Expert: Brad Swain - 2/18/2010

Question
My father-in-law has given us a large box of misc. foreign coins that range in dates from the beginning of the 20th century to fairly current. As an example in one collection of German coins there are "one penny" coins that are dated 1913,1945,1917,1945,1918,1946, and 4 more dated in the 60's. On one side it has on it GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:d:IND:IMP. These letters are around the outside of the coin with a head in the middle. Do they have nay value?

Answer
Hi Jaime, these bronze British pennies feature King George V (1910-36), King George VI (1936-52) or Queen Elizabeth II (1952-) on one side and on the other side is the allegorical figure of Britannia with shield and a trident which symbolizes Britain's mastery of the seas and worldwide empire. The abbreviated Latin legend stands for By the Grace of God, Ruler and King of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.
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.
Following are the value estimates of the coins with heavy, medium and light wear:
1913, .20, $3, $22.
1917, .20, $2.50, $17.
1918, .20, $2.50, $17; worth more if there is an H or KN mintmark to the left of the date.
1945, .20, .35, $5.
1946, .20, .35, $5.
1961-67 worth a dollar or less at best depending on the date.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins  or Coins of England for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad