2016-02-29 Mon

A 11-year old Stern would have never imagined that a nondescript, yet enticing 1722 American coin that he bought for $10 is now valued for $1,500.

The Bellaire Coin Show, that was conducted on 27th, 28th February, in the USA included a large selection of Asian and Russian currency, among others, said Dick Hyde, the show chairman. Visitors found rare U.S. coins, gold and silver bullion, world and ancient coins, paper money, medals and tokens and much more. A children's auction also took place followed by a coin collecting merit badge workshop.

The coin show was sponsored by the Bellaire Coin Club. Club members had free admission, along with active duty military personnel with IDs and Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform.

Hyde said he checks his change closely because any U.S. dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90 percent silver and is "ten times the value of the later ones that were issued."

Quarters dated 1965 or later are all copper-nickel clad coins, except dual-dated bicentennial quarters that were sold by the U.S. Mint in special Mint Sets and proof sets. Bicentennial quarters contain 40 percent fine silver and have an "S" mint mark.

These and other tips were shared at the Bellaire Coin Show, which attracts collectors from throughout Texas and the U.S.