Skip to content
Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Today`s column answers more questions from Chicago Tribune readers.

Q-Are coins in ”good condition” worth collecting?

C.G., Hickory Hills

A-Possibly, depending on the date, metal composition and coin type. But as good as it sounds, ”good” is one of the lowest condition categories, just a couple of notches above ”poor” in the grading scale. In general, a coin rated ”good” shows considerable wear, with the basic design appearing in outline form.

Q-Are nickels with a large ”V” on the back side worth much? We have about 20 of them.

R.T., Naperville

A-All of the so-called Liberty nickels made in that time span retail for $1 or less in ”good condition,” except for a 1912 with an ”S” mint mark on the tails side. It goes for at least $30.”

The buffalo nickel made its debut in 1913. Five 1913 Liberty nickels were secretly produced and smuggled out of the U.S. Mint building in Philadelphia.