Coin values are based on three (3) components: Rarity, Condition and Demand

Rarity is the easy part. Using the Date and Mintmark of the coin, the marketplace fixes a coins rarity based on the original mintage and the estimated number of surviving specimens. Population reports also identify “Condition Rarities“; coins that may be common in lower grades but very rare in higher grades

The Condition of a coin relates to it’s “Grade” . A coins’ Grade is determined by both technical factors such as the amount of wear on the coin (in circulated grades P-AU58), its strike, surface marks, and lustre, as well as subjective judgements such as toning, its quality in comparison to other coins of that particular series/mint, and its originality. Grades are represented by a Letter designation such as P or Poor, G or Good, VG or Very Good, F or Fine, VF or Very Fine, EF or Extra Fine, AU for Almost Uncirculated, BU or Brilliant Uncirculated, CU for Choice Uncirculated. The grade can also be designated based on a 1-70 scale letter/number combination for more precision such as found on Certified Coins (Those graded by Third Party Grading services such as NGC and PCGS): P1,2 AG3 G4,6 VG8,10 F12,15, VF20,35, XF40,45, AU50,53,55,58, MS60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,and MS70 (Perfect coin)

However understand that Grading coins is subjective, and even experts with decades of experience may disagree on particular coins.

Finally Demand will affect the price of a coin based on the number of available examples vs. the number of people that want that particular denominations date/condition combination. This variable depends on current market conditions, tastes and perceptions of value and desirability. For example a beautifully toned common coin may bring a premium in the marketplace compared to a similarly graded brilliant white example of the same date and grade

So what are your coins worth? Ultimately they are worth what someone else is willing to pay for them at any given time. However most coins will trade within a Price Range. There is NO single price for any specific coin, but rather a RANGE of Prices based on the three variables above and the current marketplace. Price Guides are just that….. GUIDES