Questions | Hudson Valley Numismatics

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Questions about coins and currency? Have them answered by Marc Rosner, a true numismatist! [NOTE: Due to the exploding craze in errors and many related misleading postings on the Internet, we respectfully ask that before you inquire about modern varieties, you kindly read through our existing Q & A's, to rule out the kind of damage or wear we have already addressed.]

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Questions and Answers

Get accurate information on your own collection from a true numismatist.

Q. Is my 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar worth $5,000?

Odds are it's worth $15-20. The U.S. government made millions more silver dollars than were ever needed because of a powerful silver lobby. Hundreds of thousands have been found in modern times in uncirculated bank bags. Your early dollar may look great, but the dies were sharp back then and many people set them aside. It's harder to find a dime from that year! With silver around $17 per troy ounce, we buy most circulated Morgan and Peace dollars for $13-15 and sell them for $16-20 at shows. Of ...

Q. I found a jar of old coins. Which are silver?

All dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars minted 1964 and earlier. Many were set aside from circulation around that time, and as of today (March 13, 2018) they are worth about twelve times face value. So a dime is worth $1.20 in silver.

Q. I have a sterling silver flatware I'm thinking of selling. I have a 4 set and 11 setting (don't know where the 12th is) is it better to sell as silverware, or for the weight of the silver

You will get about the same either way. We pay more than the melters because we have retail clients. Marc

Q. Value of Kenny half dollars

Regular issue Kennedy half dollars, at today’s silver price, are worth $6 for 1964 specimens; $2.50 for 1965-1970; and half a dollar thereafter.

Q. Dear Michael, Good afternoon! I have (5) silver dollars. One 1883-S , two 1896 (no mark) and two 1921, one with an "S" the other has no mark. They are all in decent condition. And I am curious as to what their values would be worth? I also have some paper currency, both red and blue stamped along with penny collections (although not complete) from my Dad. Also have a few items that are unique and was unable to find on the internet, such as a "peach pit" basket from my great grandmother-a stamp collection and some other interesting items! Just curious as the holder of these items if any would be worth what I am hopeful they could be worth or should I just keep all of it around for my daughter and the next generations to come? Thank you, Susan

Susan, your half dollars are probably worth $12-15. If the 1921s are the newer style Peace Dollar, they are somewhat more. The paper currency and cents are probably so close to face value you should give them to kids. Perhaps you can get them off the smart phone for a minute and develop a hobby. The other things are probably worth more for their memories, but you can always send photos.

Q. I inherited my grandfather's coin collection. There are over 1000 coins. Approx. 860 Franklin halves 1947-59. 160 1964 Kennedy Halves. 21 Morgan, 19 Liberty dollars and some 1964 dimes. All coins are in various conditions from poor to fine. I'd be interested in liquidating the collection. What is the best way to do this? Thank you for your time.

See me in my Hastings office. Odds are the silver is 7x face value. 914-649-3317 for appointment. What's your number?

Q. Hi -- do you offer appraisals on Oriental rugs and if so, can you suggest where I can sell ours? It's a rug my husband's grandfather bought in China about 100-120 years ago. Thanks.

Antiques are a tough sell in this region. I often recommend that the owner find a charity to donate to, and I write an appraisal for the retail value; the deduction could be worth more than sale proceeds would generate. I happen to need a rug for my new loft, so if you want a quick sale...

Q. Do you buy stamp collections? I have 4 boxes of albums of US stamps from 1952 to the 1970's. Single stamps, plate blocks,blocks of four, and first day covers. Due to down sizing, I want to sell them instead of leaving them in a storage locker.

Yes. But I use the stamps for postage and I give the covers to children. So you may not be thrilled with what I can pay you.

Q. I have 400 different samples of German paper money from 1921. I have Wheat pennies up to the 1950's. Do they have value and would you be interested in purchasing them? Thanks I heard about you on WHUD

We buy everything but your items are common. The wheat cents are two cents apiece and the currency can be five or ten to the dollar!

Q. Hi Marc, We are deciding on weather to sell some silver coins for their melt values-what is a usual fee for this service?

I don't charge a fee per se; right now we are buying 90% U.S. silver for six times face value, so a quarter becomes $1.50; and a dime, 60 cents. Silver is strong and we might be able to do a little better if it holds! Marc