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!

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.

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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. 

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

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. 

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

How Valuable Is Your Coin Collection?

 

 

Some of you may have bags of coins at home from a childhood collection, or passed down from your parents. But how can you tell which coins might be valuable? A New Jersey woman said "Better Get Baquero" for help. Here's News 4 consumer reporter Lynda Baquero.

Are All Morgan Dollars Silver?

Although Morgan dollars are not entirely silver, they have a high silver composition.  The historic Morgan Silver Dollars minted from 1878 to 1921 contain 90% pure silver and 10% copper, giving them a durable composition suited for circulation. However, modern Morgan Silver Dollars, reintroduced in 2021, are crafted from 99.9% fine silver, enhancing their purity and appeal to today’s collectors. This distinction in silver content between the classic Morgan dollars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the contemporary reissues underscores the evolution of coinage standards and materials over time, reflecting changing minting practices and preferences in the numismatic world. Source

Should We Make Cents?

 

 

In 2008, Morley Safer reported on the debate on whether it's worth it for the U.S. Mint to continue producing copper pennies. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced it plans to begin phasing out the production of new pennies in 2026.

The Basic Parts of a Coin

Understanding the parts of a coin is essential if you want to be able to learn about coins and discuss them with others. Here are a few key terms:

• Edge: The outside surface of the coin, which is most commonly either flat or grooved
• Field: The flat, smooth part of a coin, forming the background of its design
• Head: Also called the obverse, this side of a coin features a prominent design associated with the country issuing the coin, often the image of a person.
• Legend: The text on a coin that says what country minted it and what its face value is
• Mint Mark: A small letter or letters on a coin to indicate where the coin was made
• Relief: Part of a coin's design that's raised above the flat surface of the coin
• Rim: The raised portion around the circumference of either side of a coin that helps to protect its design from wear during circulation
• Tail: Also known as the reverse, this part of the coin usually features the coin's face value along with a different image or design.

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