Expert: Brad Swain - 6/15/2010

Question
I found this website while trying to identify several coins I had in my collection. I have two that I have yet to find origins for. One is a penny from 1930's. It has a what looks to be a roman soldier with a trident on the front of it. On the back it has a man with the inscription 'Georgvis V Dei Gra Britt Omn REX Fid Ind Imp'. I was hoping you knew the origin of this coin.
The second is a cold coin with a man on the front. On the reverse is a ship and the letters EAAHNIKH AHMOKPATIA. It has a 50 underneath the ship. I would be grateful if you could help identify these coins. Thank you. Kass

Answer
Hi Kass, 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.
The first is a bronze British penniy 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. What is the date?
The second is a copper-nickel Greek 50 Drachma featuring Solon the Archon of Athens.
Collector value may be worth about .25 with heavy wear to around .75 with moderate wear to maybe $1.50 with light wear.
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