Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Silver Coins

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/24/2011


Question

coins
What is the value of these coins?
1951-D Silver Quarter
1952-S Silver Dime
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Barbara:

Thanks for your question.

On silver coins (mainly dimes, quarters, and halves struck from 1964 and before) you need to know the "melt value" of the coin. Silver prices have were above $30 a troy ounce recently, and the values shown in the books, as well as the Internet, may not reflect the actual value on low grade coins. Lower grade silver coins are usually only worth melt value. See: http://www.coinflation.com/silver_coin_values.html

Assuming your coins were all low grade, at the present rate of silver at $26.88 a troy ounce, your dime would be worth $1.94, and your quarter $4.86. Most dealers would buy your coins at about 90% of melt value. Higher grade coins can be worth more.

To grade your coins, see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/US_Coin_Grading_Guides.html

For values, see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/United_States_Coin_Mintages_Price%20Guides.html

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under dimes and quarters on eBay from time to time to see if your coins are listed what these type of items may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about a dollar an ounce less than a troy ounce of silver. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much for offering additional websites that I can look up! That was very thoughful. Your information was helpful and provided a learning experience for me as well. Especially, thank you for the expedient reply!


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.