Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1890 silver dollar

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Expert: - 1/22/2011


Question
I have an 1890 silver dollar. It has a nice patina to it. It looks absolutely real but I am sure it isn't as it is stuck to a magnet. Do you know if it is worth anything?

Answer
I would guess it's real.  I'm fairly certain silver can be attracted to a magnet.  Don't clean it or do anything with it.  If circulated it's worth about $30.  If uncirculated it can be worth over $50.  Many times that patina can be very desirable for collectors.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Bruce Goldstein

Expertise

I specialize in U.S. three-cent nickels, but also close behind them are U.S. two-cent pieces, three-cent silver, and twenty cent pieces. Also, I have a bit of experience in the area of U.S. Early Proofs (19th century). However, I can possibly assist in most questions regarding U.S. Type coins.

Experience

I have read virtually everything I can find in print on the areas of U.S. 2-3-20 cent pieces. I have written articles on three-cent coins and Early Proofs published (or will be published) in Coin World.

Organizations
ANA

Publications
Coin World

Education/Credentials
MS in Mathematical Physics ANA Advanced Grading and Problem Coins seminar

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