U.S. Coin Values | Mobile Guide

U.S. coin values listed by type. Charts list coin series and their minimum values for each type. The mobile guide represents what the common dates within each series are worth. This quick reference links to in-depth - date by date coverage of series and how to value these old coins.

Continued below the charts is an introduction to the step by step method used to identify the important points to value. Recognize each date and mintmark combination, design varieties, and judging condition of the coin.

Step by Step to Values

All U.S. coins are judged by a few key elements greatly narrowing the value range. The inspection of your coin is done following a step by step approach assuring completeness.

U.S. Coin Values | Overview

Step 1: Recognize Series of Coin

A wide variety of different designs is a trait of U.S. coinage. Most denominations trace back to the beginning of the mint in 1793. Over the years many series and designs are represented. Each is unique in how they are collected and valued.

Recognition of the correct series is a needed step. Often series of coins overlap in a year when one is replaced by another.

1909 Indian and 1909 Lincoln cents, as example; both minted in the same year. These coins are part of different series of cents and valued separately. 1921 Morgan and Peace dollars are another example.

Step 2: Date and Mintmark and Variety

A collector, as they assemble sets of coins, include dates representing the series. A collection of Mercury dimes for example, spans 1916 to 1945 with all but three years represented.

Not all years of Mercury dimes saw ample mintages, elusive years are 1921 and 1926. Differences reflected on value charts indicates availability.

The 1921 Mercury dime is a scarce and desirable coin in any grade. Low mintages indicates an elusive year of dime production. A "D" mintmark on a 1921 dime is even higher value.

Mintmarks indicate the mint striking the coin. Each branch mint is identified by their mintmark found within the design. Denver uses a "D" mintmark, and on the Mercury dime, is placed on the reverse along the rim. Each branch mint has unique marks. "S" for San Francisco, "CC" used by the Carson City mint, and an "O" indicates the New Orleans mint struck the coin. Philadelphia the first U.S. mint did not use mintmarks until 1980, now placing a "P" mintmark on coinage.

🔎Value charts above link to each series identifying mintmarks and locations on coins.

Step 3: Grading Condition

Grades define the condition of your coins. Meeting certain metrics measuring the amount of wear puts coins in different classifications - grades.

Images are used to compare your coin to grade examples helping judge condition and assign a grade.

First coin, a 1937 Buffalo nickel, is in Mint State grade. Defined as no wear to the surface. A coin remaining in the condition it left the mint.

Next: Extremely Fine Grade: With a light amount of wear visible, a coin is no longer Mint State, the Grade is now defined as Extremely Fine. Each series have points to judge when determining the difference between grades.

Fine Grade: Looking at the Morgan dollar, notice Liberty's hair detail. Once small strands of hair above her forehead, have worn smooth and blended. Defining the grade is moderate wear overall, small details faded and missing.

Good Grade: The 1888 Indian penny is very worn. Date and lettering are visible and bold; however, an overall flatness describes the condition. Major design elements are in outline form.

Important: Grading condition is unique to each series. Details are imaged and described on each series page. A conservative approach helps narrow value range.

🔎Value charts above link to each series and how to grade the specific coin.

Step 4: Special Qualities | Recognizing a Collectible Coin

Coins with special qualities add to collector appeal, market acceptance, and value. Some of the major qualities are preservation, scarcity, and denomination. Each have multiple possibilities.

Preservation infers high grade. However, an 1806 Bust quarter in pleasing original condition with moderate wear processes a special quality. Not a high grade, but an elusive coin with eye appeal. Scarce because of proper preservation since it was first set aside decades ago.

The 1836 half dime is just one of a limited quantity available today. Slightly worn, however, when collected has received excellent care over the years. Today, because of scarcity plus aesthetics, it becomes a valued and sought-after coin.

Large size U.S. coins are very popular with collectors. Well preserved Morgan dollars are leaders in demand. These coins trade actively in today's market. The 1885-O Morgan pictured combines a large denomination, high grade, mark free surfaces, and the popular "O" New Orleans mint variety.

Special qualities are found in all U.S. coin series.

🔎Value charts in the above section link to each series with more coverage helping recognize qualities of collectible coins.

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Grading Old Coins || Video Index

Video index of how to grade coins. Series of coins from Indian and Lincoln cents through the different nickel series, dimes, quarters, half and silver dollars. Each series is studied using grading videos, images and descriptions to judge the condition and assign a grade.

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Recommendations on basic supplies that greatly improve coin storage. Providing for safe handling, preserving of value and organizing your box of old coins.

How to: Selling Coins

Introduction into the selling coins process. Preparing, organizing, and planning to improve results.

Print the Coin Values Worksheet to list your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.

★Coin Values Discovery finds U.S. Coin Values and...

All old U.S. coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold. Easily sort and value your coins, an important step in preparing for selling and finding coin buyers.