Expert: Joe Hylas - 11/10/2006

Question
Okay. Thanks, it was a good explanation but my next question is : How can you assume (based on what ?) that you can be so certain (since you didn't see the coins yourself...) in being are rated only 5 ? Just because as a 25 yrs collecter yourself never find one ? How can someone tell 5 or 6 or more ? I would like to learn to rate the coins like you do. Thanks

Sincerely,
Natalie
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi,
I am a Canadian living in Japan since 10 years. My husband (Japanese) discovered this week a hidden silver box containing three US mysterious coins, in his deceased Grandfather's old desk. I have attempted to make research on the internet to find out the approximative real value of the coins but I am very unsure (not an expert...)considering too many details to check out. All I know is that the coins are:

One is a Peace coin dated 1922 (without any extra inscription such as "O" "CC" "D" "S" or else) Low relief with satin and probably circulated one although it's hard to say considering the perfection of the coin...

The second one is a Morgan dollar dated 1881 (with no inscription "O" "S" "D" "CC" or else) it's a shinny white coin with a contour darker, the relief is medium ? The coin details are fine I think. Definitely circulated one.

The third coin is also a Morgan dated 1888 (with no inscription "O" "S" "CC" "D" or else) looks more mat tone than the 1881 one, very fine I think (details are close to
perfection... really !) the contour is slightly darker than the center, the reliefs looks medium too (perhaps not high or low).

I took a fiew pictures of those with my digital camera in case you want to look at it. I forgot to mention that the coins are very heavy ! Quite asthonishing...Please can you help me out, I will more than appreciated...

Thanks,

Natalie Piche Hayashi
Tokyo Japan
-----Answer-----
Hello Natalie,
This is a followup to your question and commentary on your feedback for me.
You described the coins as circulated, fine and very fine.  These are all conditions associated with the grade quality of rare coins.  I based the value upon the information that YOU supplied.  Yes, I have done my homework, I have been a collector since 1968 and a professioanl numismatist since 1978 so I feel it is safe to say that I pretty much know what I am talking about.
I must say that I have NEVER had ratings of 5 and it is quite distressing.  I am sorry that you did not get the answers that you wanted to hear.  Maybe you should submit the exact same question to other experts for their responses.   To be fair though, do not change the wording of your question.
And if you would like to purchase MINT condition coins of the same years that you have described, please contact me as I am confident that I can sell them to you for less than the price of dinner for 2.
Have a good day.
Regards
Joe Hylas


The coins you describe are all common date pieces and truly not rare even though they are old.  In used condition they are worth about $15 US each.  We sell mint condition coins of the same dates in the $25-35 range.
They are probably worth more as a keepsake than the market value.  My suggestion is to hold onto them and pass them on to the next generation.
Regards
Joe Hylas

Answer
Natalie,
I did not rate the coins a 5.  I have no idea what you are talking about.
I based my evaluation on the information you supplied, that being that the coins had Fine details, Very Fine details, etc.  These are grading terms used within the industry, maybe you used them in the wrong context.  Is it possible that YOU made a mistake?
As for the rating of 5, that was what you rated ME and the service I provided.  As I said, I have never been rated a 5 by anyone.  Obviously you feel that you know more than I do for you to rate my knowledge as a 5 so why are you wasting my time when I can be helping people who really appreciate it?