Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: What are these coins worth?  I am an amateur at this and need some help.  
1908 5 cent piece  good shape
1926 dime  not good shape very worn
a buffalo nickel-cannot locate date--where would I look?
Thank you
Deana Wendling

ANSWER: Hi Deana:

Thanks for your question. There are a lot of sources available online for you to view where you can get the information you want. Low grade silver coins (like your dime) are usually only worth melt value. See: http://www.coinflation.com/silver_coin_values.html Condition and date along with mintmark are important in establishing the value of a coin. The 1908 Liberty Nickel is worth around $4 in VG condition. The 1926 dime is worth a little over $2 in melt value. The date for a Buffalo Nickel is on the face, lower left. If you don't see it, it is likely a low grade, and worth about ten to fifteen cents.

To grade your coins, see:
For Liberty Nickels: http://coinauctionshelp.com/howtograde_libertynickels.html
For Buffalo Nickels: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_To_Grade_Buffalo_Nickels.html
For Mercury Dimes: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_To_Grade_Mercury_Dimes.html

For coin values see:
http://coinauctionshelp.com/Liberty_Head_V_Nickel_Mintages_Price_Guide.html
http://coinauctionshelp.com/Buffalo_Indian_Head_Nickel_Mintages_Price_Guide.html
http://coinauctionshelp.com/Mercury_Dime_Mintages_Price_Guide.html

You may want to check US coin listings under nickels and dimes on eBay from time to time to see if your coins are listed what they may bring.

Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your bills to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your answer to my first question.  
I have one last question-
My father left me two rolls of pennies which I have had for years.
Are these worth keeping?
1944S and 1946s pennys  (both are in a roll of their own)
Thanks again
Deana

Answer
Hi Again Deana:

Thanks for the follow-up question.

Wheatback cents, struck prior to 1959, are worth about four to five cents each in circulated condition, with the exception of a few dates and mintmarks. The cents struck in the 1940's are common. The condition is the key. Even in uncirculated condition, the coins are likely worth no more than about a $1 each. If you need the money, sell them, otherwise, they could be passed on or given to a relative who has interest in coin collecting.

To grade your coins, see:
For Lincoln Cents: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_to_grade_lincoln_cents.html

For coin values see:
http://coinauctionshelp.com/LincolnWheat_Memorial_SmallCent_Mintages_PriceGuide.

You may want to check US coin listings under Lincoln cents or rolls on eBay from time to time to see if your coins are listed what they may bring.

Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your bills to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You Again and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.