I went to the coin shop today intending to buy some proofs. I ended up with a 1969-S nickel for 99 cents, a 1978-S nickel for 89 cents, a 1979-S type 1 nickel for 89 cents, a 1962 dime for $2.99, a 1964 dime for $2.69, and a 1962 quarter for $4.99. Did I get bargains on these or did I pay too much?
Bottom line is, do you think you got a good deal? Apparently you though the prices were fair enough to have purchased them and that is all that matters. There will be members here that will say you did and some that will say you paid "normal" retail.
I won't mention the other buys simply b/c they don't interest me. You paid fair market value prices, or retail. No bargain but if you like your new silver then that's all that matters.
Currently, as per coinflation, a silver quarter melts at $3.56 and a dime at $1.42 so the premium over melt was not too exorbitant. Like my fellows mentioned above, do you like and enjoy what you've purchased? If you do then I'd say you did pretty well today.
I bought some silver proof dimes off of ebay a few months ago and gave $4 a piece, so I thought I got a pretty good deal on these. As far as the quarter, it looks like they're going for $8-$40+. The nickels are going for $1.50+.
As others have pointed out, personal value is subjective. I'm going to say it depends on the condition. If they are in high grade, I'm going to say you got a fair deal (at a minimum - possibly a great deal). If they are in poor condition, then my philosophy is anything above 10% over melt is overpaying. That's just how I see it and doesn't make it right or wrong. Do you have photos by any chance?
I don't know how to put this, but asking us if you overpaid on a $15 coin purchase is...... Well I don't know what it is but it makes me wanna charge you a $1 for my opinion. I take Paypal.
I think that you did OK and you avoided shipping costs. If you did drive to the coin shop, you did need to buy gas unless it was on the way to something else.
I don't know if it was a good deal or not. Just be happy with each coin you buy. Be very picky when buying coins at these prices. There are too many out there to not be picky. Above all, just have fun.
You did fine...with purchases of this size, there really isn't much margin to overpay. If you are happy with it, then you did well.
I occasionally drop into my LHS and grab a handful of respectable coins for a few dollars apiece, and at that price, the consideration whether I overpaid or not is basically non sequiter. It's like buying candy - really, who cares if the bag cost two dollars or three? Just get it and enjoy the candy.
