End of 2011!

2011 has been an awesome year of finds for me. I finally found a silver coin which was a dime. I only got a handful of foreign coins, but I got plenty of good American coins. I got a 1959-D Lincoln Cent which I had been missing for quite a while. I also got a 1941-D nickel which I was missing. I got only one Dollar coin this year which was an Anthony dollar. I also started a collection of pre-1982 95% copper cents which has turned out alright finishing the year with just over $2.25 face value. I got a few star notes and a CU 1976 series $2.00 bill. My most valuable coin is my 1851-(P) UNC gold dollar that I bought. I got lots of 1964-(P) and 1964-D nickels in my change which I expected because of how many I have recieved in the past. I bought a total of 17 coins not including the 2010 and 1964 Proof Sets I bought. I have been using the 2011 Red Book for values, but since they are already selling 2013 books I will try to get one of those rather than the 2012. Along with finding 6 State/ Territory/ National Parks Quarters, 1 UNC  and a few AU dimes, 5 nickels from the 50's and 60's, and 1 UNC nickel my whole year in coins has been reported here. HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY HUNTING!

(NOTE: While most of the coins I have posted about I got this year I did get some last year so not all coins in my previous posts are featured in this post.)

The famous Buffalo!

This is one of the most well known coins with collectors. It is the famed buffalo nickel that many coins have been modeled after. From gold $50.00 coins to silver $1.00 coins to private mint coins this is a very well known coin. The history of these coins is pretty complex. In 1913, the first year of production, these coins went through a design change. The buffalo was on a mound which ment the "Five Cents" part would be worn away much faster than if it was on the straight line it was redesigned to be on. During the entire production time there were a few errors such as doubled dies and missing legs but relatively few. This coin is error free and worth about $1.25 in G-4 and VG-8. Most high grade Buffalo Nickels are scarce due to being worn down during the Great Depression making them worth at least $22.00 in MS-60 although they can go for $5,000.00 for the 1926-S.

Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty!

This is a 1986-S Half Dollar issued for the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. The obverse shows the Statue of Liberty, a rising sun, the ocean with a ship in it, and the motto. The reverse depicts a family on a pier with their luggage, the city in the background, United States of America, and E Pluribus Unum. This coin and its Denver struck uncirculated counterpart are worth about $6.50 each for the conditions MS-67 for the Denver and PR-67 for this one (San Fransisco). This is in the Official Government packaging and comes with an information sheet that doubles as a Certificate of Authenticity.

Post-WWII Nickel!

As mentioned in earlier posts from 1942-1945 nickels were made of silver, copper, and manganese instead of the usual nickel and copper and the mint mark was moved from the far right of Monticello to right above it. In 1946 the old metal composition and mint mark position were resumed and the final result is this coin. It's a 1946-D nickel worth about $0.35 in VF-20 althought this one is worth slightly less.

Subway Token Video!

Visit this link for a video of subway tokens and slugs that I took in NYC at the Transit Museum. The video is a little loud so turn down the volume especially if you have headphones. Also, this token is worth about $3.00-$4.00.

1964 Nickel!

This is a 1964 nickel and a very common nickel in my collection. I have many of these as I mentioned in my Clarification post a while back. This coin is interesting because the obverse is in AU and the reverse is in fine. This coin is worth about $0.10 and possibly a bit more but only a few cents at most.

1963 Jefferson Nickel!

This is a 1963-(P) nickel and one I was previously missing. I got it a couple weeks ago and now that I think about it it was the day before I got my silver dime. I meant to post about it but I got all excited over the dime that I kind of forgot about it. I just realized that I still had the picture and decided to post it. It is worth about $0.10 and there is nothing particuarly special about it other than the fact that I no longer have to search through change for this one. I will, however, keep any I find as long as it is not badly damaged because of the way I collect which is basically this: If I find any coins older than 1964 I keep them. This is due to the things mentioned in my Clarification post a while back which goes into all of the details.

1932 Washington Quarter!

This is a 1932-(P) Washington Quarter. It was originally intended to be a circulating commemorative for Washington's 200th birthday, but was so popular that it was continued as a regular issue. This one is worth only $8.00 in VF-20. The two more rare versions the 1932-S and 1932-D that are worth $225.00 for the S and $250.00 for the D in VF-20.

(NOTE: On pre-1964 Washington Quarters the mint mark is under the wreath on the reverse.)

More WWII Nickels!

 These are two 1942-P nickels with many differences and very few similarities. First, I will start with the similarities. They were struck at the same mint, they have the same design, and they both contain copper. Now for the differences. The one on the left is made of copper and nickel like nickels today's nickels, the one on the right is made of copper, manganese, and silver, it has a mint mark above the dome as opposed to the one on the left with no mint mark, and the one on the right has a die crack from the "P" in "Pluribus" to the top of the dome on Monticello making it worth about $0.75 more than its approximate $1.84 for silver value. The one on the left is worth about $0.30 in VF-20.

Worn Down to Nothing (almost) Nickel Version!

During WWII copper and nickel were being salvaged for the war effort so some metal compositions had to change. The penny or cent was changed from 95% copper to zinc coated steel in 1943. The same thing happened to the nickel from 1942-1945. During those years it was made of copper, silver, and manganese. This is a 1943-D Silver Nickel and is worth about $1.84 for silver value.

(NOTE: This may be a D/D but it is very worn so I need to have it checked out. Also, the description in the link is wrong it is not 90% silver it is 35% silver.)

Santa Half Dollar!

I was going through some new arrivals on Govmint.com which is a site I used to buy from but now refuse to because of the extremely high prices. I saw a Canadian Half Dollar with Santa Claus on it and clicked on it. It costs about $35.00 plus shipping and handling which brings it to around $40.00. I would not recommend shopping here to anyone except for rich people trying to waste spend excess money or people who want a specific item that can't be found anywhere else. I wouldn't normally do a post like this, but I have seen at least 100 ads for Govmint on sites like Youtube and other popular sites. Some good places for buying coins are eBay, Craigslist, a local flea market, or straight from the mint. For precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium a good place is  Independent Living Bullion.

The coin that helped win WWII!

This is a 1943 zinc coated steel cent. They were made because copper was being used for the war. There are some that are made of copper like the 1942's that are worth thousands of dollars and some from 1944 that are made of steel like this one also worth thousands of dollars. This one is worth only about $0.30.
(NOTE: There are fake versions of the steel 1943 that are copper coated or plated. If it is magnetic it is plated. There are also fake versions of the 1944 that are steel or zinc coated or plated. If it is non-magnetic or very lightly magnetic it is fake. )

Party Like It's 1999!

This is a 1999 Anthony Dollar and currently the only 1999 I have. I have 3 of the 1979 Anthony Dollars which are the first year. Usually the first year is the scarcest from circulation in a series. Some examples of this are the 1916-D Mercury Dime and 1932-D Washington Quarter. The 1979's are and aren't the scarcest from circulation because of the different rim varieties which are mentioned in the 1979 post. As it turns out the 1979's were the most minted and 1999's were the least minted overall for circulation. This one is in XF-AU and worth only $1.00. The reverse looks proof-like in luster and condition in the picture but is actually slightly circulated like how the obverse picture looks.

2009 Gold Dollar!

It is amazing what one can learn in 1.5 years. I taught myself how to collect by reading coin books and going online. I had a basic idea of what was good and what was spare change, but had almost no facts about more modern coins because my first best recource back then was a 1980 Blue Book. Shortly after, I recieved a Coin World 2005 Guide to U.S. Coins that was by far more advanced and up to date, but still not completely accurate. Around that time is when I got this coin. I knew what a Sacagewea Dollar was but had never seen this one with the date and mint mark on the edge so for about 10 minutes it puzzled me. Then I remembered the Presidential Dollars with the date on the edge so I looked and there it was. The edge is fairly worn with many scratches and wasn't really worth putting a picture up for. Since then I have aquired a 2011 Red Book and don't have many coin value or identification problems anymore. Speaking of value this is worth just $1.00.

Worn Down to Nothing (almost) Trime Version!

 This is an 1852 silver three cent piece or trime as they were called back in the day. Back in the mid 1800's a stamp only cost  three cents which is the reason for this seldom seen coin and three dollar coins which were used to buy sheets of 100. There are a few different varieties for this series involving different numbers of lines around the star and an olive sprig above and a bundle of arrows below the III. This date had the highest mintage and is worth about $25.00-$30.00. There was also a copper-nickel version with a different design that was issued because of silver hoarding during and after the Civil War. It was dime sized and not very popular because people would use it as a dime in machines or spend it as a dime in stores. They were soon phased out and not seen plentifully in circulation again.

1941 Nickels!

These are two 1941 nickels one with an S mint mark and one with a D mint mark. The one with the S is in vf and is worth about $0.30. There are two varieties for this date and mint mark. One has a small mint mark and the other has a larger mint mark. Mine is the small mint mark version but price does not differ between the varieties. The one with the D is in vg-fine and is worth about $0.10-$0.15. Surprisingly, I found both of them on Martha's Vineyard one year apart from each other. These are also the oldest nickels I have found from circulation.
(Note: that is a British Pound in the background.)

Finally Silver!!!

I have finally found a silver coin from circulation! It is a 1952 silver dime worth about $2.50 for silver content. I almost could not believe my eyes when I saw the edge was all silver colored and when I flipped it over I saw the date. I was astounded that this coin had been through all of these years and ended up in my hands without anyone else noticing it and taking it from circulation. Either that or someone thought it wasn't worth keeping because of the "stuff" on the obverse. Anyway, I'm glad to have this early Christmas present and still kind of in awe that I found it. Hopefully, I will find better coins soon as people are doing last minute shopping and using every last dime to get whatever is on their Christmas list.

My New Blog!

I now have a new blog called My Travels of the World. I wanted to share my travels without putting it all on this blog which is about coins. So far I have only posted about Egypt which was my first trip that I had my camera for. It was an amazing trip and I have about 100 pictures so there will be many posts in the future. Hopefully I will be able to post about some of the new change finds I have in the near future but currently I have no batteries for my camera so I will just post on my new blog for now.

1776 Quarter?

Recently a classmate of mine discovered a 1976 quarter dollar in his change. Because of the dual dates he thought it was a 1776 quarter and a rare coin. I could hardly believe that only 35 years later this very famous and widely publicized coin is now virtually forgotten among the general population. Then again, it isn't very valuable in general but especially not in low grade because hundreds of millions were made in the two year span of minting (1975 and 1976). As mentioned in an earlier post about these quarters there is a silver set that is worth about $30.00. Of course, that is for an Eisenhower Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Washington Quarter Dollar in UNC, with the one year only (more like two years) design, and is made of 40% silver.

2009 Northern Mariana Islands Quarter!

This is a 2009 Northern Mariana Islands Territory Quarter like the D.C. quarter I posted about yesterday. They were a 1 year only issue and this particular version had the lowest mintage of only 35,200,000 for P and 37,600,000 for D. These are both in AU condition and worth about $0.30 for either mint mark. In UNC they are worth about $0.60 depending on grade.

2009 D.C. Territory Quarter!

Following the popular State Quarters the Territory Quarters are some of the least common quarters seen in circulation. They were a 1 year only issue and had very low mintages like all coins in 2009. I found the one on the left in 2010 and the one on the right a few days ago. The left one is in Uncirculated with a P mint mark so it is worth about $0.60. The one on the right is in About Uncirculated with a D mint mark and is worth about $0.30.
(Note: in AU each coin is worth $0.30 and in MS each is worth $0.60 depending on grade.)

Worn Down to Nothing (almost) Quarter version!

This is a 1996-P quarter dollar. I have posted about a coin like this before which was the dime version. I suspect that this one was ground down with something early on in its life because the back is in vg (very good)-fine although there is some rust (which does not happen on American coins, except the 1943 zinc plated steel cent, so this was near or touching iron or steel and got exposed) and a dark gray color so maybe just good condition. Like the dime I posted about last month this is only face/novelty value so not that valuable but very interesting.

Mint State Pennsylvania State Quarters!

 These are some 1999 State Quarter and is surprisingly in mint state. Most State Quarters are in such low grade that most collectors don't want them in their collection. They were inspired by some Canadian coins that honored the provinces (I'm not an expert in foreign coins but it should be something like that). These are actually in better condition than the Pennsylvania in my uncirculated set which is a good thing for collectors because it means there are still good coins floating around. They are worth about $1.25 in this condition and are an amazing example of awesome finds simply from one's change.                                      

My Coin Box's 1 Month Anniversary!

I can't believe that it's finally here! It has been a month since I first posted on this blog about my Gold Dollar. Since then I have posted about my other various collectable coins and The Greatest City In The World! I have enjoyed writing and showing off my coins and getting over 4,976 views which may not be much but is more than some people's views so I am fine with it. Blogging is one of the most enjoyable things I do everyday but between school and family and everyday things sometimes I don't have time to post. I hope to blog for many months and years to come and to collect for many years to come too. Happy Hunting!

1909 Lincoln Cent!

This is one of the most well known coins in numismatic history. It is the 1909 Lincoln Cent also known as a Wheat Penny or Wheat Cent. This type of cent was issued from 1909-1958 and after that the memorial cent was issued and now the shield cent is the newest design. It is a V.D.B cent even though it is hardly visible in the picture. It is Mint State-63 with good luster and according to my Red Book is about $30.00 in value although mine could be worth more. In Good-4 they go for about $12.00 so it is a good coin to own regardless of condition.
(NOTE: The 1909-S version goes for $850.00 in Good-4 and $2,000 in MS-63. 1909 NO V.D.B. goes for $3.50 in G-4 and $24.00 in MS-63. 1909-S NO V.D.B. goes for $100.00 in G-4 and $375.00 in MS-63. 1909-S/Horiz. S goes for $110.00 in G-4 and $400.00 in MS-63.)

Susan B. Anthony Dollars!

These are some 1979-P Anthony Dollars and not the valuable kind. These are the narrow rim version. The wide rim versions have the date almost touching the rim. These are circulated and only worth face value. Here is a link to show the difference between the two versions:1979 Anthony Dollars. They were first approved because "Ike" Dollars were too big for vending machines and such. Many people confused them with quarters and they are rare to find in circulation today although many millions were produced in the first year alone. All three are from circulation one is from a gas station, one is from some sort of machine (I'm not quite sure exactly where because it was a gift), and the other was from change at the flea market that I buy coins from when the guy ran out of dollar bills (I also got a Sacagewea Dollar which I will post about next month). These coins are not that popular among collectors and were not that popular when they were issued so they were only issued from 1979-1981 and once again in 1999. After that the Sacagewea dollars took their place. I will get into more details when I post about one.

One Last German Coin!

This is a 10 pfennig issued after WWII nothing special so this will be a short post. Dated 1950 with an "F" mint mark on it. Very cool design on both sides. Very simplistic and practical. Kind of reminds me of Seated Liberty American coins that had a simple design on the front and the denomination on the back... at least for the half dime and dime. This coin is worth just $0.10 in this condition.

Who's Your Uncle?

Whenever I'm in New York I always go to Uncle Louie G's ice cream shop. There is one near the Brooklyn apartment I stay in so when I pass by I always get some. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm not sure which, I hardly ever pass by it. If you noticed the top picture it says "Who's Your Uncle?" which I think is hilarious for some reason. It has delicious ice cream and friendly cashiers and is a must go to destination when your in Brooklyn. Here is a link to show where it is and what people have said about it. Uncle Louie G's Brooklyn.

Тхе Статуе оф Либертыьс оригинал Торч!

Тхис ис мы фирст ал Руссиан пост анд И ам донг ит бецаусе И тхоугхт ит вельд бе интерестинг. Тхис ис тхе Статуе оф Либертыьс оригинал торч тхат вас реплацед фор some реасон. Тхе торч тхат ис уп нов ис гольд платед. Тхе оригинал торч ис инсиде оф тхе Статуе оф Либерти фор пеопле то таки пицтурес оф анд суч. Ит ис ан амазинг ехпериенции со if ые вант то го анд хаве тхе моней ые шелд. Тхе онли довнсиде ис ые хаве то ордер кровн тицкец монтхс ин адванце. То гет он тхе бот анд го there ис виртуаллы но вать. И Лове NY(C)!

The New WTC!

We are all aware of the tragic events that happened on that fateful Tuesday 9/11/2001. Many lives were lost, many bodies were never found, and many families were devaststed. For many it was a day of uncertainty. Was everyone in the family all right? Were we at war? Were there going to be more attacks? No one was certain. Luckily no one in my family was injured or killed in the attacks and hopefully no one in yours was either. Now over ten years later there will finally be a building in the once desolate spot that was the WTC. This picture was taken in at the end of June-beginning of July so it is outdated but it is the best I have. I cannot wait to see it completed next time I visit NYC!

Spumoni and Sicilian Pizza!

Spumoni Gardens History

First, I would like to start by saying Happy Thanksgiving. Second, this sign is the one in front of the famous Spumoni Gardens that has the best spumoni and sicilian pizza (and the only spumoni and sicilian pizza) I have ever had. Spumoni is kind of like a mix of Italian Ice and ice cream and usually comes in chocolate and pistachio. I don't have enough time to post much more so there is a link at the top. It isn't much but it will have to do.

The Greatest City in the World!

I have now decided to do about a weeks worth of posts about New York City. I'm not quite sure why but it seems kind of appropriate with the Macy's parade and everything else going on in the city. First, I will start with a sign from Wall Street. It is America's financial capital (if you don't get the joke don't bother) and of course is where millions of stocks are traded, bought, and sold. The buildings are very magnificent especially on the inside. The only reason I know this is because my daring aunt and I ventured into one like we knew what we were doing and walked out as if we had just concluded an important meeting even though we were only inside for about 1 minute. I don't think we would have been in any trouble in the first place but when venturing into a random building you don't know the rules so we just decided to play it safe. A little bit of history: Wall Street History. 

Es lebe Deutschland!

After doing some posts on German coins I took a break and talked about various different things. I decided I would use this coin since I don't have time to take pictures and this is the only coin left on my computer's memory (I delete coins I have already done). It is my highest denomination German coin and is worth about $6.00 in AU which is what this one is. Хаппы Тханксгивинг!

Holey Cent!

The general story of this coin is pretty basic. First, someone drilled or hammered a hole right above Lincoln's head. Second, that person made little marks on the edges possibly to fit it in a holder or just to give it a different look. Third, that person most likely used it as  jewelery and it somehow ended up in circulation. It has only metal and/or artistic value which could range from $0.02-$0.10 but most people do not want a worn, brown coin for jewelery. This means the most it is worth is most likely $0.02 for metal and because of the hole.
(NOTE: normal pre-1982 cents are worth about $0.03-$0.05 for copper value alone.)

Post WWII cent!

In 1951 America had just survived a huge depression in the 30s, the biggest war in history in the 40s and things were finally starting to seem normal (except for the possibility of nuclear war). People were making more money and spending more money and there was the baby boom that led to millions of American children being born. This cent was also issued. It is a 1951-S with nothing too special about it except the seldom seen mint mark. The reason for this is because since 1971 the San Fransisco mint only makes higher end coins for collectors. It is only worth about copper value or $0.03-$0.05 because it is so worn and has many scratches. It is still cool though.

Clarification.

After Man at Coined For Money featured me in a post about nickels I thought I should clarify why I call anything pre-1965 old. It is mainly because of the switch from silver to cu-ni (Copper-Nickel) in the dime, quarter, and half dollar. It is also because I have many 1964 nickels. The story pretty much goes like this: I went to a gas station to get some snacks, I got what I needed, I got in line and paid, I checked the change and discovered a 1964-D nickel. Being as young as I am (my age is not specified on this blog) this was exciting and was a great addition to my collection esp. because of the mint mark being on the back and my collection was only change finds not things I buy like I do now (even though I still look through change to try to find interesting coins). Since then I have found several 1964s and 1964-Ds although the 1964-Ds seem to dominate my finds despite me living on the east coast. I later found out that 2,811,969,190 were made that year at both Philadelphia and Denver with Denver having made slightly more than Philadelphia. I suppose that explains why I have found so many and why I have more Denvers but I would think more people would pay attention to their change to see if they had anything interesting. Then again today my mom asked me about a 2004 Keelboat nickel and said she had never noticed one in her change before so I guess not.

New Look and Deutsche Marks!

As you can probably tell, I have "redone" my blog to give it a look more suitable for my passion. Yes I love currency too even if it isn't really mentioned or shown much on my blog. Anyway this is a 1950 1 Deutsche Mark from Germany (of course). I went into depth about the general history of the post-WWII German coins yesterday so check there if you want a history lesson. This particular coin is valued at about $1.50 although it could go for $2.00. I started my German coin collection with Euros and then found this coin and the coins I posted about yesterday about a year after I got my first Euros and I've been collecting ever since. This is one of my oldest foreign coins but as I mentioned in "Happy Birthday Canada!" my oldest is a Swiss 5 Rappen.