Expert: Brad Swain - 11/19/2009

Question
I  have a bracelet that has 1 2 anna and 4 1anna  all have George v1 on †he  back 2 anna is dated 1942  2 of 1 annas  dated 1942 the other two are 1943 apart from a few tarnish marks coins are in good condition .Should  I clean them or are they not worth the trouble.

Answer
Hi John, 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.
Cleaning coins that leaves them shiny or scratched, even if only by looking with a magnifying glass, will reduce a coin's value by at least half.
The Calcutta mint issued these nickel-brass coins featuring British King George VI (1936-52) without a mintmark while Bombay coins have a small dot below the date.
1 anna, the Calcutta 1942, 1943, and Bombay 1943 issues collector value may be worth about .10 with heavy wear to around .25 with moderate wear to maybe .50 with light wear. The 1942 Bombay issues may be worth about .10, .40, $1 in the same conditions.
2 anna, 1942, only made in Bombay, collector value may be worth about .15 with heavy wear to around .35 with moderate wear to maybe .50 with light wear.
If a coin has been damaged by becoming part of the jewelry or cannot be separated from the jewelry without damage then its value lies in the piece of jewelry and not as a coin.
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