Expert: Brad Swain - 2/1/2010

Question
=I have inherited 3 mexican coins...$5 1981, $20 1981, $100 1985,  I was wondering what you might think they are worth.  They've been in a box for the last 30 years, and need cleaning.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Robie, 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:
5 Pesos 1981, copper-nickel, 30.5 million minted, .20, .45, .65.
20 Pesos 1981, copper-nickel, 250.6 million, .25, .60, .80.
100 Pesos 1985, aluminum-bronze, 377.4 million, .20, .30, .50.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Cleaning coins that leaves them shiny or scratched, even if only by looking with a magnifying glass, will reduce a coin's value by at least half.
Brad