Check out coinflation.com for a real time bullion value of silver coinage. An often used benchmark is 10x face value for pre-64 silver (quarter: .25*10=$2.50). TC
Shop around of course, but the money changer has an excellent reputation and will certainly do better than 10% over spot. http://the-moneychanger.com/entry.phtml Coinflation is a great site, but if you haven't used it before you have to be aware that they calculate the weight of 90% coins as they would have been when they were new. Dealers now calculate their weight at approximately .715 per one dollar face.
I think anywhere from 10X to 12X face is a decent deal. I just bought $500 worth this weekend, for 12X. Probably not the best deal around, but I did go to a local dealer and got it right then and there, no mailing or waiting.
Yes you are right, because once you aren't paying shipping, it is a good deal. I used to forget to include shipping in my calculations, and it really adds up. Anyone have a dealer they can recommend in NYC? It is much more fun to buy locally anyway and use Internet prices as a point of comparison.
Just do a google internet search for coin dealers, or coin shops. That will give you locations, and probably plenty of them. Then make a phone call and ask if they have what you are looking for and a price. No matter what price they give you, ask for something better. Set a final deal and then drive there. This works for me.
I like the "moneychanger" too. The quality was even better than the price. One of my better larger purchases.
Try www.caminocompany.com Theyre my local store and they deal nationwide. they do for spot price or 2% over spot for silver. Gold is 1% over spot.
It varies all the time. Silver took a big hit in the past few weeks. Right now we're at 12x where I work. Buy a larger quantity you might get a better price. Spreads vary too - something to keep in mind folks. If spot drops too fast expect higher margins. No dealer wants to take a loss.