Hobby buffs have two more weeks to order Uncle Sam`s newest commemorative coin-the White House silver dollar-at pre-issue discounts of more than 10 percent. Each 1992-dated coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of the laying of the White House cornerstone.
Under legislation passed by Congress, the U.S. Mint can make no more than 500,000 White House coins, an unusually low mintage ceiling for a commemorative silver dollar.
Through Aug. 28, an uncirculated silver dollar costs $23 and a proof specimen, $28. Prices then become $28 and $32. To order, call 1-800-USA-1600, toll free, or write to the Customer Service Center, United States Mint, 10001 Aerospace Drive, Lanham, Md. 20706. Coin shipments will begin in September and continue for several months.
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Several lines of type were switched in last week`s column, placing correct answers with the wrong questions. Here is the correct version:
Q-Recently I came across a dollar bill with serial number G21111111D-great for poker and interested collectors. Are you aware of its value for fun or profit?
S.P., Chicago
A-A hobby catalog suggests that a $1 bill such as yours (serial number ending with seven ”ones”) might retail for $25. But that`s an educated guess because there`s no regular market for such items.
Q-I have four half dollars with the inscription ”200 years of freedom”
and ”Independence Hall.” The date is 1776-1976. Also, when will 1776-1976 drummer-boy quarters be of value?
E.B., Haslett, Mich.
A-Uncle Sam made for circulation about 520 million Bicentennial half dollars and 1.7 billion Bicentennial quarters-all out of copper and nickel, not silver. The country may be celebrating its 300th birthday before your duo- dated coins are worth more than their face values.
Q-I have several old silver dollars I`d like to unload. I`ve never sold coins and I`m not a collector. What are my options?
B.P., Wauconda
A-First, you should buy a book or magazine that lists average retail coin prices to get a rough idea of the value of your items. Two examples are ”A Guide Book of United States Coins” by R.S. Yeoman (sold in most coin shops for $6.95, softcover) or Coin Prices magazine (single copy sold for $3.50 by Krause Publications, 700 E. State St., Iola, Wis. 54945).
Then, call or visit a few coin shops in your area. Shop around for the best offer, but remember that dealers buy material at wholesale prices, which often are at least 30 percent below retail.
Q-Would you let your readers know that I have 226 dollar bills for sale, all silver certificates from 1935 and 1957? I`m willing to entertain offers until Sept. 1.
M.H., Chicago
A-I`m not a go-between for persons wanting to buy or sell collectibles. You should visit a coin dealer or place an advertisement in a hobby publication, but don`t expect a lot of offers. Most $1 silver certificates of the various 1935 and 1957 series retail for less than $2 each, unless in crisp, uncirculated condition.
Q-I`m told there are multiple versions of 1982 Lincoln cents. Can you list them? Is there a good way to tell them apart?
B.C., Crete
A-During 1982, the U.S. mints in Philadelphia and Denver switched from making Lincoln cents out of an alloy of 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc to copper-plated zinc. The older cents are slightly heavier-3.11 grams each compared with 2.5 grams each for zinc cents. Thus, you could determine the metal composition by forming a balance with a ruler.
Also during 1982, Uncle Sam modified the Lincoln-cent die, creating
”large date” and ”small date” cents. Experts often check the space within the ”8” to identify the two types.
The Philadelphia Mint made all four 1982 cents (95 percent copper, large and small dates; copper-plated zinc, large and small dates) while Denver issued three versions (the 95 percent copper ”small date” was not produced in Denver). Circulated specimens of the seven 1982 coin types have no value as collectibles.
