Coin and Paper Money Collecting/How much is this worth?

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Expert: - 3/30/2009


Question

Silver Dollar
Ok so I recieved a silver dollar and i was wondering how much it would be worth.. It is a E Pluribus Unum 1898 Silver Dollar with the liberty head on the front and the traditional Eagle grasping arrows on the back.. I think its mostly silver it has a very high pitched ting when you drop it..

Answer
Hi Thomas,

The weight of this coin should be 26.7 grams.  There are a lot of fakes in the market place so please check the weight.  If authentic your coin is worth $14 to $16.  We sell 1898 examples in our store for $16.00 each in quantity.  Also, look on the reverse just above the D and O in Dollar.  If you see an "S" Mint mark the coin is worth more.  Get back to me if it is an "S" Mint Marked coin.  My guess is you will find nothing above the D and O in Dollar on the reverse.  The coin is most likely a Philadelphia Minted coin and will not have a Mint Mark.  If you see an "O" Mint Mark it is common.   Hopefully, this helps.

Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value.  Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time.  Try using inert materials when storing coins.  Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe.  The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside.  These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.

If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins.  If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics.

Thanks for the question,

Troy Thoreson, aucpro.com  

Troy Thoreson

Expertise

Please, no error coin questions unless your coin is dated 1955 or before. I can answer questions regarding all U.S. Coins, Gold & Silver bullion, including regular mint and proof issue coins and currency. Since 2009, I have been contributing to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", by R.S. Yeoman along with two other publications. I currently run two coin shops in California.

Experience

I have over 30 years experience in Numismatics. I own two coin shops and have examined thousands of coins over the years. Please allow up to 2 business days for an answer. This is a free service and I am happy to answer questions - but please be patient and understanding of my time.

Organizations
My company is an authorized P.C.G.S. and N.G.C. dealer. I am a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association and California State Numismatic Association. We are also an authorized Whites Metal Detector dealership.

Publications
I have written articles for Coin World and the Rare Coin Market Report.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate of completion from the American Numismatic Association on how to detect counterfeit U.S. Gold Coins and how to Grade U.S. Coins along with other certifications. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Computer Information Systems.

Awards and Honors
I am listed as a contributor to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", the Red Book, by R.S. Yeoman. I have been contributing to the Red Book since 2009. I also contribute to the Blue Book and the new Professional edition Red Book. I have many other awards and honors.

Past/Present Clients
My past consulting clients included eBay, Inc., Yahoo! Auctions, and the United States Postal Service. I have many other great customers and help all no matter their level of collecting.

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