Expert: Cameron Kiefer - 1/16/2005

Question
hello, I have a 1983 united states lost angeles 23rd olympics silver coin. It is in a brick red cardboard box and has a red velvet box with an eagle on it. It is pretty heavy, and I am pretty sure it is pure silver. And it was never touched by human hands. My question is, how to I find out if it is a proof or not? And also, how much is it worth?

Answer
Hi Alex,

There are several different typs of these sets.  some have three coins which include a gold coin and others have one Mint state or proof coin inside.  The three coin set looks like this and sells for around $250:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41107&item=3952986100&rd=...

The single coin set either has a mint state coin inside or a proof coin and sell for $12-15 each:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41107&item=3952939580&rd=...

Proof coins hhave reflective surfaces and a black and white cameo contrast.  Mint state coins have luster but not reflective surfaces like the proof coins have.  I hope this helps.

Cameron Kiefer