Coin and Paper Money Collecting/V NICKEL

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Question
MY BROTHER RECENTLY PASSED AWAY AND LEFT ME WITH A COFFEE CAN OF LIBERTY HEAD V NICKLES.  THEY APPEAR TO RANGE FROM 1890 TO 1912.  WE FOUND A COUPLE IN THE LATE 1880s.  HOW DO I DETERMINE VALUE AND WHOM WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO HANDLE THE SALE OF THESE ITEMS?  I SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND EFFORT ON MY BEHALF AND I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE.  

THANK YOU
MARY

Answer
Hi Mary,

Sounds like a fun lot to look at.  You best bet is to buy a 2010 Red Book, A Guide Book of United States Coins.  You can find this book at a new book store or online.  The 1912 might or might not have a Mint Mark on the reverse - look at about 8 o'clock.  The "S" Mint is worth the bucks.  A word about grading:  A full rimmed coin on both sides is at least a good.  You might notice the Liberty on the head band.  If you can read 3 letter of Liberty and you have a very good coin.  If you can read all the letter of Liberty and you have at least a Fine.  The grading continues from there to VF, XF, AU, and Unc.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

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, 947 6th Street, Los Banos, CA  93635.  209-826-0777, email troy@aucpro.com.   Please remember that we are always in the market to buy and sell coins, currency, tokens, and medals both U.S. and World.  We are also licensed to buy scrap gold & platinum jewelry.  

Thanks for the question,


Troy Thoreson, President
Auc Pro, Inc.
Thoreson Numismatics
www.aucpro.com
Life Member American Numismatic Association #5362

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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