Look on the back (reverse) under where it says FIVE CENTS...it will either be blank ( no mint mark)(which means it was minted at the Philadelphia mint) or have a D (Denver mint) or an S (San Francisco mint).
A couple of things to look for
The Date and mint mark and the condition.
Some coins are desirable because not a lot were produced in certain years from certain mint locations...even if not in the best condition...making them a mintage rarity.
Some coins are desirable because of their condition...even if millions were produced...making them a condition rarity.
That's the basics that I can offer and a start to your journey.
A couple of other things to keep in mind...
DO NOT attempt to clean your coins...I repeat...DO NOT!!!
Numismatist's (coin collectors) can tell and it will severely diminish the coins value...it's akin to you asking me to wash your brand new car...and I wash it with a brillo pad...from across the street she looks beautiful...but as you walk up to it you'd say...WHAT THE ___? So Don't do it!
Be careful how you handle your coins...try not to touch the surfaces of the coins directly with your fingers...try and hold them from the rim...this will avoid finger prints (even if you don't see them)...eventually the oils from your fingers will leave a print making the coin less desirable.
Last thing...stay off google and youtube...while it might give you a general idea of something...you want expert advice...this site has MANY experts and are willing to share their knowledge.
Post some pictures (it can be tricky at first)...we love to look at coins and ask questions.
Glad you found this site and look fwd to your future posts!
smat





















