NOTE: Many 'O' Mint Morgans have notoriously weak strikes because the New Orleans Mint overused their dies compared to the other mints. This affects grading for some years (you may or may not catch a break).

NOTE: Diagnostic for the Key Date 1893-S is a die crack across the T

The General Services Administration (GSA), US government, released coins in a GSA container in 1972 as a general sale to the public.  These are the GSA population numbers for that sale:

1878cc 60,993
1879cc 4,123
1880cc 131,529
1881cc 147,485
1882cc 605,029
1883cc 755,518
1884cc 962,638
1885cc 148,285
1889cc 1
1890cc 3,949
1891cc 5,687
1892cc 1
1893cc 1
 

1921-1935

Peace Dollar

Designer: Anthony De Francisci

Weight (grams): 26.73

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition:0.9 silver

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.7736

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:  The 1921 Peace Dollar differs from all others in its high-relief (concave fields) design.

The re-introduction of the Silver Dollar ( 1964 Peace Dollar ) upset the wrong people. The US mint actually produced the 64 Dollar, supposedly destroying them all. Congress, owned by all the right people, followed up with the coinage act of 1965 and accelerated the debasement we enjoy today. 

Here's a good resource to determine the authenticity of the set's key, the 1928:

http://www.oicoins.com/index_files/Page679.htm

Pick up Points:

Obverse. Primary places to look for weakness include:
1. Central hair – no flat areas at ear and curls near upper jaw line.
2. BE in Liberty and adjacent rays should be rounded on upper surfaces
3. No flat area on truncation of bust (above AF monogram).
4. IN and VST in motto letters rounded on upper surfaces
5. Portion of 21 approaching rim, rounded
6. Field to rim transition smooth and even all around
 

Reverse:

(Courtesy RWB)

1971 -1974, 1977 - 1978

Eisenhower Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 22.68

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: cupro-nickel on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1971 Proof 'Pegleg' Varity where the left leg of the 'R' in Liberty has no serif.

Additional information on 'Ike' varieties here: http://www.supercoin.com/iketypes/

Another great resource here: http://www.ikegroup.org/

Obverse depicts President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Reverse pictures the landing on the moon.

Here is a good description of the Type I, II and III 1972 Dollars:

http://reviews.ebay.com/1972-Type-1-2-3-Eisenhower-Dollars_W0QQugidZ10000000002147718?ssPageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:LISTINGS:5

1976 Bi-Centennial

Eisenhower Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 22.68

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: cupro-nickel on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:   Moon and Liberty Bell reverse.  This coin had two types; type one had larger reverse lettering font than type 2.

Notes:  For the Bicentennial dollar, the obverse was generally the same except the dates 1776-1976 were added.  For the reverse, however, an completely new design featured a big meteor pocked moon and Liberty Bell. A miniature eagle was featured because the congress said so.

- In 1976 the Bicentennial the dollar still portrayed the bust of Eisenhower, though the dual date 1776-1976 was added.   A completely new reverse graced the coin, depicting the Liberty Bell and the moon.

1976

Eisenhower Dollar (silver)

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 24.59

Weight (grains):

Size: 38.1 mm

Composition: 40 percent silver; silver on copper core

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3162

Nicknames:

Varieties:   Moon and Liberty Bell reverse.  This coin had two types; type one had larger reverse lettering font than type 2.

Notes: 

1977 - 1981

Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Weight (grams): 8.1

Weight (grains): 125.02 

Size: 26.50 millimeters

Composition: Outer 75% Copper, 25% Nickel with 100% Copper copper core.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

2000-Current

Sacagawea Dollar

Designer:  Glenna Goodacre (obv), Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. (rev)

Weight (grams): 8.07

Weight (grains):

Size: 26.5 millimeters Composition: Manganese and bronze: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% magnesium and 2% nickel.

The US mint had not used this since experiments with Wartime Nickels forced by wartime shortages of strategic metals. In WWII the US mint had great difficulty providing quality coins with this alloy. The hubris of the US Mint in 2000 proved greater than their technical ability, as the Sacagawea dollar proved unpleasant, with numerous specimens holding spots, ugly tarnish and other discoloration.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  In an effort to compensate for the poor quality coin finishes, the US Mint experimented, though has not published, alternate coin finishes and washes in 2001, accidentally releasing several hundred into circulation.  The mint employed other finishes for a VIP strike in 2001 and a 5,000-piece lot of specially finished (burnished) specimens to designer Glenna Goodacre (obv), as payment for the design.

Notes:  The mint prepared 12 samples in 22k gold - the 2002 specimens.

1986 - Current

Silver Eagle

Designer: Adolph A. Weinman/John Mercanti

Weight (grams): 31.10 grams

Weight (grains):

Size: 40.60 millimeters

Composition: 99.93% silver and .07% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 1.0 oz

Mintage: 5,393,005

Nicknames: Walking Liberty

Varieties: 

Notes: Reeded edge;

HALF DOLLARS

1794-1795

Flowing Hair Half Dollar

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams):13.48 grams

Weight (grains):208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: Silver 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Edge: Lettered - 'Fifty Cents', or, 'Half a Dollar' 

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Al C. Overton developed the variety nomenclature for this series still in use today; 1795 'three leaves' variety.

Notes: 

Further Resources: Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins.  Walter Breen

Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836, Third Edition.  Al C. Overton and Don Parsley

1796-1797

Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams):13.48 grams

Weight (grains):208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken reverse.

Varieties:  1796 has 15 and 16 star varieties.

Notes: 

1801-1807

Draped Bust Half Dollar - Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 13.48 grams

Weight (grains): 208 grains

Size: 32.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.2%, Copper - 10.8%

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3869

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken reverse.

Varieties:  1803 variety has varying size of number '3' in the date;  1806 variety has differing style of '6' in date, size of stars, and olive branch and stem length; the 1807 has numerous minor strike varieties.

Notes: 

1807-1836

Capped Bust

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams):13.48

Weight (grains):

Size: 32.5 mm. (varies between 32 and 33 mm)

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3869

Nicknames:

Varieties: This series contains many differing strikes and varieties over the design span.

The 1822/1 overdate diagnostic is the base of the second 2 is much thicker than the first 2.

Notes: 

Grading:

G-4 GOOD - Date and letters legible. Bust worn smooth with outline distinct.
VG-8 VERY GOOD- LIBERTY faint. Legends distinguishable. Clasp at shoulder visible; curl above it nearly smooth.
F-12 FINE - Clasp and adjacent curl clearly outlined with slight details|
VF-20 VERY FINE- Clasp at shoulder clear. Wear visible on highest point of curl. Hair over brow distinguishable.
EF-40 EXTREMELY FINE - Clasp and adjacent curl fairly sharp. Brow and hair above distinct. Curls well defined.

1836-1839

Capped Bust

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):13.36

Weight (grains): 208

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, 0.1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3867

Nicknames:

Varieties: The 1836 and 1837 have '50 cents' below the eagle on the reverse. The 1838 and 1839 have 'Half. Dol.' in the same location.

Notes: 

1839-1853

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):13.36

Weight (grains): 208

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3867

Nicknames:

Varieties:

The 1839 through 1853 halves have several strikes and varieties regarding size and type of lettering and length of drapery.

1853-1873

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams):12.44

Weight (grains): 192

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 8924 silver, .1076 copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.36

Nicknames:

Varieties:

An 1853 and 1853-O type has arrows on either side oft he date on the obverse and rays emanating from the eagle on the reverse.

1854-1855 have the rays around the eagle removed. (Rays have always been exceedingly difficult for the US mint to properly strike).

1856-1866 have the arrows at the date removed.

1866-1873 had the motto, within a banner above the eagle, added to the reverse:  "In God We Trust".

Notes:  An 1873-s without arrows was produced though no surviving specimens are known.

1873-1891

Seated Liberty

Designer: Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): . 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties:

1892-1916

Barber Halves

Designer: Charles Barber.

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1892 micro-o

Notes: Reeded edge.

Grade Population for three key barber halves and the 1901-s quarter:

Summary: 02s and 01 halves are grades with pricing anomalies compared to availability, not mintage.

1916-1947

Walking Liberty

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.36169

Nicknames: 'Walkers'

Varieties:  1942 and 1946 DDRs, and the 1936 and 1936-D DDO.

Notes: Reeded edge. This coin in widely recognized by many collectors as one of America's most beautiful coins. Lady Liberty's thumbs serve as pick-up points.  Although the 1938-D has a low mintage, coins such as the 20-D and even the 37-D can be even tougher to find in XF-AU grades

1948-1963

Franklin Half Dollar

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.36169

Nicknames: 'Frankies'

Varieties: 

Notes: Reeded edge.  Collectors search for well-struck coins with full bell lines on the liberty bell.

Here is a good pictorial primer of Franklin Full Bell Lines:

http://www.caccoin.com/reference-sets/franklin-half-dollar-reference-set/

1964 (only)

Kennedy Half

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 12.5

Weight (grains): 193

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.3618

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair.

Notes: Collectors search for well-struck coins with deep and reflective watery-looking mirrors known as cameo or deep-cameo.

There was no Ag in the Kennedy Half after 1976 again until 1992s, and on, in the silver proof set.

The Kennedy Half provides one of the greatest ironic and iconic lessons in US monetary history.  Kennedy, via Executive Order, took on the Federal Reserve and provided for a US Note to replace the Federal Reserve Note. So, they put a couple bullets in him. Then, they removed all silver from US coinage the next year, EXCEPT for the half dollar. The US put his face on this particular issue and watered down the precious metal from 90% to 40%.  This coin and the event surrounding serve as a salient lesson for all those that may in the future decide to attack the banking oligarchy.

1965-1970

Kennedy Half

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.5

Weight (grains): 178

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1480

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1964, 1964-D: DDO on both obverse and reverse Proof: The Accented Hair variety (incised hair above Kennedy's ear; PR only);  and is found only as a Proof. 

More on the Accented Hair Variety:

http://www.ipotad.com/pages/ah2.html

1965: DD reverse,

1966: DD obverse, 1967 DDO and DDR (two); 1974-D: DDO; 1979-S Type II has clear mint mark (TI looks like a melon)

Notes: The 1969-d and 1970-d were minted in proof only.

Mintages

1966
108,984,932
2,261,583 Special Mint Set
 

1967
295,046,978
1,863,344 Special Mint Set

1968-D
246,951,930

3,041,506 Proof Sets Only
 

1970-S
2,632,810 Proof Sets Only.
 

1976-S Bicentennial Kennedy Half, clad

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Seth Huntington (reverse)

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size: 30.6 mm

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair.

Notes: No, this coin isn't worth more than face value unless it is in uncirculated condition. Over 500 Million 1976 clad coins were produced.

1976-S Bicentennial Kennedy Half, Silver

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Seth Huntington (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.5

Weight (grains): 178

Size: 30.6 mm

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.148

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair.

Notes: 

1971- Current [Except 1976 as noted above]

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)

Weight (grams): 11.34

Weight (grains): 175

Size: 30.6 mm

Composition: Outer layers: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Center: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Accented Hair. 1979-S and 1981- S Type II proofs have better struck mint mark than the Type I proofs.

Notes: Collectors search for well-struck coins with deep and reflective watery-looking mirrors known as cameo or deep-cameo.

QUARTERS

1796

Draped Bust Quarter; small eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 104

Size: 27.5mm

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken

Varieties:  There are two types of Browning varieties

Notes: 

1804-1807

Draped Bust Quarter; heraldic eagle reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 104

Size: 27.5mm

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames: Scrawny chicken

Varieties:  There are two types of Browning varieties; 1806/1805 overdate.

Notes: 

1815-1828

Liberty Cap Quarter; with motto ' E Pluribus Unum'

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 29 until 1828; 27 mm until 1937 and 1938 when the diameter was reduced to 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1935

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1815 has one Browning variety. 1819 has large 9 variety. 1822 - 1825 have a variety of overdates. 1827 has a restrike.

Notes:  Reeded edge. 1827 re-strikes produced by private individual using discarded dies.

1828-1838

Liberty Cap Quarter; without motto ' E Pluribus Unum'

Designer: William Kneass

Varieties: 1831 has small and large letter varieties.

All other diagnostics same as the motto coin.

1838-1840

Seated Liberty Quarter, No drapery reverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.74

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1934

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Quarter, with drapery

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.68

Weight (grains): 103

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1934

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1842 and 1842-o varieties with varying size date numerals. 1853 no-arrows made with 1852 die. 1853 with rays around eagle, reverse.

Notes: 

1854-1855

Seated Liberty Quarter, No Rays around eagle

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.2

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1854 large O variety.

Notes: 

1856-1866

Seated Liberty Quarter, arrows at date removed.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.22

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1854 large O variety.

Notes:  Only one known 1866.

1866-1873

Seated Liberty Quarter, 'In God We Trust' added to Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.22

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.18

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1873 open and closed '3' varieties.

Notes:  Only six known 1873 CCs.

1873-1874

Seated Liberty Quarter, Arrows at date

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1808

Nicknames:

Varieties:  NA

Notes:  1873 CC is rare.

1875-1891

Seated Liberty Quarter, No Arrows at date

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains):

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1808

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1876 CC fine reed edge; 1877 S over horizontal S..

Notes: 

1892-1916

Barber Quarters

Designer: Charles Barber

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:  1896s, 1901s, 1913s are rare.

How to authenticate the 1896-S:

http://www.barbercoins.org/1896SBQ.html

How to authenticate the 1913-S:

http://www.barbercoins.org/1913SBQ.html

Early Whitman Folders (Pre WWII) called this coin the Morgan Quarter - Liberty Head

1916-1930

Standing Liberty Quarters

Designer: Hermon MacNeil

Weight (grams): 6.25

Weight (grains): 96

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Type 1 (bare breast; 1916,1917) and Type 2 (chain main; 1917-1930); 1918/7-S overdate

Notes: 

Difference between 1916 and 1917 dateless coins:

http://www.anacs.com/contentPages/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=16&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

http://www.slqcoins.us/educational.html

http://coinzip.proboards79.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=standinglibertyquarters&thread=2575&page=1

1932-1964

Washington Quarters

Designer: John Flanagan

Weight (grams): 6.255

Weight (grains): 97

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-silver; 89% Ag; 11% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.1809

Nicknames:

Varieties:  34 doubled motto; 34 Double Die Obverse; 1934 Heavy Motto;1934-D Heavy Motto; 1937 Double Die Obverse; 42-D Double Die Obverse (Breen-4315, FS #25¢-015); 42-D Double Die Reverse;  1943 DDO;1944-S DDO FS-101 (FS-017.5);  1946-S/S RPM FS-501; 50 D/S; 50 S/D;

http://overdate1.tripod.com/coinvarieties/id5.html

1942 D Washington Quarter, Rare Variety [Breen-4315, FS #25¢-015. 'Stella']

1952 Proof 'Superbird' (S mint mark in the middle of the eagle's chest on the reverse)

http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=6282&universeid=313

Notes: 

1965-1998

Washington Quarters

Designer: John Flanagan

Weight (grams): 5.78

Weight (grains): 88

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Cupro-nickel; 75% Cu 25% Nickel

Nicknames:

Varieties:  34 doubled motto; 43S DDO, 43S Trumpet Tail, 43S/S;

http://www.ngccoin.com/VPSubCategory.aspx?subid=40

Notes: 

State Quarters (1999-present)

http://www.quarterdesigns.com/

Designer: John Flanagan (Obverse); Various (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 5.7 grams

Weight (grains): 88 grains

Size: 24.3 mm.

Composition: Outer layer: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Each year has five different varieties. Some of these varieties have various dies and minor errors.

Notes: 

DIMES

1796-1797

Draped Bust (Small Eagle Reverse)

Designer: Robert Scot (Obverse), John Eckstein (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 19.8 mm

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames: Scrawny Chicken

Varieties:  JR series (scarce); 13 or 16 star varieties on the 1797 issue

Notes: 

1798-1807

Draped Bust (Heraldic Eagle Reverse)

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 19.8 mm

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames:

Varieties:  JR series (scarce); 13 or 16 star varieties and varying '8' sizes on the 1798 issue; 4 or 5 berries on 1805 issue

Notes: 

1809-1837

Capped Bust/Liberty Cap

Designer: John Reich

Weight (grams): 2.7

Weight (grains): 41.6

Size: 18.8 mm, 18.5 mm after 1827

Composition: 0.892 Ag, 0.108 Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.):  0.0775

Nicknames:

Varieties:  JR series (scarce). Many other varieties/overdates. See "Early United States Dimes; 1796-1837", David Davis et al.

Notes: 

SEATED LIBERTY

1837-1838

Seated Liberty, No Stars

Designer: Thomas Sully (Obverse), Christian Gobrecht (Reverse)

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1838-1840

Seated Liberty, No Drapery, with Stars

Designer:

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Dime, Drapery and Stars

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.67

Weight (grains): 41.3

Size: 17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0773 oz

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

A post 1837 US 90% silver dime had a total weight of 38.58 grains.

Seated Liberty Dimes

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/

Seated Liberty, Drapery and Stars, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, Drapery and Stars, Arrows at Date removed on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, "United States of America" replaced Stars on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.4900

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0721 oz

Seated Liberty, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.5000

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0724 oz

Seated Liberty, Arrows at Date Removed on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 2.5000

Weight (grains): 38.58 grains

Size:  17.9 mm

Composition: 90% Ag, 10% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0724 oz

1892-1916

Barber Dimes

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Weight (grams): ±2.5 grams

Weight (grains):

Size: 17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.07234

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1916-1945

Liberty (Mercury) Dimes

http://www.MercuryDime.com

Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman

Weight (grams): 2.5

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): .07234

Nicknames: "Mercury Dimes"

Varieties: doubling on 1944D,1937D; 1941/2 and  1941/2 D overdate, 1941 and 1945 micro S.

Notes:  www.MercuryDime.com

Source of inspiration and trial exhibit for the mercury dime (fifth paragraph)

http://ns.headroyce.org/%7Eus_history/mohern/paper.html

Circulated Mercury Dimes:

The 1945 S dime has a normal sized S mintmark and a micro sized one. This is because the micro s was a stamp used for another country's coinage but produced in the US.  Now, there are other coins with micro-s including the 28s.  Also, although not widely published, the 41s.  Placement of min marks vary because the mark was hand stamped onto the die.  However, size and positioning of the mint mark became more standardized into the 1940s.

http://www.stellacoinnews.com/index.php/mercury-dimes-ch-6-194241/

Fully Split Bands

On the coin's reverse, the fasces (bundled stick in the middle) has three bands - top, center and bottom.  On full struck coins with outstanding detail (and collectability) the center bands are what is called 'fully struck'.  These Fully Struck Bands (FSB) coins carry a price premium.  The mercury dimes with the lowest number of FSB coins are these dates:

Mercury Dime Varieties:

1928-S LARGE AND SMALL S

1929-S DOUBLE DATE at IGWT

1934-D LARGE AND SMALL D

1931-S MERCURY DIME DOUBLED DIE OBVERSE FS-101

1936 DOUBLE DATE at DATE

1941-D MERCURY DIME DOUBLED DIE OBVERSE AND DOUBLED DIE REVERSE FS-101

1941 S LARGE AND SMALL S

1941 S DOUBLE at MINTMARK

1941-S/S MERCURY DIME RE-PUNCHED MINTMARK FS-502

1942/1 OVERDATE ERROR

1942/1-D OVERDATE ERROR

1942-D DOUBLED DIE

1943-S MERCURY DIME TRUMPET TAIL MM FS-511

1944 DOUBLED DIE

1945-D MERCURY DIME D/HORIZONTAL D FS-506

1945-S MERCURY DIME, S/HORIZONTAL

1945 DOUBLED at MINTMARK

1945 S MICRO S

1946-1964

Roosevelt Dimes

Designer: John R. Sinnock

Weight (grams): 2.50 grams (silver)

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: 90% ag; 10% cu (silver)

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.07234

Nicknames: 'Roosies'

Varieties

1946-Current

Roosevelt Dimes

Designer: John R. Sinnock

Weight (grams): 2.27 grams (CuNi-clad)

Weight (grains):

Size:  17.9 millimeters

Composition: Outer layers:75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Center: 100% Copper

Total Silver Content: 0

Nicknames: 'Roosies'

Varieties: Full Torch designation (high quality strike) commands a premium

HALF DIMES

1794-1795

Flowing Hair Half-Dime

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21 

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1796-1797

Draped Bust Half Dime, Small Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21 

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

The Forum for Bust Coinage Collectors:

http://www.half-dimes.com/forums/

1800-1805

Draped Bust Half Dime, Heraldic Eagle Reverse

Designer: Robert Scot

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21 

Size: 16.5 millimeters

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1829-1837

Liberty Cap Half Dime

Designer: William Kneass

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1837-1838

Seated Liberty Half Dime, no Stars Around Rim on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1838-1840

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Stars Around, No Drapery on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3500

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1840-1853

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Drapery added to Liberty's Left Elbow on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.3400

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 89.20% Ag, 10.80% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0388

1853-1855

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Arrows at Date on Obverse

Designer: Robert Ball Hughes/Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.2300

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0362

Reeded Edge

1855-1859

Seated Liberty Half Dime, Arrows at Date Removed on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.2400

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0362

1860-1873S

Seated Liberty Half Dime, "United States of America" Replaced Stars on Obverse

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Weight (grams): 1.2400

Weight (grains): 21

Size: 15.5 mm/0.61 inch

Composition: 90.00% Ag, 10.00% Cu

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.0362

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/

http://seateddimes.yuku.com/

NICKELS

Shield Nickels 

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 5.00 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size:  20.50 mm  (0.8077 in)

Composition: Cupro (75%) -Nickel (25%)

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties:  Due to the hard metal composition dies wore out easily.  Due to the many dies used, many varieties occurred in the Shield Nickel series.

Notes: 

http://shieldnickels.net/

Liberty 'V'  Nickels

Designer: James B. Longacre

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-Nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames: "V" Nickel

Varieties:  The 1883 Racketeer Nickel was plated in gold and passed off as a five dollar coin.  As such, later in the year 'Cents' was added to the coin.

Notes:

Buffalo Nickels

1913: The original Buffalo Nickel (five cent piece) design had a bison (modeled after '"Blackie" in the New York Zoo) standing on a small raised portion of ground (soil scientists would call it a hummock).  However, the coin wore quickly and unevenly during circulation, eating into the design and date.  This wear proved unacceptable to the mint so this version (Bison on Mound) was discarded for a new design, Bison on Plain, where the Bison is now standing on a straight line.

Designer: James Earle Fraser

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-Nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties:  The famous 'Three-legged Buffalo" has the following diagnostics:

- The fourth leg is skinny

- Indian's neck and the hind leg are weakly struck and mushy

- Thinning of the mint mark and 'FIVE CENT' lettering

- E PLURIBUS UNUM does not touch the back of the bison.

http://www.buffalonickel.com/

Uncirculated Buffalo Nickel:

Jefferson Nickels

Designer: Felix Schlag

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: Cupro-nickel

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  The famous 'Three-legged Buffalo" has the following diagnostics:

- The fourth leg is skinny

- Indian's neck and the hind leg are weakly struck and mushy

- Thinning of the mint mark and 'FIVE CENT' lettering

- E PLURIBUS UNUM does not touch the back of the bison.

Notes: 

1942-1945

[War Nickels]

Designer: Felix Schlag

Weight (grams): 5.000 Gram

Weight (grains):

Size: 21.2 mm

Composition: 0.350 Silver Cupro-Silver-Manganese

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0.05626 oz.Ag

Each war time nickel contains 1.75 grams of silver, 18 coins make 1 ounce of silver, a 40 coin roll contains 2.25 ounces of silver.

TWO and THREE CENT PIECES

1864-1873

Two Cent Copper

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1864 Small and Large Letter Varieties; 1867 Double Die;

Notes: 

Resources:

1851-1873

Three Cent Silver

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1865-1889

Three Cent Nickel

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

http://www.3centnickel.com/

CENTS

CENTS_FOR_SALE

http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/common_cents/index.html

http://realcent.forumco.com/

The First Cent

http://www.collectorusa.com/articles/1793.php

1856-1858

Flying Eagle Cent

Designer:

Weight (grams): 4.67

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:  88% Cu, 12% Ni.

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames: 'nickel'; yes, this coin was the first in us coinage to garner that term.

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1859-1863

Indian Head Cent

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes: 

1864-1909

Indian Head Cent

Designer:

Weight (grams): 3.11

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition: 95% Cu, 5% Sn, Zn

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties:  1864-L

http://www.usrarecoininvestments.com/coin_info/1864-bronze-indian-head-cent.htm

Notes:  In addition to the key dates, the semi key 1869/9 overdate; the 1870 and 1878 are harder to acquire than mintage numbers suggest.

Grading:

G: No letters of liberty show; full rims

VG: At least 2-3 letters of Liberty show

F12 All letters show

VF20 All letters of Liberty are full and strong

Thank you to Rick Snow for developing and distributing this wonderful Indian Head Cent grading guide:

http://www.indianheads.org/

Other useful Indian Head Cent Resources:

http://www.indiancent.com/

http://indiancent.wikispaces.com  Indian Cent Varieties

1909-current

Lincoln Cent

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

1909-1942:    95% copper and 5% tin/zinc mixture.

A post 1909 US 95% copper penny had a total weight of 48 grains.

1943: Zinc-coated steel; 2.7 grams

1944-1946 (and part of 1942): 95% copper and 5% zinc

1947-1961: 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc mixture.

1962-1982: 95% copper and 5% zinc

1982-Current: 2.5% Copper (Cu); 97.5% Zinc (Zn.) (offical); 0.8% copper (Cu); 99.2% Zinc (Zn.) (actual); 2.5 grams

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

1970-S Large and Small Dates

http://koinpro.tripod.com/Articles/1970S1cSmAndLgDtCompare.htm

1943 Cents.

These war time cents were produced out of zinc to conserve the war materiel copper. However, as it turns out, several cents were struck in the customary copper.  Since a few copper blanks remained from production year 1942, this made the variety possible.  Since humans mostly prefer actual over possible, well, things happen.  The copper coins follow no set distribution pattern, however (they were not all from the same mint bag).

All of them, with perhaps one discovered at the mint by engraver John Sinnock, were found in circulation - the first in 1947.   The first copper cent sold at public auction was in 1958.  No circulation finds have been reported since the late 1960s. Population ranger estimates vary between a dozen and 30 known examples.  The current known extant population is 10-15 from the Philadelphia, 5 or 6 from San Francisco and 1 from Denver (the only mint state example.)
 

Notes: 

Diagnostics for authentic 1922 'no D' coin:

1. Obverse is a weak strike whereas reverse is strong. Most of the coin's grade is assigned by the reverse.

2. IN GOD WE is soft and undefined, TRUST is sharp
3. LIBERTY is soft and undefined. The 'L' merges into the left rim. The "R" is more weak than all other letters
4. The edge of Lincoln's coat merges into the obverse field
5. The first digit '2' in the date is thick but undefined. The second digit '2' is more sharp but thinner.

More here:

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/1922Ddievarieties.html

Diagnostics for authentic 1914-D:

http://coinauctionshelp.com/Coin_Help_Blog/tag/1914-d-lincoln-cent/

Diagnostics for authentic 19009 V.D.B coin:

1. Serifs in the mint mark are parallel

2. The center of the B in V.D.B is horizontal....

This is the die marriage population census:

(1909-S VDB 486,480 struck)

Obverse dies, Lincoln cent.
San Francisco Mint, CY 1909

#199 140,400 (all VDB)
#200 222,380 (all VDB)
#201 81,000 (all VDB)
#202 308,390 (42,700 VDB, balance plain)
#203 209,747 (all plain)

Reverse dies, Lincoln cent.
San Francisco Mint, CY 1909

#248 63,800
#249 137,880
#250 76,600
#251 127,200
#252 81,000

Source: NARA-CP RG 104 entry 229 box 287. “Statement of the Life of Dies for 1909, U.S. Mint, San Francisco, California” Signed by William M. Cutter, Coiner and Edward Sweeney, Superintendent. January 5, 1910.
 

http://www.Lincoln Cent.com

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/

1787 Fugio copper Cent

Designed by Benjamin Franklin, the first coin issued under authority of the United States of America and minted under private contract with James Jarvis of Connecticut

Grading:

VG- 8.
F-12: The wheat lines should be worn but separated. A weak spot is acceptable on one side, but not both.

VF: Complete separation and clear wheat lines

HALF CENTS

SILVER BULLION COIN

American Eagle - The U.S. Mint began producing this bullion coin October of 1986 in the following five denominations:

• 1-ounce .999 fine silver coin with $1 face value

• 1-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $50 face value

• Half-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $25 face value

• Quarter ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $10 face value

• Tenth-ounce .9167 fine gold coin with $5 face value.

CONFEDERATE COINS

1861 Half Dollar

In 1861 federal troops had not yet seized the Confederate City of New Orleans before the mint began producing confederate half dollars.

GOLD COINAGE

Double Eagle

Half Eagle

U.S. gold coin minted between 1795 and 1929 with a face value of $5

Quarter Eagle

1849-1854

Designer:

Weight (grams):

Weight (grains):

Size:

Composition:

Total Silver Content (oz.):

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

Notes:

CALIFORNIA GOLD

http://www.calgoldcoin.com/

http://www.calgoldonline.com/

Collections

UNITED STATES MINT COINS

CONTINENTAL CURRENCY

1776 Continental Currency Note

1776 Continental dollar coin

1787 Fugio copper Cent

All designed by Benjamin Franklin

CANADIAN COINS

http://www.canadiancoin.com/

http://www.coinscan.com/technical/canasp.html

Pre- 1919 coins are Sterling [0.925]

Canadian Bullion and Coin Silver Content - Bid/Ask Prices

http://www.bullioncoinsandbars.com/products-silver-coins.htm

HALF DOLLARS

1967-1968

Wolf Halves: 80% Ag

$10. coins have 1.445-oz., pure, and the $5. ones .7227

QUARTERS

1920-1966

Weight of 5.83g

Silver content: 80%; 4.664 grams Ag each.

4.664 grams /31.1035 gram/oz = 0.14995 oz Ag per coin
0.14995 oz * $10.0 dollar oz = 1.499 USD per coin
 

DIMES

1968-1999

Designer:

Weight (grams): 1.75g

Weight (grains):

Size: 18.03 mm

Thickness: 1.22 mm

Composition: 92% steel, 5.5% Cu, 2.5% Ni plating

Total Silver Content (oz.): 0

Nicknames:

Varieties: 

INTERNATIONAL WORLD COINS

The Islamic gold dinar contains approximately 3.89g or 60grains gold. The Islamic silver dirham contains 3g or approximately 46.3 grains silver. The NMM cent weight of 1/10 ozt (48 grains or 3.11034768 grams) will produce coins of similar size and weight of the dinar and the dirham.

South African Krugerrand

http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/coins/

http://www.taxfreegold.co.uk/countries.html

http://rmworldcoins.tripod.com/rmworldcoins/index.htm

Iconography of Lion on Coins

http://www.osmanliparalari.com/yazi/lion/lion_EN1.htm

AUSTRALIAN SILVER COIN MINTAGES

http://silverbourse.com/mintage-information-australian-lunar-silver-coins/

ANCIENT COINS

COLONIAL COINS

http://www.coins.nd.edu/

http://www.colonialcoins.org/resources.htm

ERROR COINS

Error Coins