Expert: Brad Swain - 12/13/2009

Question
Hi Brad,

I just started collecting and have a couple of questions.I recently purchased a 1989 frist man on the moon $50 silver uncirculated proof,minted by the Republic of The Marshall Islands.I didn't really buy it because I thought it was worth much,but I really liked the coin.Just out of curiousity,is it worth the $25 I paid for it.

Also,I recently purchased a set of 2006,2007,2008,satin finished,uncirculated,Silver Eagles,minted at West Point.My main reason for purchasing these were because I'm under the impression that the U.S. Mint isn't going to do anymore of these,plus I really liked them.Could you tell me what they're worth and if these 3 years are indeed the last to be minted?

Thanks,

Lawrence Fletcher

Answer
Hi Lawrence, you are collecting coins for the perfect reason: because you like them.
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.
The MI $50 First Man on the Moon Proof coin is listed in the Standard Catalog of World Coins (try a library) with a total mintage of 25,000 and estimated value is $27.50 without an S mintmark and $23.50 with an S mintmark. It contains .9988 of an ounce of silver. Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
Proof coins have mirror fields that allows reflecting newsprint to be read at least 6 inches away.
Uncirculated coins have regular but flawless surfaces.
The burnished Silver Eagles were also minted at West Point (W) in 2009. Value estimates from the Guidebook of United States Coins (try a library) are $90, $28, $28 for the 2006-2008 coins.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
Brad