Anybody know anything about old coins?

Question

I found an old jar full of pennies that have been passed down from my Grandfather. I remember them from when I was a child, and was going through some junk in our loft and came across them. I counted over ninety 1800 to 1837, a few 1794,97,98 and about thirty 1793, I didn't find any older.They look new, but have turned a bark brown color. They say Liberty on the front,and have a woman with long hair. The back says,United States of America, and the words one cent. Are they worth anything more than a penny? A friend told me they arn't worth much more than a few dollars, is that true? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

If the coins are authentic, then you have a small fortune on your hands. Large cents, (that is what they are called), started American coin collecting and are always very desired. You will not find any older than 1793 since that was the first year of production. All of them are brown because copper quickly turns brown from its original red. The value of the coins will depend on their condition, the date, and die variety. You are going to need an expert to help you evaluate what you have. The 1793 coins are each worth hundred of dollars, thousands of dollars a piece if it is a "Chain Cent", a coin with a chain in a circle on the reverse. That coins in the worst grade, (Poor), where you cannot read the date and can BARELY tell what it is is now worth about $5,000. Like I said, you will need an expert to help you with this. I would try to contact a local coin club and ask them what reputable dealers are around. Ask the dealer his opinion, and if they are real. DO NOT sell them to him, as he will simply sell them for at least twice what he gives you. If they are real, I would contact a major US coin auction firm and have them guide you as to whether to have them certified or not. They can handle this for you as well.

As to whether they are real, the first thing to look for is a seam on the side, (rim), of the coin. If there looks like there is a seam, then it is probably a cast forgery. A coin club member or dealer should be able to help you identify this.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I am no expert on this matter and a coin dealer would be better to help you with this, but I will offer what I can. I do hope I am checking the same coins you speak of and that they are all authentic. A coins age is not the major determining factor in its worth. It is better valued on how scarce it is and how much demand there is for it. Now, if you are serious as to what you have, and accurate in your description, it would seem like you have some coins that may be of significant value. I have done a bit of minor collecting and do have a couple of coin guides here, one from 2000 and one from 2004. The price has not varied much on these coins, so I would estimate the most recent edition of this same guide would produce almost the same figures. The prices are what most dealers would consider paying based on the fact that the coins are at least in "very good" condition, that the letters are readable and details are not worn flat. Now, first, the 1800-1837 coins are listed between $2.50 and $20, depending on the year, with the exception being the 1804 which is listed as $40. The 1798 lists at $12, the 1797 at $20 and the 1794 at $55. However, the best of this lot would be the 1793s. I believe this was the first year that large cents were issued, with only about 112,000 being minted. These are listed at $500. Also, I would add that you should not try to clean these coins. Rubbing a coin with your fingers or using a cloth to clean them, even if it is a soft cloth, can scratch coins. Dealers do clean coins, yes, but if they scratch their own coins, that is for them to deal with. Again, a dealer would be more helpful than I with these and whatever you choose to do, best of luck.

Answer 3

Go to www.littletoncoin.com. This is a company here in Nwe Hampshire that buys and sells old coins and stamps. They have many old coins pictured on this site and people who can give you more info. It's a great company, my parents deal with them all the time.

Answer 4

you might have more than you think you do. take them to a reputable coin dealer and have them rated, it might cost you a few bucks, but it might be worth it.