Expert: Brad Swain - 10/29/2009

Question
I am unable to find any information when I google this coin.  It is a 1978 200 Lire Italiana coin.  It is in good condition but circulated.  
Also, I have a small jar of what looks like all Mexican coins. It looks like Mexican coins are not really worth very much.  Is there any one coin that I should be looking out for or are they all pretty much worth little?  Is this 1978 coin worth anything?
Thank you!


Answer
Hi Laura, There were 461 million of these aluminum-bronze Italian 200 Lire coins minted that year in Rome (R). It may be worth .10 up to about $1 depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
Collector value of a coin depends on date, denomination, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
Most modern Mexican coins are common but there are a few scarcer dates and varieties.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad