How much are my coins worth?

Question

HEY

well I just got all these old coins from my grandma i think they are worth a bit but im not soo sure...

ok well there is like 24 silver $1 Morgan dollars or peace dollars too im not sure they are like 1921 alot of those.... and there is 1922 and 1923 and then there is like 150 silver mercury dimes i think they are like 1910 around that area... then there is half dollars and alll these foreign coins.. and other silver coins blah blah how much you think i can get for these coins is my question? oh yea and is there a good site i can go to?

Answer 1

1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.

2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp

3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.

Good luck!

P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.

When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.

Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.

If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!

I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.

Answer 2

I tried to look up a site for coins some time ago and found it confusing because of all the different ways of classifying them as to condition, wear, circulated or uncirculated, where they were minted, and so on. You might be able to find a coin dealer in your town but you may be better off by getting an ebay account and selling them at auction there. In looking just now I saw prices running from $9 up to $15 or so for each Morgansilver dollar. You can also get a good idea of what they are worth by looking for them to see what others are selling them for or perhaps contact one of the people selling coins to see what they would pay for yours. If you do send them anywhere though, whether to an ebay customer or a dealer, but sure to have enough insurance on them in the event the person claims they did not get them or that they were not what you sent.
You can also look up coin buyers in your search engine and find a few dealers that way who will give you an appraisal. The dimes I think are at least a dollar each so I suspect that you have a small fortune there so I would say explore all of your options before selling them anywhere. Good Luck to you!!

Answer 3

First of all there is really no web site that will really help you. Second of all you have too many coins for anyone here to look up for you even if you had listed the denomination date and mint mark. On a few coins one can help but with long lists it is to time consuming. You best bet is to go to at least 2 coin dealers. It also may pay to get a Coinage or Coins magazines, Wal-Mart has them as well as grocery stores if they have a large magazine section. the values in them are for retail and are usually a little high, but they will tell you if the coin is rare due to its value listed. If the coin books for for a dollar or two then it is not worth much but if it say books for $50 in grade good you have a scarce coin. At least you won't see a dealer and not know he is not on the up and up. dealers usually pay 50% less plus or minus, than the magazines value.

Answer 4

It now costs more to make a penny that it is worth. Soon - the new pennies - will look like the steel pennies in WW II. I love the huge silver dollar - it used to be the sign of a gambling trip to Reno - a long time ago - before they switched to those gaudy chip things. The delightful Susan B's - about the size of a quarter - how many times did I almost give out two (2) to buy a newspaper? ♥