Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 11/7/2009

Question
Hello I have been collecting coins for years, starting when I was a teen and working in retail/cashier.  It is amazing what you come across.  I have quite alot but I am not sure how you go about putting a value on the coins.  I do know that it depends on condition, but I was wondering if you could give me a rough idea. These are some that I have:
1906 USA Indian head penny
1751-1951 Canadian Nickel
1945 Canadian King George vi 50 cent piece
1908 USA V cent piece
1945 Canadian George Nickel
1967 Canaidan 'whale' dime
1939 Canadian penny
1929 Canadian penny
1935 Canadian nickel
1867-1967 Canadian cougar nickel
1905 saskatchewan prarie lilly coin - no face value

Answer
Hi Lucy,
Most of the Canadian coins are only worth their face value, unless they are in excellent condition with luster. The 1929 penny and 1935 nickel have some collectible value, a dollar or two in average circulated condition up to $20 or so for a mint condition coin.
The 1945 50 cent piece is worth silver value in average condition, which is about $6. Mint condition coins increase to $30+.
The 1905 Saskatchewan prairie Lilly token is from a the Canadian Provincial flowers series. The date is 1905, but it's actually much newer. The 1905 refers to the date of confederation for the province.
The two US coins are worth a coupe dollars a piece in decent condition. As you may know, the prices for US coins in excellent condition quickly jump into the $20-$30 range for one with nice and sharp details. Mint condition examples go into the $50-$100+ range.
Thanks for the question! =)