what should I be looking for?

My dad has asked me to go thru his coins, he has coffee cans full of em. This first can, I found 4 buffalo nickles, one is dated 1936 D. In looking at general pennies thru quarters, are there any dates or state marks I should be looking for? The oldest coins found today is the 36 buffalo, the 3 other buffalos without a readable date, 11 nickles from the 30's, 62 nickles from the 40's, and a bunch of 50's and 60's. I have about 6 more cans to go thru, and I'm lost, lol...Any help would be appreciated...Thanks

 

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Heres a couple of links to some places with info. Hope this helps.

http://www.coinfacts.com/

http://www.oldetownecoin.com/How.htm

If you get stuck on something post a pic and I'm sure someone will know what you've got. They're real good at that around here.

Welcome to the forum too.

 

thanks herbie

 

Go to a local magazine store or book store and pick up a COINS or COIN PRICES magazine. Check out the Coin Trends insert.

Or pick up a Yeoman's Price Guide to United States Coins (Red Book)

Or pick up a Red Boopk at a nearby coin dealers shop.

I think you'll be surprised at what some coins are worth and disappointed what some others are worth.

Clinker

 

Here is what you should keep:

Cents:
1931-D
1931-S
1932
1932-d
1933
1933-d

Nickels:
1938-d
1938-s
1939-d
Any silver ones (dated 1942-1945, with a large mintmark on the reverse above Monticello's dome)
1950-d

Dimes:
Any silver ones (dated in 1964 or earlier)

Quarters:
Any silver ones (dated in 1964 or earlier)

Half Dollars:
Any silver ones (dated in 1970 or earlier)

These lists are based on all of your coins being dated after 1930. If you have any pre-1930 coins than let me know and I'll add the dates to save that came earlier.

Good luck and have fun!

 

6 coffee cans? Sounds like fun! I remember doing that as a kid many, many years ago. I agree with Uncle Herbie, if you get stuck, post a picture and someone here can give you advice.

Enjoy!

Chridular

 

Hi Sammie,
And welcome to coin talk on the Jefferson nickels Chris forgot about the 1939-d and all silver war nickels
1942 to 1945 the war nickels have the mint mark on the reverse abouve the dome and are 35% silver.

 

doh!! I shouldn't have missed thos, lol. They are added now. Thanks

 

thanks guys

Thanks everyone for all the advise and ideas. I'm finding a lot of really old coins, pre-1940. 20 buffalos, 5 from '36. It's a job, but it's a treasure hunt, literally Found an old coin from yugoslavia too. I appreciate all your help everyone!! Having a list of what to look for helps me tremendously. I'll post back with any other interesting finds