The Thrift Meister's coin
collection page provides tips and information for those interested in
coin collecting.
* Factors in a coin's value:
- Grade or condition
- Date
- Scarcity
- Design on coin
- Date
- Country of orginin
- Face value
- Mint mark if any
* Pennies
- U.S. Wheat cents minted 1958 and earlier
- Zinc plated steel cents were minted only in
1943 -- over a billion minted so not very valuable.
- Steel 1943 cents will stick to a magnet.
- You can use a pencil eraser to clean and shine
pennies.
- Commercial metal cleaner will clean and shine
pennies.
- Pre-1982 pennies 95% copper, 5% zinc (other
than war years)
- After 1982 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper - coated
with copper
* U.S. dimes, quarters and half dollars dated
1964 or earlier are 90% silver and their value varies depending on the
spot market value of silver.
* Susan B. Anthony dollars you receive as change
are probably only worth face value. More if it's part of a proof set
which means it probably wouldn't be in circulation.
* Altered coins (those some how altered after
it was put in circulation for instance drilling a hole through it) have
no value to coin collectors.
* Because billions of Bicentennial quarters,
halfs, and dollars were minted if they are in circulation they are generally
worth only face value. Dealers have paid slightly more than face value
for rolls of them in good shape. Proof sets are worth more.
* The current quarters being minted featuring
the states are worth face value unless they contain a major mistake
and then could be worth a good deal more. Some collectors are holding
on to the first one minted (Delaware) thinking it has the greatest potential
to increase in value since it was the first issued.
* Legitimate striking errors may have value depending
on the nature of the error. Minor errors generally have little or no
premium. Incomplete planchets or off center strikes usually have only
a small premium over face value. Rare and dramatic errors generally
have the most value to collectors and may be quite valuable.
* Ancient coins, for example from the roman empire,
can still be found for a $1 or little more. Check Ebay if you don't
have a dealer nearby.
* When cleaning ancient coins don't use regular
tap water to soak them in because the chemicals in it can damage the
coins. Use distilled water or olive oil to soak them in it for an hour
or so then use a toothbrush to scrub away the dirt. If it doesn't come
off soak again--you might need to soak overnight in some cases.
Stamp Collecting
Card Collecting
