Fort O Rare Coins

I get this question a lot. The only one that is rare out of all the varieties of this date is the 1982-D small date made in copper. The one made out of copper coated zinc is only worth face value. The way to tell the difference is by the weight. The copper cent will weigh 3.11 grams while the other will weigh 2.5 grams. If you don't have a gram scale, you can make a simple balance scale and put a 1983 or later dated cent on one side and the suspected copper cent on the other. A copper cent will tip the balance scale in its direction. The other problem most people run into is telling the difference between the large and small date. The easiest way is to look at the "2" in the date. They are a different style. A good website to use to compare them is at: https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/558/small-cents/lincoln-memorial-cent/1982-P/copper-large-date/ I hope this helps.

Before taking it anywhere, try a magnet on it. If it is a copper 1943 cent, the magnet will not attract it. If the coin is pulled by the magnet, then it is the common steel version. If it passes the magnet test, you can call to make an appointment with me so I can give it a further assessment. Jim

Since I see people by appointment only, it is a very controlled setting. Mask are required for entry and we will be separated by a conference table which allows for social distancing. There is also hand sanitizer available on the conference table. If you have any more concerns, please don't hesitate to give me a call to discuss them.

I am sorry but I do not buy any type of collectible stamps. I only buy collectible coins, paper money and precious metals. Thank you for checking.

Any buyer would need to see the coin to be able to come up with a value for the coin. If you would like for me to see it and give you an opinion, please call me at 706-861-0900 to set up an appointment.

Hi Chris, If you are asking about having coins certified (encapsulated with grade), the answer is that no dealer can actually do that. They have to be actually sent to one of the grading services to have this done. I am an authorized submission dealer to the four main ones. If you are only looking for an opinion as to the grade of the coin, then I can do that. Just give me a call so we can set up an appointment for that.

Yes Michael, this is something that I do buy. If you want to make an appointment to come by to discuss it further, please call 706-861-0900 and we will set a time for you to come to the office.

Hello Stephanie, I do buy them, but since the coins you mentioned are only worth their silver content, the price would have to be determined at the time they came in the office and would be based on the spot price of silver at that moment. I will say that the 1964 will be worth more than the 1967 & the 1969 as the 1964 is made up of 90% silver while the others are only 40% silver by weight. If you want to bring them in for an offer, please call 706-861-0900 to make an appointment.

Unfortunately, the 1943 "Steel" cents from all three mints are very common. There were over 1 billion combined mintage and they had a very high survival rate as they were saved because they were different from the normal copper production. They retail from 5¢ to 15¢ each in circulated condition. There is one scarce "D" over "D" mint mark variety that has extra value in the upper grades. You can see an example at www.varietyvista.com, if you want to see what it looks like.