Expert: Joe Hylas - 12/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Are you able to give me an idea of what a 1996 $5 gold piece might be worth?
It is in perfect condition and not circulated.

Thank you for your assistance.
Merry Christmas!

ANSWER: Hi Kathy,
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

If we are talking about the American Eagle coin (about the size of a dime) it contains 1/10 oz. of pure gold.  Most dealers will buy this based on the weight, hence at $1380 gold, your coin is worth $138.

They did make other $5 gold coins in 1996, so if this is not the coin we are talking about, let me know and I will get you the correct info.

Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
Omega Precious Metals

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

QUESTION: Thanks.... it is a walking liberty. It is about the size of a dime.  I do appreciate
your willingness to help out.  Another question.  I found many coins my dad
had which includes many silver coins of all denominations, wheat pennies,
buffalo nickels (war years and others), and coins from other countries.  For
example, I also found a coin minted by the USA but it is from the Philippines.

How in the world is the best way to start figuring out what might be worth
more than face value?  It is a fairly good size collection and I am way out of
my expertise... Suggestions?

Thanks again so much for the advice.  I'll try not to be a "pest" :)

Answer
Hi Kathy,

First off, sort the coins be denominations.  Put all the foreign in one pile and focus on the US.

Separate the silver coins, eg. dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollar dated 1964 and before.
Also pull out the Half Dollars dated 1965-70 and put those in a separate pile.
The coins dated 1964 and before are 90% silver.  The halves from 1965-70 are 40% silver.

Nickels dated from 1942-1945 that are silver will have a large letter, either P, D, or S, over the dome of Monticello.  All other Jefferson Nickels are usually just worth face value.

Buffalo Nickels must have 4 digit dates to have any real value and even then, it isn't much.  Common wheat pennies are worth about 2-3 cents each, however there are some dates that are worth decent money.

This will get you started.  Feel free to contact me directly in the future at JOEHYLAS@aol.com

Regards
Joe