Numismatic Facts

" It is not by any means the age of a coin which constitutes its value, but its condition and scarcity," says an old-coiu dealer in the Boston Herald; " for instance, a half cent of 1796 9 worth $5, but if in fine condition it is worth Í15. A silver dollar of the coinage of 1803 is worth but 10 conts premium, vvhile one of the date of 1804 Is worth $500. There were but ten silver dollars of that date issued, and six are known to be in existence. A neat sum awaits tha flnders of the missing four. A coin badly worn, plugged, pierced, scratched or damaged in any way is not called a good speek men ; a fine coin must be bright and sharp and show every hair line to perfection." " What are the principal dates and denomInations of rare American coins!" "In addition to those I have named, the 1794 silver dollar is worth 525; the ones of 1838, '39, '51, '52 are worth f 15 to 20 The süver half-dollar of 1796 is worth V15 to $20; the 1838, 5. Of quarter dollars, dates of 1823 and M8? are worth $25. The 1877 and '78 twenty-cent pieces are worth il.50 each; the 1804 dime I wül give 43 for, and an 1803 half-dime (BB." "How about old copper cents and half oents?" 'Theywere flrst coined in 1793; no copper cents were made in 1815, nor half cent In 1799 or 1790. AU of these are quite acaree and bring from fi to 510. Half cents of the date of 1840 to 1843 inclusive are wortli about f5 each."