Another coin question. About pennies.

pacmanssportscards

I know nothing about coins. I am wondering if there are any pennies from 1940-1960 that are worth anything because I have a book with all pennines from 1940-1960 including plain, D and S. plmk thanks.

coppercoins

There are a few different die varieties that would be worth looking for, but it would take some level of experience or photographs of said die varieties to be able to detect them. Included are some 1943 (P, D, & S) die varieties, 1944D/S (two varieties), 1946S/D, 1951D/S (two varieties), 1952D/S, and various 1956D mint mark varieties. All of the above mentioned are rather valuable and worth investigating over, however there are hundreds of different ones in that time frame which are more valuable than a "typical" coin for the date, but not worth a great deal of investigation.

pacmanssportscards

I know nothing about coins so I have no clue what "varieties" to "investigate" or even how or what to look for.

richbeat

I would suggest getting some books in the particular areas of coin collecting that you're into. The red book ("A Guide Book Of United States Coins," by R.S. Yeoman) makes for a pretty good starter book. It lists all the different coins that have been struck by the mint, and the values in selected grades. Don't take the values too seriously. The red book also lists some of the better known varieties, but not anywhere near all of them. "The Cherrypickers' Guide To Rare Die Varieties," Fourth Edition-Volume One, by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton is another good book. It covers half cents through Jefferson nickels (Volume Two is supposed to be out very soon.) It lists more varieties than the red book, but again, not all of them. These are two good books, but not the only two. There are many other good books out there. Hope this helps.