About Us
F.A.Q.How much is my coin worth?
Although this is the question we most often get, it cannot be answered until your coin is seen and examined. Coin values depend on a number of factors, including condition, grade and eye appeal. That being said, we hope that we, through CoinBrowser.com, assist our customers in determining an estimated value of their coins. If all you need is an estimate of what you can sell your coin for, our Coin Values at a Glance should give you an idea. If you are more serious about it, We recommend that you:
1.- Identify the coin. Knowing the country, date, mintmark if any, metal, diameter, weight and type of edge will help.
2.- Determine the grade of conservation or the condition of your coin. Our Grading Guides are intended to make it easier.
3.- With that information, locate the coin in our online catalog and go the Market Prices table. Using our Coin Guides and the Advanced Search feature shall facilitate your search. Please note that different varieties or mint marks may exist for some coins, which may affect the price.
4.- Finally, keep in mind that market prices provided by CoinBrowser.com as well as printed catalogs are only estimates of a coin's retail value and may often not represent what the coin is actually selling for in the current marketplace. We recommend that if you suspect you own a valuable coin that you contact us with details to further assist you or that you consult a professional coin dealer or reputable collector.
5.- Due to the overwhelming number of requests we get, we regret that we will be unable to respond to email, fax or telephone requests for values of coins we haven't seen.
Is there an error on the Wisconsin State Quarter?
Collectors have discovered 3 different examples of cornstalks on the reverse of Wisconsin State Quarters that were produced at the Denver mint facility. Photos and descriptions of the 3 reverses are available here.
How often do the new State Quarters come out?
The US Mint releases a new State Quarter 5 times each year. The 50 State Quarters Program began in 1999 and is scheduled to continue through 2008. You can expect a new State Quarter about every 10 weeks. For information about all State Quarters that have been released to date click here.
Why are prices so different among coin dealers for the same items?
When you shop the Internet, you generally find a range of prices for any item. The same is true for coins, but BE CAREFUL! The lowest price usually means low quality coins and low values. At CoinBrowser.com, we provide you with updated fair market prices for most US coins and current eBay listings so you can make educated decisions.
I have a two-headed or two-tailed coin. Am I rich?
There was a recent discovery of the first two-tailed quarter error, but chances of finding another double sided US Mint error are very slim. Most of the two-headed or two-tailed coins are novelty coins actually made from two coins. One of the coins is lathed starting at the rim and completely removing the reverse of the coin. Only leaving the inner layer and a little of the core. This allows the obverse of the second coin, which has been ground down, to fit firmly inside this half. The two-headed coins come in nickels, quarters, and half dollars. Each coin can have two heads or two tails. These are sometimes called a magician’s coin and are sold for just a few dollars. Drop the coin on a table and compare the sound to a regular coin. You will hear the answer for yourself.
What is this I'm hearing about Presidential dollars?
Congress has passed a bill authorizing a Presidential dollar program beginning in 2007. Each year, 4 new dollar coins will be issued with obverse images of US Presidents, in the order in which they were elected and a reverse image of the Statue of Liberty. The metal composition of Presidential dollars coins will be the same as Sacagawea dollars, which will continue to be produced during the program. Gold bullion Presidential spouse coins will also be issued.
What is this I'm hearing about new Lincoln cents?
Congress has passed a bill authorizing 4 new Lincoln cents in 2009 for the 200th Anniversary of Lincoln's birth. In addition to 4 reverse images depicting different stages of Lincoln's life, the metal composition of the coins will be identical to the original 1909 Lincoln cent.
Why can't I find a 1975 quarter, half dollar or Ike dollar?
Actually, there aren't any 1975 OR 1976 dated Washington quarters, Kennedy half dollars and Ike dollars. In honor of the nation's bi-centennial celebration, the US Mint produced all three of these coins for two years with the unique dual date of 1776-1976.
Is the US Mint recalling the North Carolina State Quarter?
Absolutely not! The Mint produced more than 1 billion of these coins and every one of them has the words First Flight on the reverse side, instead of the state motto - "First In Flight." This is not an error. It is simply the name of the photograph that's depicted on the coin.
What are all those BU, AU, MS, PCGS, etc. abbreviations on your website?
Many abbreviations and acronyms are used in the numismatic world. Many of them are used to designate grades of conservation or condition of coins, as explained in our Grading Guides. For a complete list of other acronyms and numismatic terminology, visit our Glossary of Numismatic Terms.
How can I clean my dirty coins?
DON'T! Improper cleaning will reduce the value of any coin. There are safe products and methods to clean dirty coins, but we suggest you visit a local coin dealer for assistance. If you still insist, click here to read our How to clean coins.
What is the difference between a coin, token, and medal?
This is important to know, because even many collectors confuse them, calling them all coins. A coin is a piece of (usually) metal with an assigned value, issued by a governing body. If it's not issued by some form of government, it's not a coin. A token is a piece that is privately issued, with or without a specified value, but often used in lieu of coins. A medal is a piece issued to commemorate, honor or recognize an event, place, person or group, with no stated value and not intended to circulate as money. A medal may be a private, or a government issue, but its sole purpose is to commemorate something.
What is the difference between numismatic coins and bullion coins?
Bullion coins have a value strictly based on their intrinsic gold or silver content. Numismatic coins with a gold or silver content have a "double dynamic" -- their value is also based on their relative scarcity and demand in the collecting market.
How should collector coins be handled and stored?
Always hold a coin by its edges, preferably over a soft surface, so it won't be damaged if it falls. Try never to touch a coin on its obverse or reverse sides, since the oil in your skin can leave fingerprints. It's recommended that you store coins in a dry place. We generally ship coins in protective envelopes or holders, which provide good permanent storage.
What is the importance of different dates and mintmarks?
Different issues in a coin series can have vastly divergent levels of scarcity and value. For example, Morgan silver dollars dated 1895 are far scarcer than those dated 1896 ... and an 1895 "S" (San Francisco mintmark) issue is tougher to find in most grades than an 1895 "O" (New Orleans mintmark). Those differences in scarcity are usually reflected in the market price of the coins. Our CoinBrowser is an excellent guide for you in deciding which dates and mintmarks are more scarce and/or valuable.
Why can't I find a 1917 M Standing Liberty Quarter in your online catalog?
The 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter was struck in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco, with none, "D" and "S" mint marks, respectively. The mint mark, if any, is located on obverse at LEFT of date. This coin was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil and his initial "M" can be found above and to the RIGHT of the date. What looks like a "M" mint mark is actually the designer's initial and not the mint mark.
Where can I find your privacy policies, terms of use of the website, etc.?
All of our policies are clearly posted on our website and links to these pages are included at the bottom of each page on our website. Just click on our Terms of Use or Privacy Statement links and you will find all the information you need.
Coin Values at a Glance
Every day we receive numerous emails asking about the values of different coins. Although we would like to provide everyone with accurate price information, it just cannot be done without physically examining each coin to determine its authenticity, condition and grade. That is important, because even a small difference in grade can mean a big difference in value. As a result, we regret that we can not respond to any requests for coin values. Instead, we suggest that you bring your coins to a local dealer where they can be examined and evaluated. The Proffesonal Numismatic Guide is a great source for the names and telephone numbers of reputable dealers in your geographic region.
The highest values for coins are in the "uncirculated" grades. These are coins that have never been used and in most cases have never been touched by bare hands. That is a lot different than the "circulated" coins you find in pocket change. Imagine the value of a coin that has been saved in its original condition for 50 to 100 years and compare that to a coin that has been used, spent, chewed or run over by a truck.
We have listed the approximate value ranges for some of the most widely collected coins. These value ranges are for most dates of About Good to Very Good grades of "circulated" coins. Prices can vary with each date and grade, so your coins should be examined by a professional to determine actual values. Here is a sample of what you might expect.
| 2 Headed or 2 Tailed Coins | A Novelty Item Only | ||||
| Lincoln 1943 Steel Cents | Sticks To A Magnet | ||||
| Flying Eagle Cents | $ | 4.00 | - | $ | 40.00 |
| Indian Cents | $ | 0.50 | - | $ | 5.00 |
| Lincoln Wheat Cents | $ | 0.02 | - | $ | 1.00 |
| Lincoln 1943 Steel Cents | $ | 0.10 | - | $ | 0.50 |
| Lincoln Memorial Cents | $ | 0.01 | - | $ | 0.01 |
| Liberty Nickels | $ | 0.50 | - | $ | 4.00 |
| Buffalo Nickels Dateless | $ | 0.05 | - | $ | 0.15 |
| Buffalo Nickels Readable | $ | 0.40 | - | $ | 3.00 |
| Jefferson War Nickels | $ | 0.10 | - | $ | 0.50 |
| Jefferson Nickels | $ | 0.05 | - | $ | 0.05 |
| Barber Dimes | $ | 0.70 | - | $ | 5.00 |
| Mercury Dimes | $ | 0.30 | - | $ | 4.00 |
| Roosevelt Dimes Pre-1965 | $ | 0.10 | - | $ | 0.75 |
| Roosevelt Dimes | $ | 0.10 | - | $ | 0.10 |
| Barber Quarters | $ | 1.00 | - | $ | 6.00 |
| Standing Liberty Quarters | $ | 1.00 | - | $ | 6.00 |
| Washington Quarters Pre-1965 | $ | 0.40 | - | $ | 3.00 |
| Washington Quarters | $ | 0.25 | - | $ | 0.25 |
| Barber Half Dollars | $ | 2.00 | - | $ | 10.00 |
| Liberty Walking Half Dollars | $ | 1.50 | - | $ | 5.00 |
| Franklin Half Dollars | $ | 1.00 | - | $ | 4.00 |
| Kennedy Half Dollars | $ | 0.50 | - | $ | 0.50 |
| Morgan Dollars | $ | 4.00 | - | $ | 12.00 |
| Peace Dollars | $ | 3.00 | - | $ | 10.00 |
| Eisenhower Dollars | $ | 1.00 | - | $ | 1.00 |
| Susan B. Anthony Dollars | $ | 1.00 | - | $ | 1.00 |