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Question
My father and I came across a coin that appears to be from 1863, while the coin is scratched, symbols are still made out. I hope that you can help us out by telling is more about it and perhaps how much it may be worth? Thanks
)
Hi Matthew,
This is an 1853 English penny or farthing. The 1863 coins depict the older queen Victoria. Both these denominations, as well as the half-penny, have this design. The half-penny has slight differences which allow me to rule it out. If the size of this coin is close to that of a US quarter, it's a farthing. If the size is larger than a half-dollar, then it's a penny.
Interestingly, the 5 and 6 in the dates can easily be mistaken even when this coin was brand new. They used a small and squiggly font for many dates.
Unfortunately it does not have significant value in this condition. A decent example of either denomination starts at $5-$10, increasing into the $20-$50 for a high grade coins, and $100-$300 for a mint condition example.
Thanks for the question! =)
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Answers by Expert:
Dmitry Livshits
Expertise
My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.
Experience
Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.
Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).
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