Loose Change

Just like Dr. Jack Kevorkian?

 

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Three more posts and still not a meaningful suggestion; all talk, no action. Telling someone not familiar with coins to buy a red book, at least without the necessary disclaimers, or suggesting they buy cherrypickers over using infinitely superior free online references helps them how? Does it teach them how to properly identify the less obvious coins that may offer the greatest potential? Suggesting someone post photos of 18 gallon containers of coins will accomplish what, exactly? Cop outs, every one, yet god forbid someone suggest would should be the obvious without the obligatory CT whining.

 

I find most people on here are very kind, humorous and very helpful. Sorry you feel otherwise.

 

Welcome! As some of the others have said before, just ignore the folks with attitudes or who are rude. Even after you have been here awhile you will get negative or rude responses. They are especially critical if you ask a question that has been asked before. Apparently, you should have known the question was asked before, even if you weren't a member. It would be nice if they would just answer your questions or politely refer you to the section that has the answers to your question. Good way to recruit new members, huh?

 

I'm a newbie and I suggested the Red Book because it has helped me become familiar with potentials. I have purchased several other books also. I only have one 5 gallon jug and I am just taking out smaller containers at a time and separating them. I find it fun and interesting. If I come up on something of value that will be good but I have a hobby for life now.

 

Here is a link to the Red book:

Excellent reference:\

https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Browse/Whitman-Books

 

Thank-you for your kind reply!

 

It's like anything, it takes a lot of time to learn a different area of knowledge.
Start slow. Separate all your coins by denominations. And then work with one thing at a time. Pennies (cents) save the wheat backs and anything in great condition.
Nickels, some of the Jeffersons are "key or semi key dates" a book or online guide will show you which are desirable. Off the top of my head, 1938, 38 D 38S, 39D, 39S, 1942D, all of the silver nickels, 1942-1945 LARGE LETTER above DOME on reverse. 46S 47S 48S 49S, 1950, 1950D 1951 S 1953 S 1955.
As for the dimes and quarters, basically just the silver ones anything from 1964 and before.
Please post photos of your good finds.

 

Getting into any new area involves a willingness to learn stuff. People around here can be blunt, but it really is worth staying.

First step, separate the coins into cents (even call them pennies if you must) nickels, dimes, quarters and halves. Second step, separate any silver (pre 1965) dimes and quarters and pre 1971 Kennedy halves or other half-dollars. These are worth a premium regardless of shape. Now if you are fed-up with playing with coins, sell the silver to one of those gold and silver places and roll up the rest and take it to the bank. If you still have an interest, buy a "Red Book" of American coins (I assume that is most of what you have). You can now start to look and see if anything you have is worth the big bucks. If you run into anything odd, take a picture and post it here in a thread and see if we can help you. Don't take teasing too seriously, relax and have fun.

 

Wow, didn't realize the large mint marks above the dome were special. I have a 1944 P nickel with the mint mark above the dome. Didn't think it was worth anything but a nickel.

 

Just for fun, who's got the oldest edition of Red Book? Mine is the 43rd edition from 1990 (the one you got a free Pure Silver Medal for buying).

 

There's silver in them, 35%.

 

Thank-you, great advice! good information for me!

 

Thanks!!!!

 

I have a 1974 Blue Book from my Dad.

 

I used to have a 48 and most of the 50's but sold them about 15 years ago when eBay heated up. Currently, my oldest 1965 that I got from my Uncle when I started collecting in 1969. Hopefully, that doesn't make me a "know it all troll"

 

My very first one was from the 60's and that was in the 70's,my current one is a 2016 so I will probably need an update soon. Being a bellicose basswhole is what makes one a "know it all troll".

 

Mine is a 27th Ed. Red Book from 1974 that I bought new...thanks for making me feel old...

 

Welcome Max! Like others has said, I would recommend a Red Book. It is full of information is helpful to beginning collectors. There can be some rude people on here, just try to ignore it. I don't know why BooksB4Coins went off on you, that was way out of line. I would separate all the coins by denomination then search for silver in the dimes, nickels, quarters, and half dollars. I would also check to see if you have any keys dates. With the pennies I would separate them into Wheats and Memorials/Shields.

 

I have a 1968 edition that was given to me by a judge after I found a 1905 nickel. Still read it all the time.