If you’re a coin collector, one of the most thrilling experiences you can have is finding an old silver coin worth more than its face value. There’s nothing like pulling an expensive, collectible coin out of a pile of junk silver coins and feeling the exhilaration that comes with finding something truly rare and valuable.
There are many ways to find these valuable coins, but one of the easiest is to sort your collection by type and condition. These are two things that affect a coin’s value more than any other factor, so we recommend separating your coins into different categories before you begin searching for the best deals.
Besides sorting your collections by type, you should also separate your coins by their date. Most types of silver coins are worth more than their face value if they’re in mint condition, so you’ll want to make sure that the dates on your coins are correct and that the coin itself isn’t missing any details or a blemish or mark.
Another way to increase the odds of finding a valuable coin is by searching for rare dates. This can be as simple as checking your favorite coin magazines to see which dates are most popular, or it can be more complex.
For example, the 1921 Peace dollar is one of the most sought-after coin sets in the world and has an average premium over spot price of more than $100. However, it’s also a rarity, with less than 1 million examples minted during the series’ short run.
The 1916-D Mercury dime is an important 20th-century rarity, especially in well-worn circulated grades. This first-year coin was a huge hit with collectors, and many of these coins have been sold at auction for millions of dollars in recent years.
Most of the later-date Mercury dimes aren’t as scarce, but they are still pretty hard to find in good condition for prices that are a lot lower than their spot value. This makes it a good investment opportunity, as you can purchase pre-1965 90% silver dimes, quarters and half-dollars at prices little above spot value, and even at discount prices if you’re patient.
Some other common pre-1965 90% silver dimes, quarters, and half-dollars include the Washington silver quarters dated 1925 to 1930. These coins are typically worth $4 to $8 and up in well-worn grades.
These aren’t as popular as the Morgan or Peace dollars, but they are a nice addition to any coin collection. The 1921 Peace dollar is a rare first-year coin that sells for more than $100, while the 1928 Peace dollar can be had for nearly $300 in a well-worn grade.