how do I find the value of a coin and where should I start?

Question

I have several silver dollars from 1921 and earlier plus lots of half dollars I would like to find out if they are worth anything.

Answer 1

The best possible way to see what the true value of any old US coins is to search closed auctions on eBay.

It's very simple, say you had a 1921-S Morgan silver dollar... you would go to eBay, used "Advanced Search" and enter "1921-S Morgan" and click the tab just below it for "Completed listings only" and you will get a list of roughly 500 completed auctions for 1921-S Morgan silver dollars. You can then look at the sales prices, which are based in large part on the condition of the coin being sold. There are some sorting options you can use, such as order them from most expensive to least. Prices listed in red means they did not sell. Only prices in green should be considered.

Actual sales prices are far more accurate than any published guide. You will be able to find completed listings for every US standard issued coin dating back to the 1870's.

Answer 2

Your best bet is to see a coin dealer for the coins need to be graded. Grade makes the value. Most coin dealers who have a store and have been in business for sometime, are usually honest folks. Put it this way, there are more honest dealers than dishonest ones. Also it is wise to see more than one. Unless you know how to grade your coins, EBay and any other site will be of no help. As an example a 1921 Morgan dollar in grade good is worth $11 but in extra fine $13, in low mint state $19 but in high mint state $132. Now what grade is your coin??? Another thing coins were minted in different places, do you know where the mint marks are if any?? I can usually help with a few coins, but not a lot, for I have to not only give values, but give a quick example of grades and do it in writing. For a grade fine Morgan dollar: about half the hairlines from top of head to ear must show. Hair above forehead will be outlined but warn.Ear must show distinctly. There is more to it than just the date and mint. Once in a while I get sent high quality scans and they help a lot in grading and if a strange coin, it helps me figure out just what it is. So like a dealer, I need to see the coin. Check them out.

Answer 3

Any reputable coin dealer near you should be happy to give you a value.

Depending upon your Morgan's or Peace dollars conditions, they begin at around $12.oo all the way up to $47,000.oo
It will be not be possible for anyone online to grade your coins due to the need to see them in the flesh. But describing them to someone might get you a close approx.

Be aware of dealers who might be willing to take them off your hands for a price that sounds good to you. Have numerous appraisals (at least 3) before selling them. Some people will view you as a sucker and take advantage of you. You might be happy with what you sell them for only to find out later you could of received thousands more.

Good luck !!

: )

Answer 4

I would go to google and search the coin to see how much it is worth. Then from there you can learn all about it!