I have recently found a coin dealer that had a bin of foreign coins for a $1 each. I have bought about $60 worth. I would be interested in knowing the approximate lot Value of the following coins. France 5 centimes 1855 BB 1855 W 1856 MA??? 1892 A 1904 ??? unusual coin 5 centimes 1919 coin with hole in center ... silver??? 10 centimes 1854 A 1903 ? 25 centimes 1903 silver ? 1905 silver ? 100 Francs 1954 silver ? I would also be interested to know the following. What single coin in the lot has the highest value. If any of the coins are silver and if so the weight. Thank you in advance for help in this matter. a person of oneness, Dean Hedges
Unfortunately, many dealers are very careless about handling of their "junk box" coins, and treat them very roughly. Potential buyers then push them around, causing additional rub and wear. Of course, 99.99% of them are neither silver nor high grade circulated coins. Without seeing the coins, or clear scans/photos of them, the individual values would be sheer guesswork, but unfortunately I doubt that there are any worth more than you paid, and most are worth less. IMHO junk boxes priced at more than 35-50¢ per coin are dangerous ground, unless you know exactly what you are looking for to fill out a circulated date/mint mark or type collection. The value of a coin depends heavily upon its condition, as well as its date, mint mark if any, and mintage. Each of your coins that you are unsure of the date or mint would undoubtedly grade P-VG. The following values are taken from the 3rd Ed. 19th Century Krause catalog, and the 32nd Ed. 20th/21st Century Krause. The lowest catalog valuations given are usually for grade F or better, so sad to say, your coins are probably worth no more than one-half the bottom of each quoted range for VF-Unc. Unless otherwise specified, they are all bronze. France 5 centimes 1855 BB - $2-30 1855 W - $2-30 1856 MA??? - $2-30 1892 A - $3-18 (possibly the most valuable, if it is a strong VG) 1904 ??? - $1-25 unusual coin 5 centimes 1919 coin with hole in center ... silver??? - 25¢-$4, copper-nickle 10 centimes 1854 A - $2-50 1903 ? - 75¢-$25 25 centimes 1903 silver ? - 25¢-$11.50, nickle 1905 silver ? - 50¢-$20.00, nickle 100 Francs 1954 silver ? - 50¢-$7, copper-nickle. If you're going to do much junk box diving, you would be well advised to either get a set of Krause catalogs, or locate a public library that has them.
