Expert: Brad Swain - 3/13/2010

Question
I have a 1936 Georgivs V DEI GRA:BRITT:REX FID:DEF:IND:IMP penny that seems to be in very good condition. The coin has a blackened finish on the face side however, it is easily readable and details are easily seen. I appologize for this novice description as I am not a collector. I would really appreciate if you could give me some idea of its worth. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Donna, There were 154.3 million of these bronze British pennies minted that year and it features King George V (1910-36) 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. It may be worth about .15 with heavy wear to around .40 with moderate wear to maybe $5 with light wear.
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.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad