Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Lincoln and Indian Heads

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Expert: - 4/7/2009


Question
I have Lincoln pennies for every year (and mint) from 1939 to 1962.  I also have Indian head pennies from 1893 to 1906.  The grade on the majority of these coins is F-12 (?).  I also have many rolls of Indian heads that have not been grades.  How do I go about getting a fair price for these coins without spending hundreds of hours researching how much they are worth?

Answer
Hi Nan,

There is much rarity in the dates you mention.  A VG to VF is expected on the Indians.  Prices are generic Indians and Wheat Cents.  In general, you can expect to receive .50 to .70 each on your Indians.  For wheat cents; 1930's 3 cents each, 1940's to 1958 1 1/2 Cents each.  Cleaned, Dark, and/or Damaged coins will be kicked out.  I am curious how you have many rolls of Indians but yet all the coins date from 1893 to 1906 (regular issue copper Indians were minted from 1864 to 1909).  It is odd there is a cut off date on the Indians. Retail pricing is another story.  You can try eBay for retail pricing, but in the end, after time and effort your net will most likely be the same.   As far as dealers are concerned look for an authorized PCGS and NGC dealer.  Look for someone who is a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association.  

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

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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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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