Coin and Paper Money Collecting/unknown coin

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Question
We have a huge unorganized collection of coins from my late father-in-law.  Some seem to have significant value, some don't.  One coin I can't figure out at all. It's a small (dime size)silver coin dated 1889. It shows a seated figure looking left with right hand on a shield, holding a staff? in the left.  The back of the coin has a very unusual script letters that could be T L, but it is difficult to tell.  Other than the words "United States of America" around the figure, there are no other markings.  Can you help?

Answer
Hi Lisa,

You have a Seated Liberty Dime that was made into a "Love Token".

This was often done to coins in the late 19th century, to be given as gifts.

I would estimate value at $10 to $20, depending on how nice it is.

If you go on eBay and search for love token, you will find other examples of this.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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