Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 7/1/2007

Question
What is my 1880 Indian cent worth?  Also, 1951D wheat cent, an 1882-VC Indian cent?  Also, a 1927 Philly Mint Buffalo Nickle?   THANK YOU

Answer
Vickie, condition of coins is critical to value, value of the same date can vary 10 times, sometimes more due to condition.  For example, the 1880 Indian cent is listed at $2.50 in good condition, yet $250 is MS65 red and brown uncirculated condition.  You can't do anything to improve condition by cleaning or rubbing -- you can only reduce value that way, often a lot (even by putting a fingerprint on an uncirculated coin will substantially reduce value).  Unless the 1951D cent is in pristine uncirculated condition, it really has no premium to face value (1 cent), and even if it is uncirculated, it would be worth $1 to $2 unless it is really good.  I'm not sure that a VC Indian cent is, the 1882 lists at $2.25 in G, $2.75 in VG.  The 1927 nickel lists at 65 cents in good and $75 in MS64.  To get a better idea, go to www.ebay.com and do a search for your coins (example: 1882 cent or 1882 penny) and you'll see samples selling and what people are bidding and can compare the pictures to what you have.  Jim Lawniczak