Expert: Brad Swain - 12/8/2009

Question
Hi.
An elderly aunt has given me 3 coins and I wondered whether you could give me some information regarding approx value please.
1. Napoleon III - 20 Franc Coin - 1856 - there is a letter A at the bottom of the coin. It is gold colored and in good condition, having been kept in a plastic wallet.
2. Napoleon III - 20 Franc Coin - 1863 - the same size and same color gold as the earlier coin, but I can't see any letter on this one.  Although it does say Barre underneath the Head. Very good condition again.
3. George V - 1924 Florin - silver colored but looks quite worn.
Thank you for your time and efforts.
Best Wishes
Lisa  

Answer
Hi Lisa, Collector value of a coin depends on denomination (face value), date, 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.
1. Emperor Napoleon III (1852-70) - 20 Franc Coin - 1856 - there is a letter A at the bottom of the coin. It is gold colored and in good condition, having been kept in a plastic wallet.
17.3 million minted, .1867 of an ounce of gold, may be worth a bit over gold value, currently about $215, depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
2. Emperor Napoleon III (1852-70) - 20 Franc Coin - 1863 - the same size and same color gold as the earlier coin, but I can't see any letter on this one.  Although it does say Barre underneath the Head. Very good condition again, 3.9 million minted in Paris (bee), 4.8 million in Strasbourg (cross), .1867 of an ounce of gold, may be worth a bit over gold value, currently about $215, depending on amount of wear and collector demand. Barre is the designer's name.
3. King George V (1910-36) - 1924 Florin - silver colored but looks quite worn, 4.6 million minted, .1818 of an ounce of silver, about $3.50 with heavy wear.
Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
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