Which coins to exchange, for melt value?

FYI

A "key date" refers to a coins' date (or date and mint mark) that is harder to find/ buy/ obtain than other dates in the series. For instance with the Peace Dollars that would be the 1934 S, 1928 and 1921.

There is also the term of "semi-key dates" which are the next level of difficult to obtain coins in a series.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_date

 

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Unless you are totally desperate for the cash I wouldn't sell anything you posted. Current price is low but slowing gaining in price. All is junk grade unless you have dates/mintmarks of interest.

If you really must sell, don't forget the for sale forum found right here on CT.

 

Good advice. Right now is definitely not time to sell. Silver is too low.

 

Thanks!
But, “Junk”...Ouch!
I’ve begun to go through, to see about dates, mint & condition...Appreciate the info and the links!

 

Thanks!
Yeah, I guess it’s not a good time to be in need of cash. At what silver price, would you all consider it a good time to sell?

 

That is such a fluid question. I have seen silver fluctuate between $5.00 to better than $30.00 per ounce since I been paying attention. The need for spendable cash is always the deciding factor. At the very least, if you have the luxury of time, try to post and sell individual lots. If you were to carry the whole lot to a dealer of sorts, his purchase price will be based on his overhead and his need to make money on the transaction.

 

That’s quite a pile you got for a non collector. If we knew where you were a member might be near and help you. Just sayin

 

That's a loaded question. It all depends on what the market is doing, the overall economy and your needs.

If you need the cash and the price of silver is on the decline, then now is a good time to sell. If you don't need the cash and the price goes up to $20 per ounce then that's a good time to sell.

But what if you sell and the events are just starting a bull market in the PM's? Then it's a poor time to sell.

Only you can make the decision to buy, sell or hold. And then you live with the results, no matter what happens. You can not time the markets, nor can you predict the outcome. You may receive all sorts of advice about when to buy or sell but the final decision is yours alone.

 

If you need the money and your 'loss' on the coins is small or zero, then it's time to sell.

If you want to sell the coins to add 'numismatic' quality coins to your collection, then its a good time to sell.

Remember, coins worth silver value are easily replaceable and the trend has been 'down' for silver since the 2011 peak. Yes, it's much lower than the 2011 peak, but the current price is much higher than the historical average. So, it could keep creeping down lower than now.

My method is to buy junk silver coins as a 'savings account' at as low a premium as possible each month as I have a specific monthly coin budget. When I need cash for a show or a nice collector coin at a LCS, I'll sell/swap the junk silver to get coins for my long term hold collection.

 

@Randy Abercrombie, @Heavymetal, @Collecting Nut, @Mr. Flute
Thanks!
I get that it's a "fluid" and/or "loaded" question and only I can make the decision to sell or hold but appreciate all your insights. FWIW, I inherited these coins, so my loss will be zero; and I need the money, for repairs, to my house.

 

Then you should lock in the value now and sell to get the cash.

If you only need part of the money, maybe sell in increments (xx% now, xx% in a month, xx% in 3 months, etc). This could give you some education about the market for physical silver, if you care.

I'm a long time coin collector and love having small piles of silver coins to 'play' with, but if I inherited such a pile, I'd keep a couple nicer coins that fit my collection, sell to enhance my current collection and/or sell to generate cash for savings or household capital improvements.

Good luck on your decision making.

EDIT: As for the specific coins you showed in this thread here is some advice:

• Buffalo nickels - have no silver, but if full dates and decent condition, but common dates, you might get 50 cents each
• Silver (wartime) Jefferson nickels - low silver content and a three metal alloy (very undesirable silver coins) - right now if you can get 40 cents each, don't argue.
• 90% silver Quarters, Dimes and Halves - try to get at least ~$10 per $1 of face value
• 1965-1970 Kennedy halves - only 40% silver and try to get ~$2 each
  
• Morgan and Peace dollars - you should and easily can get more than silver content - Nice mid-grade (like the ones you have) should get you at least $15-17 each (as opposed to the silver value of $11.40 each)

 

I'd keep the coins and take out a low interest home equity loan, which is tax deductible. While the value of the coins has no downside to you (due to them being inherited) the sentimental loss may be more than you think in a few years.

I'll say it again, if you want, you can list the coins on the CT for sale forum.

Best wishes.

 

If you are really, really, really need the cash then sell. @Mr. Flute suggested selling in increments if you can. I suggest that too. That way if the price goes up you reap some of the benefit rather than selling all at once.

 

Thanks, that's extremely helpful!
I'm considering, to start with the nickels. That said...
>>>"Buffalo nickels - have no silver, but if full dates and decent condition..."
How much each, might I get, if any "key date" are full dates and decent condition?

 

Thanks!
As for, home equity loan...Don't qualify.
That said, I am considering selling in increments, as both @Bman33 and @Mr. Flute suggested, beginning with Indian head & Jefferson nickels.

 

Common date Buffalos are hardly worth the effort.

 

Thanks!
What about "key dates", if there are any?

 

Depends on the 'key date'. List the date and mintmarks for the each coin and we'd be happy to be specific.

 

Key dates are another matter. Post obverse and reverse photos with the date and mintmark.

 

Thanks, will do!