Anyone know their silver coins?

[Lilburner]

Moved over my dad's coin collection today. I don't really know anything about coins, but the vast, vast majority of the stuff is "collectible value" stuff - proof sets, special editions, etc.

But without even looking, I started finding more and more old old old stuff - dollars, halves, quarters...

Some of them date to before the turn of the century but are mostly in such bad shape they can't possibly have any collctor value.

Anyone have a good resource for valuating these in terms of silver content?

[Nemo]

1964 and before are probably sterling.

I think 65 to 70 half and full dollar coins are 40% silver.

After that face/collectible only.

The first one below is quick calculator, second is more details on general coins and the last covers nearly all specific coins.

Nemo

http://www.coinflation.com/coins/silver_coin_calculator.html

http://www.coinstudy.com/silver-coin-values.html

http://www.pcgs.com/prices/

[Lilburner]

Found this chart - kind of disappointing. I thought they were much more valuable

https://www.ngccoin.com/priceguide/Coin-Melt-Values.aspx

[wiseguy]

There are two values with older coins.  The silver value and then the value of the coin based on quantities produced and mint marks.  There are also hidden gems out there like the three legged buffalo nickel, which takes a coin with a value of about 3 dollars and makes it 200 dollars. 

I would suggest tracking down a coin dealer and getting them to evaluate the collection and then don't be afraid to get a second opinion. 

Good luck. 

[Lilburner]

As far as most of them go, I'm going to take some time and educate myself a bit. I'm not in a big hurry.

I would like to separate out the stuff that doesn't have any numismatic value and put it with preps.

Here is s representative sample of the dollars. You can see they're pretty bad off (right click and view image for full size)

[Nemo]

I don't think you have much more than melt value there.  But get an expert to evaluate them.  You could find a copper 1943 (only 4 made) penny or 2 legged buffalo.

Nemo

[ProGeek]

In that condition, you'll get melt value, sorry. They are worth about $13 each.  http://www.coinflation.com/coins/1878-1921-Silver-Morgan-Dollar-Value.html