Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/13/2011

Question
Hello Ronald,
My father has a one silver dollar coin that is very small and thin. Is there any way you can provide an est value or range...

Answer
Hi Michelle:

Thanks for your question. Based on your description, and with no photo, it is difficult to be able to say what you may have, but I'm guessing the piece is not a real U.S. coin, and more likely a replica. The first U.S. silver dollar was struck in 1794. Based on the metal content, it could be worth anywhere from a few dollars to the melt value (if silver) of the weight multiplied by the value of a troy ounce of silver, which is around $30.00.

It may be a replica coin from the Orient (China). This country has had a large increase in "copy" coins coming from there in the past couple of years. The Chinese government allows coins to be made in China without restraint. The "counterfeiter" could be put to death if they made fake Chinese coins.

From Wikipedia: "The Coinage Act of 1792 authorized the production of dollar coins from silver. The United States Mint produced silver dollar coins from 1794 to 1803, then ceased regular production of silver dollars until 1836. The first silver dollars, precisely 1,758 of them, were coined on October 15, 1794 and were immediately delivered to Mint Director David Rittenhouse for distribution to dignitaries as souvenirs. Thereafter, until 1804, they were struck in varying quantities. There are two obverse designs: Flowing Hair and Draped Bust. There are also two reverse designs used for the Draped Bust variety: small eagle and heraldic eagle. Original silver dollars from this period are highly prized by coin collectors and are exceptionally valuable, and range from fairly common to incredibly rare. Due to the early practice of hand engraving each die, there are dozens of varieties known for many of these dates.

For more information, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar_coin_(United_States)

Without a photo, or the coin specifics, it is difficult to pinpoint what you may have. If you want to ask a follow up question with a photo and/or added information, I'll revise my answer, as required.

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If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.