What is the going rate for common dates in average condition? I have someone that has a jar of them and would like to sell them to me. Really not sure I want them but just want to know the cost anyway. thanks Randy
Presume you mean Indian Head Cents. It all depends on dates and conditions. If all common and well worn, they still sell for about $1 to $4 each. However, if one is an 08S or 09S, worth lots, lots more. Example at a recent coin show I priced an 09S Indian Cent in about VG8 for well into the $500 area. Many older ones are worth more than that. If it was me I would offer about $0.50 each. Now here is the not so good thing. If it is friend and he finds out or thinks you cheated him, you loose a freind. If a relative, even worse. If a freind and even if you gave him a decent price, he would always wonder if you cheted him. My opinion is I would pass unless I really needed or wanted them. You can always get a coin but freinds and relatives can not be easily replaced.
i'd go through the jar and see what he has, and then buy it. bulk indian head cents are going at about 70 cents each if they are common, and in good shape.
Look for the dates already mentioned, and also the 1870s and 1860's which can bring high premiums. The 1877 is the key date of the series, but isn't lowest mintage, that is reserved for the 1909-S. However, the 1877 is much more difficult to find.
I would give him $0.50 - $0.70 each for them if they are average circulated pieces. If you find any major coins in the jar when searching them, then go back and give him a little bit more, depending on the coins.
i'd say the 1888-1893 and 1895-1908 would be worth bulk price. i would pay a little more for the others.
