How do you determine the value of a coin?
The coin market is ever-changing. Use this guide to help you, the numismatist, figure out what your coins are worth. Learn about the particular coins you have. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar, for instance, has an odd history: So many people stashed these coins that the U.S. Mint produced over 400 million more from 1965 to 1966 – all with the 1964 date on them. Keep some general rules in mind. Silver coins are always worth more than their face value. Mint mistakes – missing letters or numbers, for example – raise a coin’s value. Designer’s initials and certain mint marks also increase the asking price (see Glossary). Look for a dealer who belongs to the Professional Numismatists’ Guild. This organization is fairly strict about its members and their practices. Check out books about coin collecting at the library (the 737 call numbers in the Dewey decimal system). Even old books can give you an idea of how common your coin is. Remember that coin prices are determined by demand, scarcity and
