Coin and Paper Money Collecting/confusing coin

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Expert: - 3/9/2009


Question

1851 silver dollar
I have an 1851 silver dollar, and I have been told both that it is a fantacy piece, and that it is a true coin. It is real silver. My question is simply, is it worth anything more that the silver content. Thanks!

Answer
Heather,

Sorry but you onily have some kind of fantasy novelty coin.  I've been asked about these before.

The indian on the obverse comes from the Indian Head Cent design :

http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/indian_head_cents/1859_cent_obv.jpg

And the reverse design comes from the reverse of a gold dollar :

http://www.coinfacts.com/gold_dollars/1851_gold_dollar_rev.jpg

Sorry but this novelty item has no collector value -- only value for whatever silver it contains.

Dan

Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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