Expert: PAPAJACK - 5/29/2009

Question
Hello sir i was wondering if you could answer a question for me please if i have quarters from 1960 to 1970 where i should sell them?And also if you could recommend any books on u.s coins in with pics for decent prices.thanks for your time,Drew

Answer
Hello Drew,                 

These modern USA Coins made after 1965 do not have a premium value on them.
They trade from dealer to dealer at face value.
Collectors that want them will pay less than a dollar for a specimen coin that has never been touched by human hands.

For the Quarters you have from 1960 to 1964 you can get about $3 dollars each for the silver that is in them.

If your coins are in MINT STATE grade they may get a higher price when sold. But if they were taken from circulation and show any wear they are not considered valuable. They are not old enough.

Coins are valued on a set scale. Collectors have devised a numerical grading system for coins.
It goes from 1 to 70. With the grade of 1 being barely identifiable as a coin and a grade of 70 being a perfect coin specimen.

Coins taken from circulation usually fall between grade 8-VG (very Good) and grade 50 (AU Almost Uncirculated).  Only a strictly Un-circulated coin can grade Mint State between 60 and 70.


Try to borrow or buy a copy of the red-book or blue-book 'A GUIDE TO UNITED STATES COINS " by R.S. Yeoman' it will be a great start, guide you in grading and lead you to the higher priced coins in your collection. You may end up saving them, seeing if these more modern coins (made in the millions) get scarcer and therefore bring a higher price in the future.

Great question, I enjoyed answering it for you. I know what a daunting task grading can be.

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Thank You and Good Luck