Hello, I was asked by my father to find out what some silver coins were worth. He has a collection. There are many silver dimes, dollars, half dollars.....and I think he was interested in the going rate of silver. Also, he has a gold coin that has engravings on it saying "Payable to holder so much in gold". Or something close to those words. I'd really appreciate any replies, and I'm sure my dad will too. I'm new to all this so I hope my post works.
to CoinTalk meeeeelee. Depending on condition, mint mark, and date, your Dad's coins are each worth somewhere between 84¢ (the bullion value of a silver dime) and some multiple of $100,000. A good starting place for evaluating the collection would be to get a copy of A Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book, either at your local public library or just about any book store. Then study the Condition of Coins section at the beginning of the book to get a general feel for grading coins - an essential step in evaluating them. Next, look up each coin, and check the value given for the grade you think applies. (If you think it's a mint state coin just use the MS60 value, as you will absolutely not be able to accurately grade that level of condition.) Finally list all those which appear to be valued at $50 or more. You cannot rely on the Red Book valuations, as coin values change constantly, and the 2007 Red Book went to press many months ago. You can rely on the relative valuations - a coin listed at $100 in a particular condition is definitely worth considerably more than one listed at 10¢. When you have that list, come back to the forum and post pictures of the coins on it, and get some value opinions and some guidance on where to look for more up-to-date accurate values. BTW are any of the coins in plastic holders labeled by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), or any similar company? If so tell us about them for more guidance. At current silver prices, all the silver coins have bullion values of about 8-1/2 times face. You could expect to sell them to a dealer at a small discount from that value, or to pay a small premium to that value to buy ther. From your description I don't believe that the gold piece is an actual coin. It may be a token of some type, and based on the inscription, I suspect it may be brass or gold plated and not solid gold. I hope you are embarking on a lifelong journey of learning and enjoyment and that evaluating your Dad's collection will lead you to a continuing appreciation of numismatics. Again, welcome aboard.
just need opinions My fther has approx. $100 in silver coins, everything from nickels to silver dollars. And mercury dimes too. What are these worth in todays market? and could anyone tell me which ones are very hard to find? He doesnt use the internet, and needs my help. Thanks to all.
more info I was wrong on some of my info, but I reposted under coin talk, and us coins i believe. Thanks for everyones help and kindness
QUOTE=meeeeelee]My fther has approx. $100 in silver coins, everything from nickels to silver dollars. And mercury dimes too. What are these worth in todays market? and could anyone tell me which ones are very hard to find? He doesnt use the internet, and needs my help. Thanks to all.[/QUOTE] Currently 'junk' silver coins are valued at approximately 10 times face value, today's market, which is down 20 cents (price of silver @ $13.85) However, silver (war) nickels, from 1942-1945 (with a large mintmark on the reverse, over Monticello) are currently @ 77.92 cents each. But, remember, Mercury dimes and Silver dollars sell for a premium over regular melt value. Also, remember, this is the melt value of silver, wholesale is lower and retail may be higher. (Dealers have to make a living, and eat). Good luck
Depending on how many silver dollars and half dollars there are, $100 in face value could be a lot of coins. Enough to spring for a Official Red Book Guide to US Coins, which would give you a rough idea of the value and a basic sense of how to determine grade. This book also shows you where the mink marks are located, which is critical to value in some cases. You can lessen your work with the following broad assumptions: Any silver Roosevelt dime, or Franklin and Kennedy half dollar, unless it is in exceptional condition, will not be worth a great deal (but several times face value nontheless). Any Jefferson nickel, unless it is in exceptional condition or a 1950-D, will not be worth very much. Silver wartime nickels are worth a bit more than the rest. There are valuable dates and mink marks in all other series, those will be apparent from the book mentioned above or any other coin price list you may get out of a coin magazine or from price guides on line. I'm not counting, of course, valuable errors and varieties in any series that are remote possibilities.
Coin value is determined by date, mint mark and condition. A knowledgeable numismatist can determine these factors simply by examining the coin. There is a further factor, however, that cannot be determined by looking at the coin, and that is the mintage--the number of coins of that type produced at that particular mint in the year indicated by the date. I think you need to sit down with a competent dealer and let him evaluate your coins. Be careful about selling them to him, however, since he will naturally want the lowest price he can get.
meeeeelee - I have merged your threads to avoid confusion. Please initiate only one thread per subject.
Merging of posts Thank you for puttin it all together. I was looking for the other posts and getting aggravated cause I thought my posts didnt go through. LOL But I appreciate all replies and I'm goin to talk to dad tonight.
