2007-10-10 06:58:51 · 8 answers · asked by sean S 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Without seeing pictures it's very difficult for anyone to give you a good answer. Many factors play in to how much your coins are worth (i.e. condition, scarcity, mint marks, current market demand, etc.)
1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.
2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp
3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.
Good luck!
P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.
When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.
Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.
If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!
I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.
2007-10-10 12:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The 1942 cent had a mintage of 657,796,000 so it is not rare. It is also not pure copper but is considered bronze. It is .950 copper and .50 zinc and tin. In circulated conditions it can be found in a coin dealers wheat cent box for .02 to .05 cents. You have a coin with more of a historical value than a monetary one. 1942 was not a good year for the U.S. for World war II had started on Dec. 07 1941 and it did not look good for democracy in 1942. One thing about being a coin collector we are reminded of history every time we look or touch are collection, so we don't forget the bad times even if we were not even born yet. One who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it. Please look up the year and learn about it. You may find it was not a good time for your parents or grandparents, that years impact even effects us today.
2007-10-10 13:00:40 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might get a nickel for it. If you do clean it, you will seriously degrade the value. I have a couple of 1898 pennies. Only worth a couple bucks each. Just toss it in a jar and save it. It may be worth more in 100 years or so.
2016-05-20 23:59:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. But it really depends on the condition that the penny is in.
2007-10-10 07:06:34 · answer #4 · answered by Rocketman 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
about 5 cents. save it though. there is talk that eventually pennys will be discontinued. then it would be worth more.
2007-10-10 07:06:01 · answer #5 · answered by kelly y 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
itys worth about a good 2 bucks
2007-10-10 07:08:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If it is in good condition, it is worth something. I'd hang on to it for awhile longer.
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2007-10-10 07:07:21 · answer #7 · answered by twowords 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As much as copper is worth at this momment.. lol
2007-10-10 07:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋