Whether you’re looking to sell a family member’s old coin collection or just delving into the coin collecting hobby, it’s important to know the value of your silver coins. Nearly all silver coins are worth more than their face value. However, it can be difficult to determine just how valuable your silver coins are worth. The precious metals experts from First National Bullion, the silver and gold dealers San Diego collectors rely on for outstanding quality and service, offer this guide to understanding the value of silver coins.
What Is Silver Worth?
As of November 27th, 2019, the silver spot price was $17.11 per ounce. Silver values fluctuate daily for several reasons, including:
- The amount of new silver being mined
- The current market supply and demand for silver
- Interest rates in individual countries
How Much Silver Is in My Coins?
Thousands of various types of silver coins have been minted throughout history, meaning each one will have slightly different silver content. In general, most half dimes, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins minted in the United States between 1794 and 1964 consist of roughly 90 percent silver. Half-dollars minted between 1965 and 1969 contain 40 percent silver. It can be more difficult to decipher the precise silver content of foreign coins. To gain an idea of the silver content of foreign coins, start by researching the country of origin and the date of any specific foreign coin you come across.
Are Certain Silver Coins Worth More than Others?
The simple answer to this question is yes. A number of factors dictate the value of a particular silver coin, including the condition of the coin as well as its age, denomination, and mintage. As a general rule of thumb, most silver coins minted from 1946 onward have little to no value outside their silver content, while nearly all silver coins minted prior to 1945 have some type of value above their silver content.
When Should I See an Expert About My Silver Coins?
In many instances, it’s critical to visit an expert to determine the value of your silver coins. Some of the scenarios that call for visiting an expert include:
- Coins that have been professionally graded and put into a slab
- Silver coins minted before the 1900s
- “Key date” coins with extraordinarily high values
- Limited knowledge regarding silver coins
- Foreign coins you know little or nothing about
- If you’re looking to sell silver coins at a reasonable price
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 bars. San Diego collectors who are looking for the finest-quality coins, bars, and bullion should give us a call at 858-666-6570 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.