Wait! Don’t Sell Your Old Silver Coins for Melt Value Yet!
While our diamond and watch business is our mainstay, we’ve emerged as major buyers of gold and silver in Florida. But did you know we also have numismatic experts on both sides of the bay? Many people assume old silver coins should just be sold for melt value, but that can be a costly mistake.
Today, we examine the fascinating world of Seated Liberty half dollars. Minted from 1839 to 1891, the Seated Liberty half dollar is one of America’s classic silver coins. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, these historic coins feature Liberty seated upon a rock holding a shield and staff; the reverse depicts a heraldic eagle.
At first look most appear similar. In fact, heavily worn common-date coins (like the first photo shown) often trade primarily for their silver content and may bring only about $20 to $30 each depending on the silver market.
However, once rarity and condition enter the equation, values rise dramatically. Some better examples can bring $100, $200, $1,000, or even well over $10,000.
The details matter.
Collectors closely examine the word “LIBERTY” on the shield, the lines within the shield itself, and the breast feathers on the eagle. These details help determine how much wear a coin has experienced and therefore its grade. A coin with strong detail and minimal wear is exponentially more rare than a heavily circulated example.
Mint marks are critical. Coins struck in places like New Orleans (“O”), Carson City (“CC”), or San Francisco (“S”) can carry very different values from the Philadelphia versions. Often, the exact same date coin can be worth just silver value in heavily worn condition yet several thousand dollars in higher grades.
As always, before tossing old silver coins into the “melt bucket,” it pays to have them examined by a knowledgeable numismatist. The difference between bullion value and collector value can sometimes be astonishing.
NEVER clean, buff or rub your coins, even if they’re tarnished or dark!
