Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Coin value enquiry

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Expert: - 9/22/2009


Question

ZAR 3 pence coin
Hi there,
I recently come across a 1892 ZAR 3 pence coin and was wondering if you could tell me how much I should look to sell it for.The coin is slightly dirty and rusty and would greatly appreciate your expert advice.
Kind Regards,

Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,
This South African (ZAR = Zuid Afrika) three-pence is the key date for the series, with only 24,000 coins minted compared to over 100,000 to 300,000 for the other dates.
Condition is very important on South African coins like this. A very fine coin lists for $6, while the next grade up (extra fine) is $60.
Your coin has extra fine details, but looks to have been soldered. The two bumps at either side of Kruger's head on the front are a sign of the metal buckling under the high heat of a welder. The black area on the reverse is left over from the soldered lead material.
I just recently sold one in about the same condition, on eBay (link - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230370065172 ). The final price was $9.05 + shipping. You can expect about the same for your coin.
Also worth noting, these are good coins to keep because they only ever go up in value.
Thanks for the question! =)
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentGreat response. Thank You very much :)


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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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