Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: i found you answered questions about some pennies dated 1849. I have both the 1849 and 1852 in excellent condition. What are they worth in your opinion? Also have 1943 dimes and Noticed you answered questions about these pennies specifically an 1849. I have both the 1849 and 1852 in excellent condition. What are they worth in your opinion? Also have 1943 dimes and cents..

ANSWER: Hello Tony,          

Collectors have devised a numerical grading system for coins. It goes from 1 to 70. With 1 being barely identifiable as a coin and 70 being perfect. Coins taken from circulation usually fall between grade 8-VG (very Good) and grade 50 (AU Almost Uncirculated).  
The coins have to be graded by an experienced coin person for a more accurate value.
The large cent coins sell from $7 for a good coin to as much as $65 dollars in Almost Uncirculated grades.

As for the value on the 1943 Zinc Plated Steel cent, all three Mints made the coins, Philadelphia produced 684,628,670 of them, Denver Mint produced 217,660,000 of them and San Francisco produced 191,550,000 of them.
It is very likely there are many rolls of them left. Or even to collect a 50 to 100 of them would have been easy in the 1960's to 1970's. I don't see many in circulation any more. A lot of them rot away if exposed to the elements.
Their value ranges from .20 cents for lower grade specimens to about $2.00 in uncirculated condition to collectors.

The 1943 Winged Liberty Head Dime is not rare. They are however 90% silver.
Look for the Mint Mark.  If it has one, it will be on the reverse, near the bottom left of the faces, And right of the "E" in ONE.  This dime is 90% silver and also holds some Numismatic value as well so even if it was a little worn they sell for about a dollar each and as much as $10 in high grade for common dates.
The 1916-D is most valuable, 1921-D and 1921 are also valuable dates. Any of the 1916 and 1921 dates in any grade condition will be worth more than silver value.

Any Dimes that look Uncirculated with absolutely no wear, bright & lustrous, never cleaned should also be separated these could be worth a couple dollars each. If you can, try grading the Winged Liberty dime from the descriptions below. For the more common date and Mint marks even in the worst condition (grade 1) the coin is worth about .80 cents (for its silver content alone). So the common dates will be valued from 85 cents to $3.00 depending on condition. They must not have problems like dents, bends or having been cleaned.

Here's a quick wear/Grading guideline from the Redbook for 1916 to 1945 dimes:

GOOD or Grade 4 :
Letters and date clear no lines or bands on reverse faces.

VERY GOOD or Grade 8:
Half the sticks in the faces can be seen.

FINE or Grade 12:
All sticks in faces are defined. Diagonal bands nearly flat.

VERY FINE or Grade 20:   
Both crossing diagonal bands must show.

EXTREMELY FINE or Grade 40:  
Bands show only slight wear. Braids and hair before ear show clearly.

MINT STATE Grades 60 TO 70 :
STRICTLY NEVER CIRCULATED.  NO TRACE OF WEAR. Nice luster on coin.

Please remember to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you recomend a grading book to me? thanks tony

Answer
Hello Tony,          

I do suggest you get a copy of “A Guide Book of UNITED STATES COINS” (Red Book) by YEOMAN.
This will guide you through the critical information you need to begin a US Coin collection. It touched on the major grades of each coin type.
It does list values as well but they are only a guide.

Thank You for the good rating and lots of luck.

Feel free to make me one of your favorite experts at this site. And ASKME any question on US Coins.

PapaJack