Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/22/2009

Question
Description of $20 bill:  Hugh McCulloch on it and 4087 below his picture.  Says National Currency above his picture.At the top it says "Secured by the United States Bonds Deposited with the Treasury of the United States of America" E725999H series of 1902 (with an "A" after the 1902). The First National Bank of Dyersburg, Tennessee. Feb. 26,1920.  S5263 written all over it (around edges, etc.) No name above "Cashier". The name "E. Sear(?) above "President". Treasurer is John Burke.  The back has, on the left side, the Lady Liberty with the torch and rods and the Capital Building.  The right side is blank.  It says National Currency on the top of the back.  There is no date on the back. It isn't in excellent condition.  Could you tell me about what it is worth?  I also have a coffee can full of wheat pennies.  Are they worth anything significant?  Are there certain ones that are worth a lot?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Lola,        

National notes are not my strong suit!
What you are describing is a National Bank Note. The Bank charter was 5263 and the other description is accurate for the note. But all I can only tell you what the catalog I have has your note listed for $60 in Very Good condition. I cannot help you authenticate the piece and there are copies of various notes made. Someone would need to see it in person.

Lincoln Head Cents made from 1909 on are valued by the state of preservation. The grading scale for coins is from 1 to 70. But some even if worn are more valuable. But only a few will be considered rare or very valuable. Please read on;
 
For grading the Cent Lincolns bow tie and ear wear first. Also is there any mint mark on the coin?
Wheat cents were minted from 1909 to 1958, at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. If you see a "D" below the date, the coin was minted in Denver. If you see an "S" below the date, the coin was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter below the date the coin was minted in Philadelphia.

A cent from these years in a lower grade (4 to 30) will sell for less than .50 cents each. Their value is all in their state of preservation. (As little as .15 cents each for pre 1935 Lincoln cents). If they show full details on the Jaw, Bow Tie and Wheat Heads they are much more collectable and sell from $3 to $7 dollars in grades from 30 to 55.

A Philadelphia issue 1909 cent in circulated condition sells from $1.00 to $3.00 dollars. A 1940 Philadelphia issue coin can sell from .10 to 50 in circulated grades. For pre 1940 Lincoln Cents there are only a few valuable circulated condition coins to look for.

1909-S, 1910-S,  1911-D, 1911-S, 1914-D, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1921-S  and 1922-D OR 1922 no D,
1924-D, 1926-S, 1931-D, 1931-S.
THESE ARE ALL KEY OR SEMI-KEY DATES FOR Lincoln cents. There are some others as well.

Feel free to ask me for more information or any question on USA Coins.

Good Luck,

PapaJack