Frequently Asked Questions

Every day I receive questions as to the value of somebody's coins, how to clean coins, etc. This page will serve to answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q. What is my coin worth?

A. As with anything collectible, value is determined by condition and rarity. If the coin is in pocket change condition or taken from circulation, the average condition will be Good. I would suggest you go to the local book store and pick up a copy of the bi-monthly magazine "Coin Prices" and it will give you a ball park price for your coin.

Q. How do I determine the condition of my coin in order to value it?

A. The front of "Coin Prices" magazine has actual pictures of coins and their grades. Place your coin next to the picture and compare it to the coins. This will give you an idea of the grade.

Q. How do I clean my coins to make them shiney?

A. NEVER clean a coin! Cleaning a coin takes away the top layer of the metal. Once they become "shiney" they will never have a natural appearance again, and collectors do not want them in their collections. You will have trouble selling cleaned coins and will receive substantially less than if you had left them alone.

Q. I have a 1943 steel or silver penny. What is it worth?

A. In 1943, the cent was made of zinc. This was because copper was needed for the war effort. There were 1,093,838,670 (1 billion Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco) of the zinc cents made. Having such a huge population, the coins don't have much value.

Q. I have a rare 1943 penny made out of copper. What is it worth?

A. The chances of your penny being made of copper is almost non-existent. First, take a magnet and try to pick the coin up. If the magnet picks up the coin, it is only copper plated. These are made by using an acidic house cleaner and a suede brush. If the coin does not pick up with a magnet, take it to an experienced coin dealer and he can weigh it for you. Most experienced coin dealers can look at the coin and tell if it is an altered date, copper plated or an authentic 1943 copper cent.

Q. I have a double headed or double tailed coin. What is it worth?

A. These are referred to as "Magician's Coins" and were made as a novelty. They normally retail for $5. to $10.

Q. Do you purchase coins? What will you pay for my coins?

A. Yes, I do purchase coins and collections. I do not make sight unseen offers for coins. You will have to ship them insured for my offer. If the offer is accepted, I will send immediate payment. If the offer is declined, I will return your coins postage paid and insured.

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Michael Dixon
P.O. Box 1661
Frederick, Maryland 21702
(301) 788-6232