Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Collection of Vintage Silver Coins

 

Coin collecting dates back to the 12th century. However, you don’t have to get coins of that age to have a successful vintage silver coin collection. Read on to learn more about starting a silver coin collection based on vintage coins.

Understand what Vintage Silver Coins Are

Vintage coins aren’t likely to be found in your pocket change. While opinions vary, the consensus is that vintage silver coins date back to coins made before 1965. And silver coins more than a century old are considered antique. With Canadian silver coins, the timeframe is similar. In 1965, the US Mint stopped making dimes with silver, and the silver content of the half dollar was reduced from 90 percent to 40 percent. In 1970, the silver in the half dollar was eliminated entirely.

Learn the Lingo

There are several terms you’ll want to know before you start collecting vintage silver coins. For instance, “bag damage” refers to marks or similar damage that occurs when silver coins are placed in bags at the mint. This kind of damage can include scratches or imprints of what’s written on the bag that rubs off onto the coin.

Establish Your Goals

As with any kind of coin collecting, it helps to have goals. Determine how much you wish to spend and whether or not you plan to sell or keep your coins. Some people like to keep vintage coins because of their unique designs, while others prefer to sell what they obtain to make a nice return on their investment. Take a look at what coins are available. Popular selections include Morgan silver coins, which turned 100 years old in 2021, and Kennedy Half Dollars minted in 1964 (the only year the coins were 90 percent silver).

Brush Up on Your Coin’s History

Once you select a coin or set of coins you prefer, give yourself a history lesson on your coin(s). For instance, the 1894-S Barber dime is exceptionally scarce, with only a few known to exist.

Go to Coin Shows

If you go to coin shows, you’ll get some advice you can use as you start your vintage coin collection. Many coin collectors are aware of the value of vintage silver. Also, these shows often include experts on silver and other precious metals, and these individuals can certainly provide some guidance for you.

Start Building Your Collection

Next, look for coins that match your goals. For instance, if you want a Morgan silver coin, look for the ones that are the most plentiful, since these are likely to be less of an investment. As you build your collection, add more vintage coins of significant value. You may even be able to sell the coins you initially invested in to buy ones with more historical significance and value. As for where to find older silver coins or the best place to buy gold coins, Carlsbad collectors should seek out trustworthy precious metals dealers.

Store Your Vintage Silver Coins with Care

Lastly, be careful with how you store them. Avoid putting your coins in cool, damp areas. Also, don’t clean your vintage silver coins, even if they have some tarnish. And avoid containers for your coins that contain polyvinyl chloride, a chemical that can do serious damage to every type of coin, including silver coins. However, damaged vintage coins can lose significant value. 

 

Whether you’re a veteran coin collector or you’re simply looking to sell your old silver coins, reach out to the experts at First National Bullion. In addition to buying and selling coins, we also offer a huge selection of gold, platinum, and silver bullion. Carlsbad collectors who are looking for the finest-quality coins, bars, and bullion should give us a call to speak with one of our precious metals experts.

 

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.