Expert: Brad Swain - 12/16/2009

Question
I have a Lewis&Clark $10 currency mark, it's in prestine condition.I know without looking at it would be hard to determine the value,but in your rough estimate what could the value range be? Also, I have a National Currency mark for $20,it's from The Union National Bank of Houston,date mark is March 21,1910,series 1902. Again in your roughest estimate what would you estimate the value of said bill? I also have silver half dollars(morgan and liberty)date range for morgan is 1904- 1921,liberty 1922.What would be the cost range for the two coins not knowing the stamp markings? I have a few more questions about coins,but I'll wait to ask at a later time. Thank you for your prompt response.

Answer
Hi Camilo, 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.
The famous 1901 $10 United States Note featuring portraits of Meriwether Lewis on the left, William Clark on the right, and Black Diamond, an American Bison, was issued. This United States Note was the only one to mention the legal provision that authorized its issuance. The reverse featured an allegorical figure representing Columbia between two Roman-styled pillars.
There are inexpensive replicas of this note around. Genuine examples' collector value may be about $200 with heavy wear to around $2000 with moderate wear to maybe $3000 with light wear to perhaps $5000 if uncirculated (no wear).
The Houston $20 may be worth about $300 with moderate wear. There may be a few found with an Internet search.
http://currency.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=448&Lot_No=14356
U.S. silver dollars weigh 26.73 grams and contain .7736 of an ounce of silver. The Morgan dollar (1878-1921), nicknamed after its designer, may have a mintmark letter below the eagle while the other, a Peace dollar (1921-35), may have a mintmark letter by the tip of the tail.
Collector value of a coin depends on 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.
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
and ungraded coins: http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
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.
Brad