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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/World War 1 German and French coins

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Expert: - 8/25/2009


Question
I have several coins dated before 1919. I have one French coin dated 1875, it is about the size of a silver dollar. I don't remember the denomination of the coin. I would like to know if they have any value. I also have other items from WWI.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,
The WWI era is prime collecting territory for European coins. Your 1875 coin, judging by the size, is a 5 francs. This coins will depict Hercules standing with a woman at either side.
There are two mints that made the 1875 coins. On the reverse, below "5 francs" will be an A or K mint mark. The A sells for $10 to $50 depending on condition, the K sells for $15 to $150 in the same conditions.
Feel free to ask follow-up questions for the other coins you have. I'll do my best to answer you promptly.
Thanks for the question! =)

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Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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