I found the coin pictured below, and was curious as to its value. It is in good condition compared to most of the others of this coin I've seen on Ebay and other sites listed for $2-$30. There's some tarnish on the coin, but no major damage. There is one spot on the back of Emperor Napoleon III's head which is worn flat from circulation wear, but the rest of him, and the Eagle on the reverse, are fully visible. This is my first delving into numistology, so feel free to ask for more pertinent information and I will be more than happy to describe any other features of the coin.
From the NGC world coin price guide. http://www.ngccoin.com/poplookup/wo...ory=124153&worldcoinid=317029&FromSearch=true
That's great info, but I'm having trouble decoding it. I'm not sure which minting this coin is. It has the doghead on the obverse, left of date and a symbol that looks like an M and W intertwined on the reverse under the eagle. I have found data for the A and B and BB mintings, but never a symbol like what I have under the eagle. I've found a W minting, but that symbol doesn't exactly look like what's pictured, either.. edit: Ohh.. the mint mark is MA, and the (d) on the page you linked indicates the doghead version. I think its starting to become clear to me. So, I guess all I don't understand now are the VF20 XF40 etc rankings. I suppose I'd need a coin expert to grade the thing for me. Anyone have any guesses where the coin pictured might land? The pictures are pretty representative. The only flaw that's not obvious from the photos are that it has a very slight bend in the coin. It doesn't lay 100% flat on the table. Sort of like a saddle bend (like a pringle chip) but very slight.
I wasn't sure about the (d) or (a). I am no coin grader but it may have been cleaned and if the coin is bent it would be on the lower end of the scale. Still neat to have a 158 year old coin.
