Frequently Asked Questions
My coin has 2 heads (or tails). Is this an error?
How do I clean my coins?
I have a silver 1943 Penny. Is this an error?
How do I determine the value of my coin?
Is the Sacagawea Dollar made of gold?
I have a dollar coin that says TRVST instead of TRUST. Is this an error?
How should I store my coins?
How do I find a reputable coin/currency dealer?
How do I sell my coins?
What is a good investment in coins?
What does the little letter on my coin mean?
What do the letters in your grading system stand for?
What is your return policy?
My coin has 2 heads or tails. Could this be an error?
Most likely it is not an error. To date, only two coins - an 1859 Indian Head Penny, and a two-tailed quarter estimated to be from the 1960s - have been authenticated as coming from the Mint with two heads or two tails. There are millions of two headed or two tailed coins out there - but they are novelty pieces that are made from fusing together one side from two actual coins.
How do I clean my coins?
In one word: DON'T. Cleaning a coin will significantly lower its value, which you can never again recapture after the coin has been cleaned.
I have a silver 1943 penny. Is this an error?
In 1943, the US government struck all Lincoln cents in steel with a thin coating of zinc, because copper was critically needed for building arms in support of WWII. Thus, they are not an error, nor are they particularly valuable. However, if you do have a one, it's always a great little conversation piece to keep in your collection - as well as a neat example of American wartime numismatics!
How do you determine the value of my coin?
Value will depend on condition, demand and rarity. Learning the better dates and key will come with time and experience in collecting, and in all cases, the better the condition of any particular coin type, date and Mint mark, the higher the value will be.
Is the Sacagawea Dollar made of Gold?
There is no gold in the Sacagawea Dollars; they are a clad coin, with a copper core.
I have a dollar coin that says TRVST instead of TRUST. Is this an error?
No; all Peace Dollars read TRVST.
How should I store my coins?
The key is to keep them dry with as little humidity as possible. The best way to store them is with non-PVC flips (for the long-term) or cardboard 2x2's. Flips should be changed every year, and the cardboard 2x2's every six months. It is never recommended to store coins loose in a box, since this can cause dings or scratches in their surface.
How do I find a reputable coin dealer?
Check with the ANA (American Numismatic Association), at www.money.org. Most reputable dealers will be registered with the ANA. Many larger towns have local dealers, and there are scores of them across the internet. However, it's best to check around and work with one you can trust.
How do I sell my coins?
Shop around with dealers and other potentially interested buyers to make sure that you maximize your profit. Realize that you will not get full retail value from your collection.
What coins make the best investment?
The first rule of thumb is to collect what you enjoy. If you're looking to build a collection that will increase in value over time, you should not only look at the rarer and older coins, but ones that are in higher grades. If you always buy a higher grade coin, you will wind up with a highly desirable collection which will be worth more if and when you want to sell it. A collection of lower-grade coins will not command nearly as much money from potential buyers.
What does the little letter on my coin mean?
The letter next to the portrait or date, or sometimes on the coin's reverse, refers to the Mint at which the coin was produced. The mint mark combined with the date is what determines rarity (or commonality) of your coin. Following are all of the U.S. Mint marks, and the Mints they correspond with:
P- Philladelphia (still operating)
D- Denver (still operating)
S- San Francisco (still operating, but only for Proof coins)
W- West Point (still operating, but only for gold and silver bullion coins)
CC- Carson City
O- New Orleans
C- Charlotte
D- Dahlonega (gold coins only, 1838-1861)
What do the letters in your grading system stand for?
- Proof
- Created as collector coins, proof specimens are struck on specially selected planchets with highly polished dies. They generally display a mirrorlike finish, and sometimes feature frosted high-light areas.
- BU- Brilliant Uncirculated
- This refers to a coin that has never been placed in circulation, and is as pristine as the day it left the Mint. However, BU coins often display minor surface scratches (known as bag marks), from being transported in mint bags.
- MS- Mint State
- Same as BU
- AU- About (or Almost) Uncirculated
- These coins show just a slight amount of wear from brief exposure to circulation, or a light rubbing from mishandling may be found on the areas of elevated design. These imperfections may appear as scratches or dull spots, along with bag marks or edge nicks. At least half of the original mint luster will usually be present.
- EX- Extremely Fine
- Coins must show only slight evidence of wear on the highest points of the design, particularly in the hair lines of the portrait on the obverse, and/or the eagle's feathers and wreath found on most U.S. Coins. A trace of mint luster may show in protected areas of the coin's surface, such as around the letters or numbers, or other raised surfaces.
- VF- Very Fine
- Coins reflect noticeable wear at the fine points in the design, though they may remain sharp overall. Although the details will be slightly smoothed, all lettering and major features must remain sharp to qualify for this rating.
- F- Fine
- This is the most widely collected condition. Coins show evidence of moderate to considerable wear on all high points, though the wear is generally even. All elements of the design and lettering on a grade-F coin remain bold. To qualify as fine, the rim must be fully raised and sharp on the 20th century coins.
- VG- Very Good
- Coins show considerable wear, with most of the points of detail worn nearly smooth. At least three letters must be visible in the word "LIBERTY" to qualify for this rating.
- G- Good
- In this condition, only the basic design remains distinguishable in outline form, with all points of detail being worn smotth. The word "LIBERTY" has disappeared, and rims are nearly merging with the lettering near the rims.
- AG- About Good
- A coin identifiable by date and mint mark, but otherwise badly worn, with only parts of the lettering showing. Such coins are of value to collectors only as space fillers in a series, and command a significant premium only in cases of extreme scarcity.
What is your return policy?
J&J Coins return policy:
Return for full payment, if returned in original unopened holder within 10 days of receipt. Must include invoice with return. Please contact returns@jjoins.com about all returns. J&J Coins will not be held responsible for lost return mailings, so please insure all return shipments.
If you were unable to find the answer to your question here please feel free to email us at Questions@JJCoins.com.
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J&J COINS RETURN POLICY:
Return for full payment if returned in original unopened holder within 10 days of receipt. Must include invoice with return. Please contact Returns@JJCoins.com about all returns. J&J Coins will not be held responsible for lost return mailings, please insure all return shipments.
*Prices are subject to change.
Items are sold on a first come first serve basis. Any orders paid for but previously sold out will be refunded.
J&J Coins
2217 W. Northern Ave
Pueblo, CO 81004
(719) 564-8099 |
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