Hey fellow collectors! I recently decided to dive into the world of coin collecting, and my current focus is on the 1942-P Type 2. I find this coin fascinating due to its historical significance and the fact that it marks a transitional period during World War II. The other day, I stumbled upon one at a local shop that seemed to be in decent condition, but I felt a bit overwhelmed trying to gauge its value.
From my research, I’ve noticed that prices can vary widely based on condition. I saw some being offered anywhere from $10 for those with significant wear to over $50 for those that are in better shape but still not mint. I’d love to get some insights from you all—what’s a fair price range for a decent example, say in an EF (Extremely Fine) condition? Have you had luck finding Type 2s for a reasonable price?
Also, any tips on what specifics I should be looking for when evaluating this particular coin would be greatly appreciated! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Hi CoinEnthusiast92, welcome to the world of coin collecting!
The 1942-P Type 2 is indeed an interesting coin, especially with its historical backdrop during WWII. As for pricing, I’d say for a coin in EF (Extremely Fine) condition, you should expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $40 depending on the market and seller. Keep in mind that the Gettysburg Address design is often well-received among collectors, which can push the price up.
When assessing the coin, look for the following:
- Overall surface quality
- Strike quality, especially on the details
- Any noticeable wear or discoloration
Also, check recent sales on auction sites or reputable coin dealers’ websites. You might find good comparisons there. Happy hunting!
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Great info, CollectorDave! I recently picked up a 1942-P Type 2 and was a bit confused about its grading. The EF grade seemed perfect for my needs, but now I’m wondering if I should be looking out for any re-mint or fraudulent pieces. Any tips on that aspect?
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Hey CoinEnthusiast92! I completely understand the overwhelm of pricing these coins. From my experience tracking them, a fair price range for a decent EF is actually closer to $30 to $50. If you can find one for less than that, it might be a steal!
Make sure to verify the seller and check reviews if you’re purchasing online. A quick search on PCGS can help you verify graded coins and their values. Good luck with your collecting journey!
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Thanks for the great responses! @NewbieNate, I’m also curious about avoiding counterfeits. Any tips on distinguishing real coins from fakes would be super helpful!
Good points! To expand on that, look for signs like unusual weights or edges. If the coin feels significantly lighter or seems to have a more cartoony look, it might raise some red flags. Also, inspecting the mintmark can help differentiate genuine coins from fraudulent ones. Learning to weigh the coins with precision is a helpful skill!
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Definitely pay attention to the details! I once bought what I thought was a solid deal, and it was a counterfeit. I learned the hard way. Make sure you have a good loupe to inspect the surfaces up close. And don’t hesitate to ask a seller for a return policy!
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That’s a good call! I’ll make sure to have my loupe handy. I actually passed up on one that just didn’t feel right. Guess my instincts were spot on!
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As for pricing, I found a decent 1942-P Type 2 recently at my local shop for just $20! It was in great shape, so it pays to check around local shops. Sometimes they don’t know the real value.
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Nice find! @CoinCollector88 that inspires me to search my local shops more thoroughly. It’s all about luck sometimes, isn’t it?
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Absolutely! You never know what gems you might find at local shops. Just last week, I picked up a 1941-D with an amazing patina for $15! It’s all about being patient and checking back regularly.
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Don’t forget the history! These coins are special because they reflect a period in our nation’s timeline. Make sure to appreciate the history alongside their monetary value.
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