Expert: Brad Swain - 11/19/2009

Question
I have a small collection and im thinking of cashing it in and was wondering if it was worth the effort. My rarest i think is 2 1935 penny's which im sure is Red and 1 brown. Alot of 1950-1957 penny's. A 1937 Buffalo nickle and 1939 Mercury dime. Half dollars from 1918-1943. A standing quater from 1929. A 1928g 2 dollar bill and 1928a one dollar bill. Some foreign coin as well. A 1938 france 1( i dont know if its a penny or dollar, and a 1922 5000 mark from germany which i know has only collector value

Answer
Hi Chuck, 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.
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
Ungraded coins (raw) are worth less depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Collector value of a note depends on date, series letter or signature and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand. There have been so many made of these that only the uncirculated ones (no wear) have any significant value above face value.
U.S. small size paper money values:
http://coinsite.com/html/uspapermoneyprices(sm).asp
and
http://www.bestcoin.com/U-S-Currency-FAQ-Values.htm
The aluminum-bronze 1938 1 Franc collector value may be worth up to about $1 with any wear.
Is the German 5000 Mark a currency note or a coin?
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins or Standard Catalog of World Paper Money for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad