Coin and Paper Money Collecting/2 different coins

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Expert: - 9/18/2011


Question
I have a 1978 One dollar coin i was trying to figure out what its worth i see you have alot listed how do I no because I see MS numbers in front of all ur listing and I dont see any MS# on my coin

Also I have a 200 year freedom half dollar thats dated 1776-1976

please let me know, I no I am not giving much information but

Answer
Hi Donna:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

Both of your coins are modern issues, and likely only worth face value, unless they are special Mint Set or Proof coins, struck for collectors, and not released for general circulation. "MS" refers to "Mint State". The coin grading system utilizes a numbering system from 1 to 70, where 70 is a perfect coin.

For more info on the Ike Dollar, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisenhower_Dollar

For more info on the Kennedy Half, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_half_dollar

To grade your coins, see: http://www.coinbrowser.com/grading-kennedy_half_dollar.html and http://www.coinbrowser.com/grading.php?subcat=Eisenhower+Dollar

For prices, see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/Kennedy_Half_Dollar_Mintages_Price_Guide.html and http://coinauctionshelp.com/Eisenhower_Dollar_Mintages_Price_Guide.html

Check eBay listings under Kennedy half and Ike dollars to see of your piece is listed, and what it may bring.

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,they will offer around 50% to 60% of retail for collector coins in higher grades. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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