Expert: Brad Swain - 1/18/2010

Question
I am aware of a party that has several hundred silver dollars of various dates that he would like to sell. I am considering buying these. I have very little knowledge of grading other than looking at the standard ANA book. What is the best and fairest way to value these for a transaction. Thanks

Answer
Hi Ron, Collector value of a coin depends on date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
Some agreement on the grade of each would be necessary to determine a value:
http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/12/how_to_grade_silver_dollars.php
U.S. silver dollars weigh 26.73 grams and contain .7736 of an ounce of silver.
The Morgan dollar (1878-1921), nicknamed after its designer, may have a mintmark letter below the eagle while the other, a Peace dollar (1921-35), may have a mintmark letter by the tip of the tail.
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
and ungraded coins: http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
Ungraded coins (raw) are worth less depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad