What would cause the date of an 1880 silver dollar from San Francisco to have a zero that is sort of on a 45 degree angle and eights that look almost like B's and will this effect value?

Answer 1

As with any collectible, a primary consideration in determining its value is its condition (or grade). Novice collectors, with some practice, can become quite accurate in determining grades for circulated coins (G-4 through AU-50). It becomes much more difficult when assigning grades for Uncirculated coins (MS-60 through MS-70) or Proof coins (PF-60 through PF-70) and the assistance of an experienced coin collector or trusted coin dealer should be sought.

Another consideration is whether the coin has a mintmark, indicating where the coin was made: D = Denver O = New Orleans S = San Francisco CC = Carson City

Coins struck in Philadelphia generally do not bear a mintmark. There are other mintmarks, but the above list covers most.

There are many Internet and printed resources in helping determine the appropriate grade for a coin. Whichever resource you choose to use, ensure that they follow the grading guidelines established by the American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Unless you have indicated the mintmark of the coin, the following is a value range for the coin in question, struck in Philadelphia and is taken from the Numismatic News Coin Market Monthly Price Guide for March 2007:

VG8- $16.00 F12- $19.00 VF20- $20.00 XF40- $21.00 AU50- $22.50 MS60- $36.00 MS63- $52.50 MS65- $850.00

I hope this has answered your question. If not, try phrasing your question differently or providing additional information and I will do my best to answer. Please remember to leave feedback. Thank you.

MGirard

MORE INFO: The coin needs to be seen for an accurate assessment. The cause of the "Odd looking date" may be from a filled or collapsed obverse die or when the date was punched in the die it was off-angle. Either way the coin may have added value because of this. Take it to a coin dealer for a idea of value.