Expert: Brad Swain - 2/16/2010

Question
Hi Brad,
I have a few questions for you regarding coins that I have. One is a 1944 wheat back penny but it has no stamp mark on it, or at least none that I can find. Another is a 1991 double punched dime, which seems to be off centered. the stamp on the one is P & the last one is a 1964 quarter with no stamp mark & makes an odd noise when rattled around with other change or set on any surface. The sound of it reminds me of the silver coins that my mom used to collect. Could you please give me some insight on these coins please?
Thank-you for your time.
Jennifer. :0)

Answer
Hi Jennifer, Collector value of a coin depends on denomination (face value), date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
There were over 1.4 billion of the 1944 cents minted that year at Philadelphia (no mintmark). It may be worth about .05 to $1 depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
For the 10c the type and extent of the error influences the value as well as amount of wear and collector demand. You might try the Error Coins link on this web site: http://coinsite.com/ or http://www.jimscoins.net/error_coin_examples.php . You might take it by a local coin shop for a first hand opinion: http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/coin_dealers .
The 1964 quarter should be 90% silver and contains .1808 of an ounce of silver. There were 560 million minted in Philadelphia that year. Collector value may be worth about $3 to maybe $5 depending on amount of wear and collector demand. Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
and ungraded coins: http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
Ungraded coins (raw) are worth less depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad