UNITED STATES COINS

Coin Composition

SILVER and CLAD COINAGE

US MINTMARKS

No mark = Philadelphia, PA.
O = New Orleans, LA.
S = San Francisco, CC.
D = Denver, CO.

C = Charlotte, NC.

D = Dahlonega, Ga

CC = Carson City, NV

W = WestPoint, WV

DOLLARS

The Congress of the Republic of the united states of America authorized the Mint to produce Dollar coins of 416 grains silver at 0.8924 fine.

1794-1795

Flowing Hair Dollar

Designer: by Robert Scot.

Weight (grams): 26.73-26.96

Weight (grains): 416

Size: 39mm

Composition: Cupro-silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7737

Nicknames: Scrawny Chicken

Varieties:  1795 has two and three leave varieties; 1795 lettered edge/plain edge;

Notes:  The 1794 is a rare and expensive coin in any date.

1795-1804

Draped Bust Dollar; small eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 26.96

Weight (grains): 416

Size: 39mm

Composition: Cupro-silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7737

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1796 small date, letter in USofA; 1797 letter size, position of stars;

Notes: 

1798-1804

Draped Bust Dollar; heraldic eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 26.96

Weight (grains): 416

Size: 39mm

Composition: Cupro-silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7737

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Numerous varieties associated with arrows, berries, and lettering

Notes: 

1836, 1838, 1839

Gobrecht Dollar

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 26.73 –26.92 

Weight (grains):

Size: 39.50 mm

Composition: 89.2% silver, 10.7% copper (1836 issues); 90% silver, 10% copper (1836–1839)

Total Silver Content: 24.06 grams

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:  Although 1,600 1836 coins were released for circulation, the coin is considered a pattern, rather than a circulating US coin, by many collectors. The 1839 proofs were released into circulation. Restrikes exist for both the 1838 and 1839 coins.

1866-1873

Seated Liberty; reverse without motto

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 26.73

Weight (grains):

Size:  38.1 mm

Composition: 0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7736

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:  The No Motto variety was issued between 1840 and 1866.  In 1866 the mint added the motto "In God We Trust" according to the Act of March 3, 1865.  The Mint Act of Feb. 12, 1873 curtailed production of the seated dollar, an act panned by many at the time.

1866-1873

Seated Liberty; with motto

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):26.73

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition:0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7736

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1836 J60 Pattern;

Notes:  Only 12 examples of the 1870's are currently known. Although the mint reported striking the 1873s, no examples are known to have survived.

Reference: The Liberty Seated Dollar, Wiemar White

1873-1885

Trade Dollars

Designer: William Barber

Weight (grams): 27.22

Weight (grains):

Size:  38.1 mm

Composition: 0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7878

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1875CC Ty1 and Ty2 obv; 1875-S Ty1 and Ty2 obv; 1876 Ty1 and Ty2 obv; 1876-S Ty1 and Ty2 obv;

Notes:  These coins are heavily counterfeited in Asia. Caveat Emptor.  Many of the genuine examples have chop marks that look like an X on the coin surface.  The 1877 typically has a weak strike on the obverse, top.

For more information:

1878-1904, 1921

Morgan dollar

Designer: George T. Morgan

Weight (grams): 26.73

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: 0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7736

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1878 7 and 8 tail feather varieties; 1878 7/8 tail feathers (weak and strong); 1878 spitting eagle variety, tail bar varieties, etc. 1879 CC Clear CC; 1879 CC capped die; 1879 O/O/O; 1879S, rev of 1878; 1879S rev of 1879; 1800/79 CC; 1880 CC rev 1879; 1880 CC rev 1878; 1880 8/7 spiked; 1882 O/S; 1882 O/O; 1883 O/O south; 1886 1/1; 1886 S/S; 1887/6, 1887 1/1; 1887/87; 1887 18/18, 7/7; 1887O 1/1, 7/7; 18880 double ear; 1890/90CC; 189o S/S west; 1891 spitting eagle; 1891 double starts; 1900 O/CC 

Morgan collectors place a premium on the Morgan Dollar varieties, of which there are many.

All die pairs produce a coin with a certain characteristic.  Those coins produced which appear exactly as engraved are called a normal strike, or variety.  In the Morgan dollar series these standard strikes are termed 'VAM-1, Normal Die'.  Those coins with variations caused by nuances in the dies then have a new VAM.   VAMs are only used for Morgan dollars. Around 2,500 - 3,000 are known.

The term VAM is not an abbreviation, rather it is the shortening of the individual names who developed the convention, Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
 

For more information, see:

The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgans and Peace Dollars 4th edition by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis

These VAMs carry a price premium for early die state versions that have such a strong strike that the background surface filed looks deep like still waters.  These beautiful specimens are known as cameo or deep cameo.

Here's a great site for more VAM info:

http://www.vamworld.com/

A subset of VAMs: 1878, 8feather, DDO (VAM 19); 1878, 7feather, double legs/triple nock (VAM 43); 1800/800 (VAM 3); 1880/79S Lg S (VAM 9); 1882 O/S broken S (VAM 5); 1884 CC/C (VAM 5); 1886 O/O (VAM 7); 1886 S/S (VAM 2); 1887 S/S west (Vam 2 - RPM1); 1880 O Hot Lips (VAM F12); 1890CC/CC (VAM 5); 1891CC spitting Eagel (VAM 3); 1895 S/horizS (VAM 4); 1899o micro o (VAM 4); 1900 double stars (VAM 15);

Notes:

Morgan Grading Guidelines:

-(AG) About Good (Coin worn flat on both sides, rims flat).

-(VG) Very Good (Rims on coins, head is well worn).

-(VF) Very Fine (Two thirds of hairlines from top of forehead to ear must show, ear well defined, feathers on eagle's breast worn about 1/2 down).

-(EF40) Extremely Fine (All hairlines strong and ear bold, eagle's feathers all plain but slight wear on breast and wing tips).

-(AU50) About Uncirculated (Slight trace of wear, mint luster is present).

-(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, full mint luster, noticeably marred). (MS63) "Select" or "Choice" Uncirculated (No trace of wear, full mint luster, few surface marks). (MS65) "Gem" or "Brilliant" Uncirculated

NOTE: Many 'O' Mint Morgans have notoriously weak strikes because the New Orleans Mint overused their dies compared to the other mints. This affects grading for some years (you may or may not catch a break).

NOTE: Diagnostic for the Key Date 1893-S is a die crack across the T

The General Services Administration (GSA), US government, released coins in a GSA container in 1972 as a general sale to the public.  These are the GSA population numbers for that sale:

1878cc 60,993
1879cc 4,123
1880cc 131,529
1881cc 147,485
1882cc 605,029
1883cc 755,518
1884cc 962,638
1885cc 148,285
1889cc 1
1890cc 3,949
1891cc 5,687
1892cc 1
1893cc 1
 

Further Resources:

A Buyers Guide to Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States, Q. David Bowers

1921-1935

Peace Dollar

Designer: Anthony De Francisci

Weight (grams): 26.73

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition:0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7736

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1921 Line through L, 1922 Die Break in field above Dollar, 1922 Die Break at Ear, 1922 Die Break at lower hair, 1923 Vam1D whisker cheek; 1923 Die Break at Jaw, 1923 Die Break on Hair, 1923 Die Break on Tail of O in Dollar, 1923 Die Break on Cheek, 1923 DDO, 1923-S Pitted Reverse right of N in ONE, 1924 Broken Wing, 1925 missing ray, 1926-S Dot in Field below olive leaves,1927-S Repunched Mintmark, 1928-S DDO, 1934D Double Die Obverse (DDO), 1934-D DDO -small D

Notes:  The 1921 Peace Dollar differs from all others in its high-relief (concave fields) design.

The re-introduction of the Silver Dollar ( 1964 Peace Dollar ) upset the wrong people. The US mint actually produced the 64 Dollar, supposedly destroying them all. Congress, owned by all the right people, followed up with the coinage act of 1965 and accelerated the debasement we enjoy today. 

Pick up Points:

Obverse. Primary places to look for weakness include:
1. Central hair – no flat areas at ear and curls near upper jaw line.
2. BE in Liberty and adjacent rays should be rounded on upper surfaces
3. No flat area on truncation of bust (above AF monogram).
4. IN and VST in motto letters rounded on upper surfaces
5. Portion of 21 approaching rim, rounded
6. Field to rim transition smooth and even all around
 

Reverse:

A. Eagle feathers just above top of right leg should show detail
B. Right talon to foot separation and texture of talon should be clear
C. Lower set of tail feathers distinct
D. Upper left of PEACE well defined.
E. No flatness of inscription near rim (M in America should be rounded on upper surface just as on M in Unum).
F. O of One clearly separated from rim.

(Courtesy RWB)

1971 -1974, 1977 - 1978

Eisenhower Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 22.68

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: cupro-nickel on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1971 Proof 'Pegleg' Varity where the left leg of the 'R' in Liberty has no serif.

Obverse depicts President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Reverse pictures the landing on the moon.

1976 Bi-Centennial

Eisenhower Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 22.68

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: cupro-nickel on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:   Moon and Liberty Bell reverse.  This coin had two types; type one had larger reverse lettering font than type 2.

Notes:  For the Bicentennial dollar, the obverse was generally the same except the dates 1776-1976 were added.  For the reverse, however, an completely new design featured a big meteor pocked moon and Liberty Bell. A miniature eagle was featured because the congress said so.

- In 1976 the Bicentennial the dollar still portrayed the bust of Eisenhower, though the dual date 1776-1976 was added.   A completely new reverse graced the coin, depicting the Liberty Bell and the moon.

1976

Eisenhower Dollar (silver)

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 24.59

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: 40 percent silver; silver on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3162

Nicknames:

Varieties:   Moon and Liberty Bell reverse.  This coin had two types; type one had larger reverse lettering font than type 2.

Notes: 

1977 - 1981

Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 8.1

Weight (grains): 125.02 

Size: 26.50 millimeters

Composition: Outer 75% Copper, 25% Nickel with 100% Copper copper core.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1979 near date 1979S Type 1 and Type 2; 1981-S Type 1 and Type 2;

Notes: 

2000-Current

Sacagawea Dollar

Designer:  Glenna Goodacre (obv), Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. (rev)

Weight (grams): 8.07

Weight (grains):

Size: 26.5 millimeters Composition: Manganese and bronze: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% magnesium and 2% nickel.

The US mint had not used this since experiments with Wartime Nickels forced by wartime shortages of strategic metals. In WWII the US mint had great difficulty providing quality coins with this alloy. The hubris of the US Mint in 2000 proved greater than their technical ability, as the Sacagawea dollar proved unpleasant, with numerous specimens holding spots, ugly tarnish and other discoloration.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  In an effort to compensate for the poor quality coin finishes, the US Mint experimented, though has not published, alternate coin finishes and washes in 2001, accidentally releasing several hundred into circulation.  The mint employed other finishes for a VIP strike in 2001 and a 5,000-piece lot of specially finished (burnished) specimens to designer Glenna Goodacre (obv), as payment for the design.

Notes:  The mint prepared 12 samples in 22k gold - the 2002 specimens.

1986 - Current

Silver Eagle

Designer: Adolph A. Weinman/John Mercanti

Weight (grams): 31.10 grams

Weight (grains):

Size: 40.60 millimeters

Composition: 99.93% silver and .07% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 1.0 oz

Mintage: 5,393,005

Nicknames: Walking Liberty

Varieties: 

Notes: Reeded edge;

HALF DOLLARS

1794-1795

Flowing Hair Half Dollar

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams):13.48 grams

Weight (grains):208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: Silver 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Edge: Lettered - 'Fifty Cents', or, 'Half a Dollar' 

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Al C. Overton developed the variety nomenclature for this series still in use today; 1795 'three leaves' variety; 1795/1795

Notes: 

Further Resources: Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins.  Walter Breen

Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836, Third Edition.  Al C. Overton and Don Parsley (update of Overton)

Contemporary Counterfeit Capped Bust Half Dollars, Keith Davignon

1796-1797

Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams):13.48 grams

Weight (grains):208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken reverse.

Varieties:  1796 has 15 and 16 star varieties.

Notes: 

1801-1807

Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 13.48 grams

Weight (grains): 208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken reverse.

Varieties:  1803 variety has varying size of number '3' in the date;  1806 variety has differing style of '6' in date, size of stars, and olive branch and stem length; 1806/5;1806/9; 1807 large stars.

Notes: 

1807-1836

Capped Bust

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams):13.48

Weight (grains):

Size: 32.5 mm. (varies between 32 and 33 mm)

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Nicknames:

Varieties: This series contains many differing strikes and varieties over the design span.  The 1807 has numerous minor strike varieties: 1807 50/20 c; 1811 sm. 8; 1815/2, 1819/8 (sm and lg 9); 1820/19; 1820 square base 2; 1823 broken 3; 1823 double profile;1824/1; 1824/2/0; 1824/4;  1827 square 2; 1828 square 2 and 8; 1829/27;1830 small 0 (Overton 102) medium ) and 1830 large O (O 123); 1832 small letters and large letters;  1834 3/3; 1834 large and small letters; 1834 large and small date; 1835/5; 1836 3/3 (O 114); 1836 50/00 (O 116); 1836/1336

Notes:  The 1822/1 overdate diagnostic is the base of the second 2 is much thicker than the first 2.

Grading:

G-4 GOOD - Date and letters legible. Bust worn smooth with outline distinct.
VG-8 VERY GOOD- LIBERTY faint. Legends distinguishable. Clasp at shoulder visible; curl above it nearly smooth.
F-12 FINE - Clasp and adjacent curl clearly outlined with slight details|
VF-20 VERY FINE- Clasp at shoulder clear. Wear visible on highest point of curl. Hair over brow distinguishable.
EF-40 EXTREMELY FINE - Clasp and adjacent curl fairly sharp. Brow and hair above distinct. Curls well defined.

1836-1839

Capped Bust. Reeded Edge

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):13.36

Weight (grains): 208

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, 0.1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3867

Nicknames:

Varieties: The 1836 and 1837 have '50 cents' below the eagle on the reverse. The 1838 and 1839 have 'Half. Dol.' in the same location.

Notes: 

1839-1853

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):13.36

Weight (grains): 208

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3867

Nicknames:

Varieties: The 1839 through 1853 halves have several strikes and varieties regarding size and type of lettering and length of drapery. 1840o small o large O; 1841o small o large O; 1846 sm/med/lg date; 18460 6/6; 1849 1/1; 

Notes:

1853-1873

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):12.44

Weight (grains): 192

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.36

Nicknames:

Varieties: 1855o/horizontal o; 1856 56/56; 1858o 8/8; 1862s lg/sm S; ;

An 1853 and 1853-O type has arrows on either side oft he date on the obverse and rays emanating from the eagle on the reverse.

1854-1855 have the rays around the eagle removed. (Rays have always been exceedingly difficult for the US mint to properly strike).

1856-1866 have the arrows at the date removed.

1866-1873 had the motto, within a banner above the eagle, added to the reverse:  "In God We Trust".

Notes:  An 1873-s without arrows was produced though no surviving specimens are known.

1873-1891

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties: 1873 closed/open 3; 1875s sm/med/lg s; 1876s micro s; 1877s sm/micro s;

1892-1916

Barber Halves

Designer: Charles Barber.

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1892 micro-o; 1907s/s;

Notes: Reeded edge.

Grade Population for three key barber halves and the 1901-s quarter:

Summary: 02s and 01 halves are grades with pricing anomalies compared to availability, not mintage.

1916-1947

Walking Liberty

Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.36169

Nicknames: 'Walkers'

Varieties:  1918-D Missing Rev monogram (Breen 5139) ex. rare; 1939-D/D north (RPM1); 1941 no AW; 1942 DDR; 1943 D/D; 1944 S/S RPM1, RPM2; ; 1944 S/S low and left mintmark; 1946 DDRs, and the 1936 and 1936-D DDO; 1944 s/s;1946 S/S RPM#1; 1946 S/S 1949S/S sFS501; 1949S/S west RPM1; 1951S/S SW RPM1; 

Notes: Reeded edge. This coin in widely recognized by many collectors as one of America's most beautiful coins. Lady Liberty's thumb on the obverse and the eagle's breast feathers on the reverse serve as pick-up points.  Although the 1938-D has a low mintage, coins such as the 20-D and even the 37-D can be even tougher to find in XF-AU grades. The 28-S and especially 23-S in nice examples of AU58 are very difficult to acquire.

Further Resources:

Over Mintmarks and Hot Re-punched Mintmarks; Kevin Flynn and John Wexler

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, Anthony Swiatek

1948-1963

Franklin Half Dollar

Designer: John R. Sinnock (obverse); John Frederick Lewis (reverse)

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.36169

Nicknames: 'Frankies'

Varieties: 1949 s/s west; 1951 s/s sw; 1955 'Bugs Bunny';

Notes: Reeded edge.  Collectors search for well-struck coins with full bell lines on the liberty bell.

Further Resources:

Here is a good pictorial primer of Franklin Full Bell Lines:

http://www.caccoin.com/reference-sets/franklin-half-dollar-reference-set/

1964 (only)

Kennedy Half

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1964D DDO; 1973-D; 1974-D; Accented Hair; 1979-S Type 1 and 2; 1981-S Type 2.

Notes: Collectors search for well-struck coins with deep and reflective watery-looking mirrors known as cameo or deep-cameo.

There was no Ag in the Kennedy Half after 1976 again until 1992-S, and on, in the silver proof set.

The Kennedy Half provides one of the greatest ironic and iconic lessons in US monetary history.  Kennedy, via Executive Order, took on the Federal Reserve and provided for a US Note to replace the Federal Reserve Note. So, they put a couple bullets in him. Then, they removed all silver from US coinage the next year, EXCEPT for the half dollar. The US put his face on this particular issue and watered down the precious metal from 90% to 40%.  This coin and the event surrounding serve as a salient lesson for all those that may in the future decide to attack the banking oligarchy.

1965-1970

Kennedy Half

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.5

Weight (grains): 178

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1480

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1964, 1964-D: DDO on both obverse and reverse Proof: The Accented Hair variety (incised hair above Kennedy's ear; PR only);  and is found only as a Proof. 

1965: DD reverse,

1966: DD obverse, 1967 DDO and DDR (two); 1974-D: DDO; 1979-S Type II has clear mint mark (TI looks like a melon)

Notes: The 1969-d and 1970-d were minted in proof only.

Mintages

1965
65,879,366 Business Strike
2,360,000 Special Mint Set
 

1966
108,984,932
2,261,583 Special Mint Set
 

1967
295,046,978
1,863,344 Special Mint Set

1968-D
246,951,930

3,041,506 Proof Sets Only
 

1969-D
129,881,800

1969-S
2,934,631 Proof Sets Only

1970-D
2,150,000 Mint Sets Only

1970-S
2,632,810 Proof Sets Only.
 

1976-S Bicentennial Kennedy Half, clad

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Seth Huntington (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.34

Weight (grains): 175

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: Outer layers:75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Center: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair.

Notes: No, this coin isn't worth more than face value unless it is in uncirculated condition. Over 500 Million 1976 clad coins were produced.

1976-S Bicentennial Kennedy Half, Silver

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Seth Huntington (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.5

Weight (grains): 178

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: Outer layers: 80% Silver, 20% Copper
Center: 79% Copper, 21% Silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.148

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair.

Notes: 

1971- Current [Except 1976 as noted above]

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.34

Weight (grains): 175

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: Outer layers: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Center: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair. 1979-S and 1981- S Type II proofs have better struck mint mark than the Type I proofs.

Notes: Collectors search for well-struck coins with deep and reflective watery-looking mirrors known as cameo or deep-cameo.

There was no Ag in the Kennedy Half after 1976 again until 1992s, and on, in the silver proof set - with one rare exception.  A few 1977-D Eisenhower dollars were struck on 40% silver planchets

US Commemorative Half Dollar Coins

Varieties: 1935/1934 Boone; 1934/1934 Boone; 1934/1934S Boone; 1892/2 Columbian; 1893/3 Columbian;

QUARTERS

1796

Draped Bust Quarter; small eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 104

Size: 27.5mm

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken

Varieties:  There are two types of Browning varieties

Notes: 

1804-1807

Draped Bust Quarter; heraldic eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 104

Size: 27.5mm

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken

Varieties:  There are two types of Browning varieties; 1806/1805 overdate (B1); 1805 five berries;

Notes: 

Resources: Early United States Quarters 1796-1838, Steve M. Tompkins

1815-1828

Liberty Cap Quarter; with motto ' E Pluribus Unum'

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 29 until 1828; 27 mm until 1937 and 1938 when the diameter was reduced to 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1815 has one Browning variety; 1818/5; 1819 has large 9 variety. 1822 - 1825 have a variety of overdates; 1824/2; 1825/3/4/. 1827 has a re-strike; 1831 small & large letters;

Notes:  Reeded edge. 1827 re-strikes produced by private individual using discarded dies.

Further Resources: The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States 1796-1838. A.W. Browning

1828-1838

Liberty Cap Quarter; without motto ' E Pluribus Unum'

Designer: William Kneass

Varieties: 1831 has small and large letter varieties.

All other diagnostics same as the motto coin.

Varieties: 1831 large letters; 1831/1831; 1835 no period after C (B7)

1838-1840

Seated Liberty Quarter, No drapery reverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1934

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Quarter, with drapery

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.68

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1934

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1842 and 1842-o varieties with varying size date numerals. 1853 no-arrows made with 1852 die. 1853 with rays around eagle, reverse.

Notes: 

1854-1855

Seated Liberty Quarter, No Rays around eagle

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.2

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties: 1853/1854; 1854 large O variety.

Notes: 

1856-1866

Seated Liberty Quarter, arrows at date removed.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.22

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1854 large O variety.

Notes:  Only one known 1866.

1866-1873

Seated Liberty Quarter, 'In God We Trust' added to Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.22

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1873 open and closed '3' varieties.

Notes:  Only six known 1873 CCs.

1873-1874

Seated Liberty Quarter, Arrows at date

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1808

Nicknames:

Varieties:  NA

Notes:  1873 CC is rare.

1875-1891

Seated Liberty Quarter, No Arrows at date

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains):

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1808

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1876 CC fine reed edge; 1877 S over horizontal S..

Notes: 

1892-1916

Barber Quarters

Designer: Charles Barber

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1895 S/S;

Notes:  1896s, 1901s, 1913s are rare.

Early Whitman Folders (Pre WWII) called this coin the Morgan Quarter - Liberty Head

1916-1930

Standing Liberty Quarters

Designer: Hermon MacNeil

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Type 1 (bare breast; 1916,1917) and Type 2 (chain main; 1917-1930); 1918/7-S overdate; 1928 S/S (RPM1)

Notes: 

Difference between 1916 and 1917 dateless coins:

http://www.anacs.com/contentPages/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=16&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

http://www.slqcoins.us/educational.html

1916 Diagnostics

- Only one hair curl, not two

- Head intersects the beaded boarder design

- Weaker shield rivets on the right side of the shield compared to the 1917

- Draper is more J-shaped

- Fold line in the sash of extended right arm

1932-1964

Washington Quarters

Designer: John Flanagan

Weight (grams): 6.255

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties:  34 doubled motto; 34 Double Die Obverse; 1934 Heavy Motto; 1934 Heavy Motto (Breen 4273);1934-D Heavy Motto; 1937 Double Die Obverse; 1939-D; 1940 D/D (RPM1); 40-D; 42-D Double Die Obverse (Breen-4315, FS #25¢-015); 42-D Double Die Reverse;  1943 DDO; 1943S DDO; 1944-S DDO FS-101 (FS-017.5); 1945; 1946-S/S RPM FS-501; 1947 S/S and S/S/S; 1949 D/D southwest; 1950-D; 1950 D/S; 1950 S/D; 1950 DDR; 1952 S/S; 1953D; 1953 D/D/S; 1957 D/D; 1959 D/D; 1959 D/D/S; 1963 DDO; 1964 D/D;  1964D Reverse of 1965 Type C; 1967; 1970-D; 1971; 1971-D; 1976-D;

http://overdate1.tripod.com/coinvarieties/id5.html

1942 D Washington Quarter, Rare Variety [Breen-4315, FS #25¢-015. 'Stella']

1952 Proof 'Superbird' (S mint mark in the middle of the eagle's chest on the reverse)

Proof Varieties: 1960, 1968-S 1969-S

Notes: 

1965-1998

Washington Quarters

Designer: John Flanagan

Weight (grams): 5.78

Weight (grains): 88

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-nickel; 75% Cu 25% Nickel

Nicknames:

Varieties:  34 doubled motto; 43S DDO, 43S Trumpet Tail, 43S/S; 1965 DD (date, liberty, motto) 1970D (date); 1971 (DD); 1971 DD (America); 1976D (Liberty)

Notes: 

State Quarters (1999-present)

http://www.quarterdesigns.com/

Designer: John Flanagan (Obverse); Various (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 5.7 grams

Weight (grains): 88 grains

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Outer layer: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Each year has five different varieties. Some of these varieties have various dies and minor errors.

Notes: 

TWENTY CENT PIECE

1875-1878

Designer: William Barber

Weight (grams): 5.0

Weight (grains):

Size: 22 mm

Composition: 90% Silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1447

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1875 S/S

Notes: 

DIMES

1796-1797

Draped Bust (Small Eagle Reverse)

Designer: Robert Scot (Obverse), John Eckstein (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 19.8 mm

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames: Scrawny Chicken

Varieties:  JR series (scarce); 13 or 16 star varieties on the 1797 issue

Notes: 

1798-1807

Draped Bust (Heraldic Eagle Reverse)

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 19.8 mm

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames:

Varieties:  JR series (scarce); 13 or 16 star varieties and varying '8' sizes on the 1798 issue; 4 or 5 berries on 1805 issue

Notes: 

1809-1837

Capped Bust/Liberty Cap

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 18.8 mm, 18.5 mm after 1827

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames:

Varieties:  JR series (scarce). 1811/1809; Many other varieties/overdates. 1820 small and large O; 1821 small and large date; 1823/2; 1824/2; 1829 small 10c/large 10c (JR9); 1828 small and large date; 1829 large 10c; 1829 small and large and extra large 10c; 1829 small and large10c; 1830/29

Notes: 

Further Resources: See "Early United States Dimes; 1796-1837", David Davis et al.;

SEATED LIBERTY

1837-1838

Seated Liberty, No Stars

Designer: Thomas Sully (Obverse), Christian Gobrecht (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties:  large and small date 1837; large and small stars 1838

Notes: 

1838-1840

Seated Liberty, No Drapery, with Stars

Designer:

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Dime, Drapery and Stars

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:  1841 small and medium o; 1842 small and medium o; 1843/1843; 1849 large o; 1850o medium o;

A post 1837 US 90% silver dime had a total weight of 38.58 grains.

Seated Liberty Dimes

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/

Seated Liberty, Drapery and Stars, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, Drapery and Stars, Arrows at Date removed on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, "United States of America" replaced Stars on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.5000

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0724 oz

Seated Liberty, Arrows at Date Removed on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.5000

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0724 oz

1892-1916

Barber Dimes

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Weight (grams): ±2.5 grams

Weight (grains):

Size: 17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.07234

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1892-O/O; 1892/1892-01893 S/S east (RPM1); 1899-O/O; 1901 O/Horizontal O; 1905 micro o; 1912 S/S; 1915 S/S

Notes: 

1916-1945

Liberty (Mercury) Dimes

http://www.MercuryDime.com

Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman

Weight (grams): 2.5

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): .07234

Nicknames: "Mercury Dimes"

Varieties: 

1928-S Large and Small S

1929-S Double Date at IGWT

1931-D DDO, DDR

1931-S Doubled Die Obverse [FS-101]

1934-D Large and Small D

1934-D Re-Punched Mintmark

1935-S Re-Punched Mintmark

1936 Doubled Date

1936 Doubled Die Obverse

1937 Doubled Die Obverse

1937-S Doubled Die Obverse

1939 Doubled Die Obverse

1939-D Re-Punched Mintmark

1940-S Re-Punched Mintmark

1940-S Double Die Obverse, Reverse

1941 Doubled Die Obverse

1941-D Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse [FS-101]

1941 S Large and Small S

1941 S Doubled Mintmark

1941-S Double Die Reverse

1941-S/S Re-Punched Mintmark [RPM1 - FS-502]

1942/1 Overdate Error

1942/1-D Overdate Error

1942-D Doubled Die

1942 D/D

1942-S Inverted Mintmark

1943-S Trumpet Tail Mintmark [FS-511]

1943-S Re-Punched Mintmark

1944-D Re-Punched Mintmark

1944-D Doubled Die

1945-D D/Horizontal D [FS-506]

1945-S S/Horizontal S

1945 Re-Punched Mintmark

1945 Doubled Die Obverse

1945-D Re-Punched Mintmark

1945-S Re-Punched Mintmark

1945 S Micro S

Notes: 

Circulated Mercury Dimes:

The 1945 S dime has a normal sized S mintmark and a micro sized one. This is because the micro s was a stamp used for another country's coinage but produced in the US.  Now, there are other coins with micro-s including the 28s.  Also, although not widely published, the 41s.  Placement of min marks vary because the mark was hand stamped onto the die.  However, size and positioning of the mint mark became more standardized into the 1940s.

Fully Split Bands

On the coin's reverse, the fasces (bundled stick in the middle) has three bands - top, center and bottom.  On full struck coins with outstanding detail (and collectability) the center bands are what is called 'fully struck'.  These Fully Struck Bands (FSB) coins carry a price premium.  The mercury dimes with the lowest number of FSB coins are these dates:

1919-S, 1927-S and 1942/1 and1945-P are the rarest dates with FSB.  Indeed, the true numbers are probably less than the third party certification records indicate, since collectors  re-submit coins in hope of achieving even better grade for these rarities.

Further Resources:

http://www.MercuryDime.com

The Complete Guide to Mercury Dimes, David W. Lange

1946-1964

Roosevelt Dimes

Designer: John R. Sinnock

Weight (grams): 2.50 grams (silver)

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu (silver)

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.07234

Nicknames: 'Roosies'

Varieties

1946-Current

Roosevelt Dimes

Designer: John R. Sinnock

Weight (grams): 2.27 grams (CuNi-clad)

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: Outer layers:75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Center: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content: 0

Nicknames: 'Roosies'

Varieties: Full Torch designation (high quality strike) commands a premium; 1946 DD (date, unum); 1946-S (states); 1947S/D 1947-S DD (states); 1950D DD (US, unum); 1950D/D; 1963 DD (date); 1967 DD (date); 1970 DD (USA); 1982 No Mint Mark 

HALF DIMES

1794-1795

Flowing Hair Half-Dime

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.350

Weight (grains):

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1796-1797

Draped Bust Half Dime, Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.350

Weight (grains):

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

Varieties: 13, 15 or 16 stars on the 1797

Further Resources:

1800-1805

Draped Bust Half Dime, Heraldic Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.350

Weight (grains):

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

Varieties: Libekty on 1800

1829-1837

Liberty Cap Half Dime

Designer: William Kneass

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0775

Varieties: small and large date, small and large 5C on 1835; small and large 5c on 1836 and 1837

1828-1837

Liberty Cap Half Dime

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 2.700

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 18.5 mm

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0775

Varieties: 1829 V1 and V2; 1831 V1 and V2; 1832 V1-V7 (LM1); 1834/inverted 3; 1835 sm. date/large date and sm. 5c/large 5c; 1836 Lg and sm. 5c;1837/7

1837-1838

Seated Liberty Half Dime, no Stars Around Rim on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3400

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm

Composition: 90.0% Ag, 10.0% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

Varieties: large and small date 1837

1838-1840

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Stars Around, No Drapery on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3400

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm

Composition: 90.0% Ag, 10.0% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

Varieties: 1838 small and large stars; 1839 o reverse 1838 o

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Drapery added to Liberty's Left Elbow on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3400

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm

Composition: 90.0% Ag, 10.0% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

Varieties: 1848 medium and large date; 1848/8/7/6; 1849/8;

1853-1855

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Robert Ball Hughes/Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.240

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0359

Reeded Edge

1856-1859

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Arrows at Date Removed on Obverse

Designer: Robert Ball Hughes/Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.240

Weight (grains):

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0359

Varieties: 1858/inverted date

1860-1873S

Seated Liberty Half Dime, "United States of America" Replaced Stars on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.2400

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0362

Varieties: 1860 pattern; 1861/0; 1872 DDO

Further Resources:

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/

http://seateddimes.yuku.com/

NICKELS

Shield Nickels 

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 5.00 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size:  20.50 mm  (0.8077 in)

Composition: Cupro (75%) -Nickel (25%)

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Due to the hard metal composition dies wore out easily.  Due to the many dies used, many minor varieties occurred in the Shield Nickel series.

1867/67; 1867 Repunched date, 1868 DDO; 1869 Wide Date, 1869 Tall Date, 1872 DDO; 1873 Closed and Open loops; 1883/2

Notes: 

http://shieldnickels.net/

Liberty 'V'  Nickels

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-Nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames: "V" Nickel

Varieties:  The 1883 Racketeer Nickel was plated in gold and passed off as a five dollar coin.  As such, later in the year 'Cents' was added to the coin. 1884 1/1;

1897/7;

Notes:

References:

The Shield Nickel Five Cent Series, Edward L. Fletcher, jr., 221 pgs

Buffalo Nickels

1913: The original Buffalo Nickel (five cent piece) design had a bison (modeled after '"Blackie" in the New York Zoo) standing on a small raised portion of ground (soil scientists would call it a hummock).  However, the coin wore quickly and unevenly during circulation, eating into the design and date.  This wear proved unacceptable to the mint so this version (Bison on Mound) was discarded for a new design, Bison on Plain, where the Bison is now standing on a straight line.

Designer: James Earle Fraser

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-Nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Grading Tips: 2/3 Horn is a Fine 12; Full Horn is a VF20

Varieties:  1927 D/D/D (RPM1); 1935 DDR; 1936 S/S RPM 1;  1936 D 3 1/2 leg; 1937 D Three Leg; 1938D/S (strong S, medium S and weak S); 1938 D/D; 1938 D/D/S (OMM1,2,3); 

The famous 1937 D 'Three-legged Buffalo" has the following diagnostics:

- The fourth leg is skinny

- Indian's neck and the hind leg are weakly struck and mushy

- Thinning of the mint mark and 'FIVE CENT' lettering

- E PLURIBUS UNUM does not touch the back of the bison.

This article explains diagnostics for a genuine 1918/7 Buffalo Nickel:

http://www.buffalonickel.com/

Resources:

The Hobo Nickel, Hobo Carvings: An Exclusive Upgrade of Hobo Nickel Artistry, Joyce Ann Rominee

Hobo Nickel Guidebook, Stephen Alpert

The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels, David W. Lange

Treasure Hunting Buffalo Nickels, John A . Wexler, Ron Pope and Kevin Flynn

Over Mintarks and Hot Repunched Mintmarks, Kevin Flynn and John Wexler, 181 pgs

Uncirculated Buffalo Nickel:

Jefferson Nickels

Designer: Felix Schlag

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1917s two feathers; 1918/7 D; 1930 DDO; 1938 Double Die, 1939 Double Die; 1942 DD, 1942D, 1943/42, 1943 DD, 1945 DD, 1946D, 1946S, 1949, 1949D, 1949 D/S, 1954S, 1954 S/D, 1955D, 1955 D/S;  1971 no S;

Proof Varieties: 1939, 1940, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1960

Notes: 

1942-1945

[War Nickels]

Designer: Felix Schlag

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: 0.350 Silver Cupro-Silver-Manganese

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.05626 oz.Ag

Each war time nickel contains 1.75 grams of silver, 18 coins make 1 ounce of silver, a 40 coin roll contains 2.25 ounces of silver.

Varieties:  1943 DDO; 1943/2; 1945 DDR; 

Notes: 

Resources:

The Jefferson Nickel Analyst, 90pgs

TWO and THREE CENT PIECES

1864-1873

Two Cent Copper

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Weight (grams): 6.221

Weight (grains):

Size: 23.00 mm

Composition: 95% Cu 5% Zn and Sn

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1864 Small and Large Letter Varieties;  1854 Lg Motto; 1864/864 (KF-L9); 1865/18; 1867 Double Die Obverse; 1871 1/1, 1871/71 (KF-3); 1873 closed 3

Notes: 

Further Resources:

Getting Your Two Cents Worth, Kevin Flynn

1851-1873

Three Cent Silver

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Weight (grams): 0.8 g (1851–53); 0.75g (1854–73)

Weight (grains): 12.3 grain (1851-53); 11.6 (1854-73)

Size: 14 mm; 1.5 mm thick

Composition: 75% Ag, 25% Cu (1851–53); 90% Ag, 10% Cu (1854–73)

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0193 (1851–53); 0.0218  (1854-73)

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1851 (18/18); 1852/1852; 1853/1853; 1861 Doubled Date (Breen 2935); 1861/1861 (Breen 2935, unlisted in Cherypicker)

Notes: 

1865-1889

Three Cent Nickel

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Weight (grams): 1.94

Weight (grains):

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: Cu-Ni

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1865/1865; 1865 struck in copper (J413); 1869/1869;1871 minor DDO; 1873 closed 3 and open 3; 1887/6; 1881 88/88; 1876/6

Notes: 

Further Resources:

The Authoritative Reference on Three Cent Nickels, Kevin Flynn and Ed Fletcher

http://www.3centnickel.com/

CENTS

CENTS_FOR_SALE

http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/common_cents/index.html

http://realcent.forumco.com/

Flowing Hair Cent - Chain Reverse 1793

Flowing Hair Cent - Wreath Reverse 1793

Liberty Cap Large Cent 1793-1796

Varieties: 1794 Head Style of 1793, 1794 Head Style of 1794, 1794 Head Style of 1795, 1795 Lettered Edge; 1795 Plain Edge,

Draped Bust Large Cent 1796-1807

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 10.98

Weight (grains):

Size:  29 mm

Composition: 

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1797 Reverse of 1796, 1797 Stemless Variety; 1798/7; 1798 Style 1&2 (hair); 1800 Style 1&2, 1800/798 (style 1&2) ; 1800/79; 1900/798 Style 1&2, 1801 '3 errors'; 1801 stemless wreath; 1803/2; 1803 small and large date; 1803 small and large fraction; 1808 small date/small fraction and large date/large fraction ; 1804 re-strike (1860); 1807/6 large and small 7/6; 1807 no comet; 1807 small and large fraction

Notes: 

Further Resources: United States Large Cents 1793 - 1814 and 1816 - 1839, William C Noyes

Early American Coppers Club c/o Rod Burress

Classic Head Cent 1808-1814

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size: 

Composition: 

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1810/09; 1811/10; 1814 plain 4

Coronet Large Cent 1816-1839

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 10.89

Weight (grains):

Size:  28-29 mm

Composition: 

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1817 Thirteen and Fifteen Stars; 1819/8; 1819 small and large dates; 1820/19 small and large dates; 1823/2; 1824/2; 1826/5 1828 small and large date; 18/828; 1829 sm/med/lg letters; 1830 small, medium and large letters; 1831 sm/med/lg letters;  1832 sm/med/lg letters; 1833 horned 8; 1834 small 8/large stars; 1835 small head; 1835 head of 1836; 1837 plain hair cord; 1837 beaded hair cord; 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent; 1839/6; 1839 Silly Head; 1839 Booby Head; 1839 Petite Head;1839/36; 1839/6

Further Resources: The Cent Book, John D Wright; Newcomb Numbers.  United States Large Copper Cents, Howard Newcomb

Notes: 

Braided Hair Large Cent 1840-1857

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 10.89

Weight (grains):

Size:  27.5 mm

Composition: 

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1840 Small and large Date; 1842 small and large Date; 1843 Petite Head; 1843 type 1844; 1844/81; 1846 small and large date; 1847/1847; 1847/7 1847/7 (Lg7/sm7); 1847 (18/18); 1848/184 (rare); 1849/8-9; 1855 slant and regular 5; 1855 slant 5 with knob on ear; 1856 upright 56; 1857 small and large date

Further Resources: Die Varieties of US Large Cents, John R Grellman, Jr ; Newcomb Numbers

Notes: 

1847 Hawai'i Large Cent

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size: 

Composition: 

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: Plain 4 - 15 berries; crosslet 4 - 15 berries; crosslet 4 - 18 berries;

1856-1858

Flying Eagle Cent

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 4.67

Weight (grains):

Size: 19 mm

Composition:  88% Cu, 12% Ni.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames: 'nickel'; yes, this coin was the first in us coinage to garner that term.

Varieties:  1857 Obv of 1856; 1857 FS #1 a,b,c; 1858 small and large letters; 1858 Obv 1859 (J213); 1858/7: 1858 Lg Letter DDO

Notes: 

1859-1863

Indian Head Cent

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 4.67

Weight (grains):

Size: 19 mm

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1859 Transition Patter (1859 obverse, 1860 reverse J228)

Notes: 

1864-1909

Indian Head Cent

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 3.11

Weight (grains):

Size: 19 mm

Composition: 95% Cu, 5% Sn, Zn

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1860 T1, T2; 1863 DDR; 1864-L; 186/1864L; 1864/186; 1864 (86/86 Snow 10);1866 1/1; 1865 DDR (FS 007); 1/1866/6, 1866 1/1, 6/6, 866/18; 1867/67; 1869/9;  1870 DDR; 1870 S7 'pickaxe'; 1870 DDR; 1873 closed 3 DDO; 1875 1/1, 1875/18 1886 T1,T2; 1887 DDO; 1888/7; 1887 DDR; 1888 18/18; 1889 DDR, 1894/1894 S1; 1897 S1 - extra 1 in neck; 1907/7

http://www.usrarecoininvestments.com/coin_info/1864-bronze-indian-head-cent.htm

Notes:  In addition to the key dates, the semi key 1869/9 overdate; the 1870 and 1878 are harder to acquire than mintage numbers suggest.

Grading:

G: No letters of liberty show; full rims

VG: At least 2-3 letters of Liberty show

F12 All letters show

VF20 All letters of Liberty are full and strong

Further Resources:

Thank you to Rick Snow for developing and distributing this wonderful Indian Head Cent grading guide:

http://www.indianheads.org/

The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Die Varieties, Larry Steve and Kevin Flynn; The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Richard Snow

Flying Eagle, Indian Cent, Tow Cent, Three Cent Doubled Dies, Kevin Flynn.

Other useful Indian Head Cent Resources:

http://www.indiancent.com/

1909-current

Lincoln Cent

Designer: Victor D. Brenner

Weight (grams): 3.11

Weight (grains):

Size: 19 mm

Composition:

1909-1942:    95% copper and 5% tin/zinc mixture.

A post 1909 US 95% copper penny had a total weight of 48 grains.

1943: Zinc-coated steel; 2.7 grams

1944-1946 (and part of 1942): 95% copper and 5% zinc

1947-1961: 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc mixture.

1962-1982: 95% copper and 5% zinc

1982-Current: 2.5% Copper (Cu); 97.5% Zinc (Zn.) (official); 0.8% copper (Cu); 99.2% Zinc (Zn.) (actual); 2.5 grams

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames: 'Wheaties', 'Wheatbacks'

Varieties:  There are many Lincoln cent varieties important to collectors, too many to list here.  However, we provide a few of the highlights and refer to you more comprehensive reference sources.

Varieties - Wheat Back: 1909 VDB DDO (FS-012); 1909 s/s (RPM1); 1909 s/horizontal s (RPM2); 1910 s/s south (RPM1) and north (RPM2); 1912 s/s NE RPM1; 1917 DDO; 1922 No D, strong (Die pair 1 and 2) and weak (Die pair 3) reverses; 1925 s/s RPM1,2,3; 1927; 1936 Satin Proof; 1938 S/S/S; 1938 D/D west; 1939 D/D;  1939 S/S, 1941;  1942 D/D; 1943-D; 1944 D/D N (FS502); 1944 S/S; 1944 D/S; 1945 S/S; 1946-S; 1947 D/D; 1947 S/S; 1949 S/S/S RPM2); 1951-D; 1952-D; 1955 Triple Die; 1955 DD 'Poor Mans DD'; 1956-D+D RPM 8; 1959 DDO (FS101); 

Varieties - Memorial:

1960 small and large dates; 1960 DDO; 1960D (date); 1960 D/D West; 1960 D/D West; 1963 DD (date); 1964 DD (USA); 1968-s; 1969-S DD (IGWT); 1970 small and large dates; 1970-S large and small date; 1970-S DD (IGWT); 1971 DD (9,7,IGWT); 1972 DDO; 1972-S; 1980 DD (date); 1982 (IGWT); 1983 (Liberty, USA, One Cent); 1984 DD (2nd earlobe, Liberty, date); 1984-D DD (date); 1995 DDO, 1997 DDO (ear); 1998 Wide AM

Notes: 1922 'No D' Variety - On the Die Pair 2 the "L" in LIBERTY is poorly defined and extends into the rim; also the second 2 is more defined than the first.
 

Ken Potter Provides a Really Good Reference List Here:

http://koinpro.tripod.com/ErrorVarietyList.htm

S-Mint Varieties

http://lincolncentresource.com/San_Fransisco_Mintmark_Styles.html

1960 Large and Small Dates

http://www.thecentproject.com/sort1960.php

1970-S Large and Small Dates

http://koinpro.tripod.com/Articles/1970S1cSmAndLgDtCompare.htm

1943 Cents.

These war time cents were produced out of zinc to conserve the war materiel copper. However, as it turns out, several cents were struck in the customary copper.  Since a few copper blanks remained from production year 1942, this made the variety possible.  Since humans mostly prefer actual over possible, well, things happen.  The copper coins follow no set distribution pattern, however (they were not all from the same mint bag).

All of them, with perhaps one discovered at the mint by engraver John Sinnock, were found in circulation - the first in 1947.   The first copper cent sold at public auction was in 1958.  No circulation finds have been reported since the late 1960s. Population ranger estimates vary between a dozen and 30 known examples.  The current known extant population is 10-15 from the Philadelphia, 5 or 6 from San Francisco and 1 from Denver (the only mint state example.)
 

Notes: 

Diagnostics for authentic 1922 'no D' coin:

1. Obverse is a weak strike whereas reverse is strong. Most of the coin's grade is assigned by the reverse.

2. IN GOD WE is soft and undefined, TRUST is sharp
3. LIBERTY is soft and undefined. The 'L' merges into the left rim. The "R" is more weak than all other letters
4. The edge of Lincoln's coat merges into the obverse field
5. The first digit '2' in the date is thick but undefined. The second digit '2' is more sharp but thinner.

More here:

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/1922Ddievarieties.html

Diagnostics for authentic 1955 DDO

The T in Cent has a die break on the right side of the horizontal arm: Also at the T in Cent, to the left of the T, in the field near the vertical arm are two die polish marks that look like scratches which form a small X; they may not show on worn or cleaned coins and do not appear on all die marriages.

Diagnostics for authentic 1914-D:

http://coinauctionshelp.com/Coin_Help_Blog/tag/1914-d-lincoln-cent/

Look for the die crack from Lincoln's shirt to the edge.

Diagnostics for authentic 1909-S V.D.B coin:

1. Serifs in the mint mark are parallel

2. The center of the B in V.D.B is horizontal....

3. On the Reverse, at the VDB initials, on a Philadelphia Mint coin the second period comes as close to the D as the first does to the V.
On a San Francisco mint coin, the second period will be much further toward the middle, between the D and B, than toward the D.

4. Die chip exists in the inner loop of the 's'.

More information on authentic 1909-S V.D.B diagnostics:

http://www.pcgs.com/News/Counterfeit-Vs-Authentic-1909-s-Vdb-Lincoln-Cents

http://www.procoins.com/images/1909svdb.pdf

This is the die marriage population census:

(1909-S VDB 486,480 struck)

Obverse dies, Lincoln cent.
San Francisco Mint, CY 1909

#199 140,400 (all VDB)
#200 222,380 (all VDB)
#201 81,000 (all VDB)
#202 308,390 (42,700 VDB, balance plain)
#203 209,747 (all plain)

Reverse dies, Lincoln cent.
San Francisco Mint, CY 1909

#248 63,800
#249 137,880
#250 76,600
#251 127,200
#252 81,000

Source: NARA-CP RG 104 entry 229 box 287. “Statement of the Life of Dies for 1909, U.S. Mint, San Francisco, California” Signed by William M. Cutter, Coiner and Edward Sweeney, Superintendent. January 5, 1910.

Further References:

The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent, Sol Taylor

The Complete Guide to the Lincoln Cents, David W. Lange

http://www.LincolnCent.com

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/

1787 Fugio copper Cent

Designed by Benjamin Franklin, the first coin issued under authority of the United States of America and minted under private contract with James Jarvis of Connecticut

Grading:

VG- 8.
F-12: The wheat lines should be worn but separated. A weak spot is acceptable on one side, but not both.

VF: Complete separation and clear wheat lines

HALF CENTS

1793-1797

Liberty Cap Half Cent

Designer: Henry Voigt

Weight (grams): 6.73 g

Weight (grains):

Size: 22mm

Composition: Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1795 lettered edge; 1797 centered head; 1797 1/1

Notes: 

Resources:

The Half Cent Die State Book: 1793-1857, Ron Manley

American Half Cents, Roger Cohen

1800-1808

Draped Bust Half Cent

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 5.44 g

Weight (grains):

Size: 23.5mm

Composition: Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1802/0; 1804 spiked chin; 1804 cross 4 stems; 1804 plain 4 stemless; 1805 stemless, small 5

1806 stemless, small 6; 1808/7;

Notes: 

1809-1837

Classic Head Half Cent

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 5.44 g

Weight (grains):

Size: 23.5mm

Composition: Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1809/6; 1826/horizontal 6; 1828 12 and 13 stars;

Notes: 

1849-1857

Braided Hair Half Cent

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 5.44 g

Weight (grains):

Size: 23mm

Composition: Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

COLONIAL COINS

William Woods Hibernia

1723 farthing

1722 halfpenny

1723/2 halfpenny

1723 halfpenny

1724 halfpenny

William Woods Rosa Americana

1722 1/2 pence

1723 two pence

HalfPenny

Virginia HalfPenny

Voce Populi Hibernia Half Penny

Pitt Token HalfPenny

French Colonies

1740 half sou marque, 15 deniers, 30 deniers

1738s, P

1741BB

1748A

1755A

1757/OA

1757

1767 SOU, RF variety

Fugio Cent

Pointed Rays, Cross at date

Pointed Rays, States United; 8-pointed star on label

Pointed Rays, United States

Pointed Rays, 1787/1

Club Rays

Nova Constellatio

1785 blunt rays

1785 pointed rays, small date and large date variety

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Silver

1652 Oak Tree Shilling, spiney tree

1652 Pine Tree Shilling, pellets or no pellets, backwards N

Massachusetts Copper

1787 Half Cent

1788 Half Cent, period and no period varieties

Connecticut

1785 bust left and right

1787 bust left and right; laughing head, horned head

New York, Machin Mills

1787 and 1788

New Jersey

1786 straight plow, narrow shield

1786 Curved beam, narrow shield

1786 Bridle variety

1787 outlined shield

1787 camel's head

1788 head right and left varieities

Vermont

1786 Vermontensium

1787 Vermont Brittania

1788 bust rights and left

1781 North American Token

1797 Franklin Press Token

1797 Talbot Allum and Lee

1797 Talbot Allum and Lee

Virginia

1773 Va Halfpenny, no period and period varieties

1760 Hibernia, Voce Populi

farthing lg letters

1760 Hibernia, Voce Populi

halfpenny; P below; P/P

Washington Pieces

1783 Georgius Triumpho

1783 Large Military

1783 draped bust, no button

1783 draped bust, engrailed edge

1783 Unity States

Undated double head

1785 Grata Halfpenny Token

17905 North Wales Halfpenny, plain edge

Washington Success Token, plain edge

Washington Success Token, small size reeded edge

William Pitt Token

1766 Halfpenny

Hawaiian Coins

Resources

Hawaiin Money, Donald Medcalf and Ronald Russell, 160pgs

References:

Complete Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Coins, Walter Breen

The Early Coins of America, Sylvester S. Crosby

Hawaiian Money, Donald Medcalf and Ronald Russell

The Hibernia Coinage of William Wood, Sydney F. Martin

Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonia and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers

Coins of New Jersey, Edward Maris

Colonial Coins of Vermont, Hillyer Ryder

The Vermont Coinage, Edmund Slafter

The 1776 Continental Currency Coinage, Varieties of the Fugio Cent, Eric Newman

Further Resources:

http://www.coins.nd.edu/

http://www.colonialcoins.org/

US COIN RARITY SCALE

R1:  common

R2: 501 - 1250 coins known

R3: 201 - 500 coins known

R4: 76 - 200 coins known

R5: 31 -75 coins known

R6: 13-30 coins known

R7: 4 - 12 coins known

R8: less than 4 coins known

SILVER BULLION COIN

American Eagle - The U.S. Mint began producing this bullion coin October of 1986 in the following five denominations:

• 1-ounce .999 fine silver coin with $1 face value

• 1-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $50 face value

• Half-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $25 face value

• Quarter ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $10 face value

• Tenth-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $5 face value.

CONFEDERATE COINS

1861 Half Dollar

In 1861 federal troops had not yet seized the Confederate City of New Orleans before the mint began producing confederate half dollars.

GOLD COINAGE

Double Eagle

Half Eagle

U.S. gold coin minted between 1795 and 1929 with a face value of $5

Quarter Eagle

1849-1854

Liberty Head Gold - Type One Gold Dollar

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:

CALIFORNIA GOLD

http://www.calgoldcoin.com/

http://www.calgoldonline.com/

Collections

UNITED STATES MINT COINS

CONTINENTAL CURRENCY

1776 Continental Currency Note

1776 Continental dollar coin

1787 Fugio copper Cent

All designed by Benjamin Franklin

MONEY is NOT DEBT

CANADIAN COINS

http://www.canadiancoin.com/

http://www.coinscan.com/technical/canasp.html

Pre- 1919 coins are Sterling [0.925]

Canadian Bullion and Coin Silver Content - Bid/Ask Prices

http://www.bullioncoinsandbars.com/products-silver-coins.htm

CANADIAN HALF DOLLARS

1967-1968

Wolf Halves: 80% Ag

$10. coins have 1.445-oz., pure, and the $5. ones .7227

CANADIAN QUARTERS

1920-1966

Weight of 5.83g

Silver content: 80%; 4.664 grams Ag each.

4.664 grams /31.1035 gram/oz = 0.14995 oz Ag per coin
0.14995 oz * $10.0 dollar oz = 1.499 USD per coin
 

CANADIAN DIMES

1968-1999

Designer:

Weight (grams): 1.75g

Weight (grains):

Size: 18.03 mm

Thickness: 1.22 mm

Composition: 92% steel, 5.5% Cu, 2.5% Ni plating

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

INTERNATIONAL WORLD COINS

The Islamic gold dinar contains approximately 3.89g or 60grains gold. The Islamic silver dirham contains 3g or approximately 46.3 grains silver. The NMM cent weight of 1/10 ozt (48 grains or 3.11034768 grams) will produce coins of similar size and weight of the dinar and the dirham.

South African Krugerrand

http://www.onlygold.com/Coins/SouthAfricanKrugerrandsFullScreen.asp

http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/coins/

http://www.taxfreegold.co.uk/countries.html

http://rmworldcoins.tripod.com/rmworldcoins/index.htm

ANCIENT COINS

ERROR and VARIETY COINS

Error Coins

Coin Variety Resource