Numismatists ! I need your help.

[SW-Shooter]

I inherited a less than valuable, although it still has value coin collection. These include silver coins, and lower denomination coinage. The dates range from the 1960's to 2016. What's the best recourse to get face value without trashing all of the boxes, folders etc..? I don't want to have to deal with craigslist, FB, or any of the internet methods. Are coin dealers still a thing? They don't answer the phone in my area.

Also, I'm not looking to get ahead in any dealings, just even value.

Thx in advance.

[murphy j]

I realize you're showing Texas as your location, but there's a number of coin dealers in the Tulsa area.

[The_War_Wagon]

I've been dealing exclusively with a local shop for 15 years now; maybe yours have more business than they can handle, but mine IMMEDIATELY returned my e-mail inquiries, and we've been working together ever since.

KEEP e-mailing/calling, 'til one gets back to you.

[Straight Shooter]

As a collector myself- Id advise buying a 2021 Bluebook of coin values to get a good idea of what each is worth. The books can be found online or any bookstore or even Walmart I think. They dont cost a lot either. Dont let them rip you off. At least have an idea of what they are worth.

[SW-Shooter]

I really couldn't compartmentalize my other priorities, that's why I'd prefer a dealer or private individual that specializes in that type of collecting. It's really a how long you sit on them style game. I may just consider ripping them out of packaging and boxes.

[SteyrAUG]

Anything silver is worth the current price of the silver, everything else is worth face value and not much more.

After WWII everyone collected coins and as a result there are a LOT of collections out there. With the exception of specifically rare things like 1909 VDB -S pennies, super rares like 1943 coppers (and the fakes greatly outnumber the few authentic ones) coins are worth their base metal and face value combined.

I have proof sets from each mint from 1967 forward and my grandmother bought me a new one every year and it kills me to see she paid about $12.00 at Kmart for each one because today I probably couldn't get more than $6 a set.

Morgan Dollars, Walking Liberty Half Dollars, Mercury Dimes, Buffalo Nickels and Wheat Pennies will all have some collector value above their silver or copper content but not as much as most people think.

The most valuable thing I got out of my collection was the time spent trying to fill collector books and looking for the ones I didn't have yet. Started with $25 worth of rolled pennies, nickels and dimes and would dump them out and grab the ones I needed then replace them with current examples, take them back to the bank and trade them for another $25 worth of pennies, nickels and dimes. Even in the late 1970s I was still finding a lot of wheats (about 30% of rolled pennies would be wheats) and some mercury dimes and buffalo nickels.

[SW-Shooter]

Thanks for the info, let the destruction commence. I really hate to do that to the proofs though, they are kind of neat.

[SteyrAUG]

Thanks for the info, let the destruction commence. I really hate to do that to the proofs though, they are kind of neat.

Is there really nobody you can give them to? Kids will always think they are neat and you can cheap out on some birthday / christmas presents. I'd rather do that then break them up for face value.

Also there is always an oddball so before you chop, take a peak at what they are selling for on ebay. I wouldn't want to be wrong and have it turn out that 2001 or something is an exceptionally rare year and that set alone is worth $100 or something.

[SteyrAUG]

ALSO...proof sets come in two flavors.

Standard mint and in some years, pure silver examples. If you have a 2006 PURE SILVER proof, that will be worth money compared to a standard Philadelphia, Denver or San Fran mint edition.

[SW-Shooter]

Tried pawning them off to my kids, and they looked at me like I cursed at them in Swahili. I could try ebay, but it seems like it's still a bit of work. I'll have to crap or get off the pot soon though, I'm thinning my whole existence.