTREMELY FINE or Grade 40:  
Only slight wear on hair ribbon, hairlines are strong. Only slight wear on full horn. Some Original Mint Luster shows.

MINT STATE Grades 60 TO 70:
STRICTLY NEVER CIRCULATED.  NO TRACE OF WEAR. Nice luster on coin.

If they are the common date coins they are valued from $2.00 to $5.00 each in grades from 8 to 50.

The 1921-S, 1923-S, 1924-D, 1924-S, 1925-D, 1926-D, 1926-S are the money coins for this decade. They range in value from $6.00 to $10 in circulated grades. The 21-S, 24-S and 26-S are most valuable ranging from $20.00 to $700.00 in high grade circulated examples.
Other Dates and mint marks from the 1920's are valued from 1 to $5 dollar in low grades.

Thank You and Good Luck