Thursday, July 3, 2025

Happy 4th of July!

 


Happy 4th of July from us at Martinez Coin And Jewelry Exchange to all of you! 
We hope you have a safe holiday weekend.

3755 Alhambra Ave Ste 1, Martinez, CA, United States, California
(925) 335-9500
martinezcoin@comcast.net



Monday, June 30, 2025

Buying Junk Silver for Beginners

 

 
Here is a video tutorial on what Junk Silver is and how you can determine if your coins are worth more than what you think!

Friday, June 27, 2025

Silver vs Platinum: Metals Other Than Gold You Can Pawn

People’s love of all things silver has a long history, making it a natural precious metal to exchange for cash (or hold onto, as the case may be). Like gold, it isn’t just beautiful but also has a solid reputation in monetary markets, which is part of its allure for pawners.This under appreciated precious metal is used in so many ways that it might be lurking in your home somewhere without your knowledge. It’s a popular feature of lots of things other than jewelry. It can be found on the toes of boots and in electronics, batteries, car parts, and decorative knick-knacks. It’s also been used to make pretty much every type of utensil found in kitchens and dining rooms everywhere. Silver has a timeless beauty that sells, which is why so many people adorn themselves with it in all of its forms. But just like other precious metals, your metal item’s dollar value could be based on a few different factors:

  • Purity. What variety of silver is the item you want to sell? For example, sterling silver is made up of 92.5 percent silver, making it one of the more valuable, in-demand types of silver there is.
  • Weight. The amount of silver in an item is also determined by its weight, thus bringing people more dollars for heavier items.
  • Market demand. How much the shop believes it can make on a given day is yet another consideration.
  • It's uniqueness. A one-of-a-kind necklace might be easier to sell than something more generic.
  • Other variables. Social, political and economic factors can all impact consumers’ willingness to buy a given item, impacting how much money you may get for it.

It’s less likely that you have a jewelry box full of platinum goods – but pawn shops are still interested in this highly valuable precious metal. Because it is less malleable than metals like silver and gold, craft jewelers don’t tend to use it as much. So while it’s more of a niche market compared to silver, its rarity adds to its appeal. But again, what a given pawn shop might give you for your platinum piece of jewelry – or how much it will provide in collateral – depends both on its value and how much the broker wants it.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

What Do You Know About America's First Coins?

 

 
"Moments at the Mint" is a series focusing on the intersection of important moments in  U.S. history with the work of the United States Mint. In this episode, we explore the creation of the first set of standardized American coins. 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Storing Your Collection

Here are some tips on how to store your coin collection properly...

Keep coins cool and dry; Sharp changes in temperature and moisture cause discoloration that devalues coins. Avoid talking directly over coins; tiny droplets of saliva can also create spots on a coin. Just like fingerprints, these marks are difficult to remove.

Use original holders;

All modern coin sets and coins should be bought and sold in original cases and capsules. The Mint sells coin sets in protective plastic cases called lenses or in folders. Individual coins are packaged in capsules fitted into folders or boxes.

In addition to original holders, other storage options include:

  • 2" x 2" cardboard or plastic holders
  • Plastic tubes or capsules
  • Sleeves or envelopes
  • Albums

For high-value coins, use hard plastic holders. Professional coin grading services use sealed holders called slabs to protect authenticated and graded coins. Use acid-free cardboard and plastic holders free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Acid and PVC can ruin a coin’s surface. PVC eventually coats a coin with sticky green slime.

Save documentation; Some coins and coin sets come with a certificate of authenticity and/or an information card.

Keep them safe; A safe-deposit box at a bank is ideal. If you have a home collection, ensure that your home insurance covers full replacement costs. Source

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Getting Started With Coin Collecting

 

 
Numismatics is a fascinating hobby.  This video is your ultimate beginner's guide to the fascinating world of coin collecting! Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your collection, this video covers everything you need to know to get started. Discover the history and value of coins, learn essential tips for starting your own collection, and explore expert advice on how to identify, care for, and preserve your coins. 

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Happy Fathers Day!

 

Happy Fathers Day from us at Martinez Coin And Jewelry Exchange to you! 

Hope you have a very special day!

(925) 335-9500

martinezcoin@comcast.net