Loose Change

I have been collecting my loose change since 1965 I have 18 gallons of coins whats the best way to start looking for coins that would be collectible or worth something?

 

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Hire a search crew.

 

sell them to me for face

 

I mean no disrespect, but this strikes me as an "if you have to ask" type question. That said, start with the obvious: do you know what to look for, and can you properly identify it when you see it? If so, there you go, but if not....

 

I guess the simplest way to go is to separate all the silver from non-silver. Every quarter dime and half before 1964 are 90% silver. Halves from 1965-70 are 40% silver. Also nickels from 1942-45 are 35% silver (mintmark above Monticello)

 

Get a Red Book

 

So far thanks for the rather rude reply's, I didn't know you had to be an expert to join this site. I thought I would embark on a new hobby and I didn't know members of this site were so "clicish"

 

Thank you for your kind reply!

 

We can at times be a little rough around the edges but it's mostly good natured fun. Welcome to the forum and follow Aces' advice.

[edit] and Bmans'...........you're gonna need a 'Red Book'. Are you familiar with it?

 

Don't let it get to you Max Jones, there's a bunch of know-it-all trolls around here that think that they have the right to force their lousy opinions and misinformation down your throat. Just tell them to duck off (maybe one of them can use all their knowledge to correct my spelling).

 

Unbelievable.....

I'm guessing it didn't cross your mind that knowledge plays a huge part in what you're hoping to do? If it did, I don't see why you'd take such offense to sincere and factual suggestions based upon reality.

If all you're looking for is silver, then yes... any idiot can do it, but you should've said this was your intent instead of mentioning "collectible or worth something" The fact is, though, if you wanted genuinely exploit the potential, silver is only one possibly small part, and is why knowledge comes into play. I'll never understand why some cannot get it through their heads that there's anything more to coins than simply looking at the date, or that any idiot can simply waltz into the hobby and profit at the expense of those who've spent years honing their craft. Like it or not, and with many things in life, there's a skill factor involved here. If you want to leave money on the table, that's fine and is certainly your right, but to whine over suggestions to learn is ridiculous. Good luck to you, sir.

 

He actually means complete disrespect (just check his past comments and how well he writes his insults), you'll come to recognize his type after you've been here awhile.

 

See what I mean.

 

Welcome MAX! I started collecting about 2 years ago, be careful tho, it's super addictive! When I got hook a couple years back it was on wheat cents, my Dad collected them when he was young and gave me his collection. I went thru every one of them and there was a butt load........found several mint errors, like re-punched dates, re-punched mint marks, some lamination errors and on and on...was hook for life! I agree with longarm, I just ignore any negativity. You'll get to know some of the helpful good guys Enjoy your new found hobby and have fun!

 

Books like a doctor, not the best bed side manners .
But still a doctor ........

 

Do explain, hotshot, how ANYTHING said or suggested was in ANY WAY "misinformation" or "trollish"? As with most every time you open your mouth, nothing but BS is spewed.

Come on, Mr. Perfect; explain how terrible it was for me to dare to suggest knowledge necessary to make the most of his quest. Did you even bother to read and actually comprehend what the OP asked? Let me quote him just for you: "whats the best way to start looking for coins that would be collectible or worth something". Following me this far? Now, considering the fact he's wanting to search CHANGE accumulated over many years, what do you, in your, ahem, "infinite wisdom", suppose will either offer him the best chances, or at least allow him to maximize potential? Come on, hotshot; instead of your usual schmuckish little insults, try helping someone for once. Again, tell the OP how to maximize potential without knowing what he's doing or what to look for. Tick tock, tick tock..

 

Anytime I see a booksb4coins post start with, "No disrespect...," I quit reading.

Here are a few links for OP that may find helpful to get started:
CONECAonline
Variety Vista Home
Cuds on Coins
http://maddieclashes.com/half-dollars.html
Error-Ref.com –
Wexler's Coins and Die Varieties
The Lincoln Cent Resource
FRANKLIN-LOVER'S HOMEPAGE
United States Small Size Dollar Coins
The Ike Group | The Eisenhower Dollar information source
PCGS Coin Price Guide: The Industry Standard for US Coin Values

 

ace71499's suggestions are good, also sit anything aside you're not sure of and if you have a chance post pics so we can all help.

 

Red Book is good, so is the Cherry Picker's Guide.

 

Pocket Change is a good book too ...
Make sure you get the latest addition ....