Do You Have Coins, Gold and Silver, Estate Offerings or Unwanted Jewelry?

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange buy all types of gold and silver jewelry and coins along with old sterling silver flatware and hollowware.

We want everyone, whether you are a long time customer, a past customer or a new friend to Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange, to research where you sell your unwanted or estate jewelry. Many businesses are new or are traveling through, visiting hotels and flea markets. Come see us at Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange or Vallejo Coin Exchange for an honest hassle-free appraisal from a local company that has been in business for over 4 decades.

We buy all forms of scrap gold and silver based on the current market price. We also buy and sell all types of U.S. coins and paper money as well as some foreign coin.

Our buying process is completely transparent. We tell you exactly what you have and break it down in an easily understandable way. We don’t try to confuse you or hide any information. When selling your valuables, you want a trusted, reputable and honest dealer, such as Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange, who pay top dollar.

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange are always buying collections of all sizes; no matter how big or small. As the area’s most distinguished and trusted dealer since 1979, we pay honest and fair prices and you receive payment on the spot. Furthermore, we make sure all clients are treated equally.

Some of the items we buy:

If your item is not listed here, just ask! We may be able to work with you!

• Gold Watches
• Pocket Watches
• Sterling Flatware
• US Coins
• Gold & Silver Foreign Coins
• Bullion
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Chains
• Broken or Damaged
• Jewelry
• Charms/Pendants
• Rings
• Cuff Links
• Silver Jewelry
• Gold Teeth

The History of U.S. Circulating Coins

 

The story of U.S. circulating coins began long before the opening of a national mint in 1792. Before national coinage, a mix of foreign and domestic coins circulated, both during the Colonial Period and in the years following the Revolutionary War. After Congress established the U.S. Mint in 1792, the Mint struggled for many years to produce enough coins. Finally, production numbers grew to meet the demands of a growing nation, providing some of the most beloved circulating coin designs.

During the Colonial Period, a variety of coins circulated, including British pounds, German thalers, Spanish milled dollars, and even some coins produced by the colonies. Spanish milled dollars became a favorite because of the consistency of the silver content throughout the years. To make change for a dollar, people sometimes cut the coin into halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths to match the fractional denominations that were in short supply.

After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation governed the country. The Articles allowed each state to make their own coins and set values for them, in addition to the foreign coins already circulating. This created a confusing situation, with the same coin worth different amounts from state to state.

In 1787, after much debate about national coinage, Congress authorized the production of copper cents. Called Fugio cents, the coins featured a sundial on the obverse and a chain of 13 links on the reverse. However, the following year, a majority of states ratified the Constitution, establishing a new government and creating a new debate over national coinage.

Ancient Coins - How Were They Made?

 

 

There are a lot of ancient coins that reached our days. They must have had a pretty good way of manufacturing them.

Thats what we're going to discuss today: How were ancient coins made, what kinds of peculiarities each time period had on their processes and explore the little quirks, defects and final results of each technique.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for your service and time. 

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange

3755 Alhambra Ave Ste 1

Martinez, CA 94553

CALL US: 925-335-9500

The First American and U.S. Coins: An Illustrated History

 

This video illustrates the underlying stories of the first American and U.S. coins.  As the video demonstrates, the story of America itself is closely connected with its coinage.

It’s important for collectors to understand the early history of American and U.S. coins and the precise distinction between the two.

We’ll delve into American colonial coinage and the 1652 New England shilling and the events leading up to the American Revolution.  

During the Articles of Confederation era of 1781-87, there was a confusing array of state-issued coinage and the Fugio cent.

Finally, we get to the Mint Act of 1792 and the beginning of U.S. coins following the adoption of the Constitution.

Coin Collecting as a Hobby Through History

Coin collecting dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest pastimes on record. Roman Emperor Augustus liked to give inspiringly designed coins to his friends.

Coin collecting has been a popular hobby for many great and well-known figures throughout history. King George III and at least three U.S Presidents in Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were all known to have had an active interest in coin collecting. In fact, John Quincy Adams, serving president from 1825 to 1829, collected and studied coins and used his knowledge to guide the direction of early American currency.

From about the 15th century onward, coin collecting was mostly reserved for kings and statesmen who employed specialists to scout Europe and Asia for coins of significance and beauty.

Numismatic research was encouraged by nobilities and a major trade in coins was encouraged by mass excavations of ancient sites. King Louis XIV of France kept a large collection that he actively tended to each day.

The Victorian years saw the creation of many numismatic societies and from there came an entire industry of dealerships and enthusiast magazines to support the hobby. By the 21st century, coins were an accepted form of investment and gold and silver coins have become a stable point of investment in uncertain economies. 

Today’s hobbyists, just like Augustus, still treasure coins for historical merit and the immense sense of achievement.

Source

What Are the Best Coins to Collect for Investment?

If you enjoy collecting coins purely for the investment value, you may be wondering what coins are worth your time and money. This list can help you get started with the best coins to collect for profit.

1. Rare, Key Date Coins

The best coins to collect for investment are generally considered to be rare, key date coins in the best grade. Key date coins refer to coins that have a date or a combined date and mint mark that are incredibly rare and difficult to find. These also tend to be some of the most expensive coins in a collection, though the value or price of these coins is also determined by other factors, such as the survival rate, condition rarity, mintage and the popularity of the series among collectors.

2. High-Grade Coins

Purchasing a coin in a high grade is key to finding the best coins to collect for profit. A high grade affects how the value of your coin appreciates. Common, lower grade coins haven't appreciated as well as key date coins, so they may not be the best investment choice, though they can still be a lot of fun to collect and add to an album.

If spending thousands of dollars on a key date coin in a high grade isn't affordable for you, you may want to consider purchasing coins in the finest grade you can afford.

Coin experts believe many U.S. nickels are undervalued. Obsolete coins of a high grade, such as silver Kennedy Half Dollars, Walking Liberty and Franklin are also considered underrated.

3. Bullion Coins

Another coin that could be a great investment is a bullion coin. These coins are typically made from precious metal, such as silver, gold or platinum. Bullion coins make good investment coins because metals tend to rise in value over time.

Source