Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 10/27/2009

Question
#1  interested in value of a 1880 VICTORIA D:G:BRITANNIAR:REG:F:D: gold coin. Victoria's bun faces right. Stallion with caped rider with sword.
#2  Queen Victoria with crown, 1894 ten cents .straits settlements.
#3 quantity of pre 1968 canadian silver dollars. Are these only worth value of silver content or are there some that are more valuable?
 Thanks, Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

#1. Is either a British soveregin or half-sovereign, it can also be an Australian sovereign. The Australian coins will have a letter S or M below the portrait of Victoria, while the British coins will not. Either way they have collectible value in good condition. One with only minor wear brings 25% to 33% above bullion, while a mint condition coin is valued at double or more. One that is significantly worn only brings bullion value.

#2. A fairly common, but popular coin from the modern day area of Malaysia and Singapore. Value ranges from around $5 or less for a well used example to $100+ for one in mint condition. If you post a follow-up question with a photo I can give you more accurate information on value.

#3. There are certainly some key dates and varieties for pre-1968 dollars. All of the early dates are valuable. Aside from the George V coins of 1935-36, the 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946 and 1947. Some later better dates include 1949, 1956 and the "Arnprior" varieties for years 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1955. This variety is marked by only 1 1/2 water lines at the right side of the canoe, as opposed to the normal three.
The really rare dates and varieties are 1947 with a small Maple leaf next to the date, 1948, 1966 with small beads on the portrait side. The 1966 is nearly impossible to find. There were less than 500 made and not released into general circulation.

Thanks for the question! =)