Expert: PAPAJACK - 11/30/2006

Question
I have 2 US coins I am having trouble identifying.The 1st one is dated 1896 with the head of a woman wearing a crown that reads "Liberty", the outside edge is a row of stars. On the reverse, it has a large "V", with the outside edge reading "United States of America". The coin is in good condition with only a slight wear at the highest points. All objects and lettering are still very finely detailed.  The 2nd coin is a dime dated 1871. It is worn very smooth. All I can make out of the front is a man with a shield, possibly holding a flag attached to a pole. The reverse side simply reads "One Dime" in the center, surrounded by leaves or vines. Can you possibly help me identify them and their value?

Answer
Hello Trisha,   

The first is a Liberty Head Nickel. They sell from $4 in grade 4 to about $60 in grade 50. Here are some images of the coin. (Front and back)
http://www.coinfacts.com/nickels/liberty_head_nickels/1909_nickel_obverse.JPG
http://www.coinfacts.com/nickels/liberty_head_nickels/1909_nickel_reverse.JPG
your description sounds like the grade 40 coin valued from $45 to $60 retail. If there are no problems with it, like having ever been cleaned dented scratched etc..  

The second is a Seated Liberty Dime. They sell for $16  to $35 in grade 4 from the San Francisco and Philadelphia mints and $1,800 in grade 4 from the Carson City Mint. Look for the mint mark letter on the back at the bottom of the wreath. Here are some images of the coin. (Front and back)
http://www.coinfacts.com/dimes/seated_liberty_dimes/1853_arrows_dime_obv.jpg
http://www.coinfacts.com/dimes/seated_liberty_dimes/1853_arrows_dime_rev.jpg
From your description the coin would grade less than 4 on the 1 to 70 scale making it worth about a dollar unless it is the Carson City coin.

Please remember to rate this answer at the bottom of this page. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack