Expert: Brad Swain - 6/3/2010

Question
I have 6 X 5 SFr commemorative coins from 1974, 75, 76, 82 %26 83.  They commemorate such items as: 100th aniv of Gothardus, the musician Ernst Ansermet, etc.  Do these coins have value in excess of their monetary value?  I also have a few 1, 2, 20 %26 50  centime pieces which are dated in the 1940s and 50s.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Roger, 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.
5 Franc copper-nickel commemorative coins:
1974, 3.7 million minted, worth about $7-$9 (loose or in case); Proof pieces are worth more, let me know if they are. Proof coins have mirror fields that allows reflecting newsprint to be read at least 6 inches away.
75, 2.5 million, $8-$10
76, 1.5 million, $8-$11
82, 1.1 million, $8-$11
83, 1 million, $8-$11

The minor pieces would have to be listed by denomination and date.
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