What Is A Fair Value?

One ounce or one pound? Are they American silver eagles? Are the proofs or bullion? A photo would help.

Any chance you might be able to post a picture or two?

It's very likely that what you have are medals rather than coins. As there is a potential large difference in market value based on whether a piece is a coin or medal, a few pictures of what you have would help greatly.

Based on the "1986" date, I'm thinking you may either have some Statue of Liberty centennial pieces or some large silver rounds that feature the Walking Liberty design that is currently seen on the American Silver Eagle (and formerly found on the Walking Liberty half-dollars of 1916-1947). If "Yes" to either, they would not be US coins - - " they would be medals. The US Mint has never issued one troy pound silver coins.

Important Note: A troy pound contains 12 troy ounces of silver, not 16 ounces.

Regarding your questions...

Retail value?

If they are, in fact, medals, it's likely that a dealer will base his purchase price on their melt value as most modern medals are not as easy to sell as coins and thus place more stress on a dealer's cash flow. A local dealer I know pays between 80% and 90% of melt value for silver that he considers bullion.

Reputable dealer?

Is there a local coin club in your area? If there is, you might consider bringing the pieces to one of their meetings. One or more members would likely be able to steer you toward an appropriate local dealer. You can search the internet for clubs in your area. You can also visit the American Numismatic Association ( ANA) site at http://www.money.org to search for a local club.

Reasonable discount?

First off, it is very likely that the folks "coming to town" to buy gold and silver will not be offering very good prices. I've seen such groups offer only 10-30% of melt value for items which is far less than a reputable local dealer that regularly buys good/silver would/should offer. I would hold off selling to any traveling gold/silver buying show and get offers from two or three local dealers/shops. Prices will vary, but you should be able to get at least 80% of melt from a couple of dealers.

Wow ... you folks replying ahead f me are FAST ... and demonstrative of the tremendous support the CCF offers to all comers.

I am now asking the Mod Dudes to send this thread to the bullion forum.

David

Thank you for the quick response. Yeah, at about 3 1/2 inches in diameter, they are pretty big to be currency. They called them a coin.

The coins/medals are themed. Two different versions of the Liberty/Ellis Island, a Constitution, a walking liberty (american silver eagle?) the 1988 olymipics (yes, dated in 1986) and one other that escapes me now. I can post pictures and the words on the CofA tomorrow.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

The one sold on ebay was in capsule only. You have the box, so selling as a set on ebay could do well. Something like $425 x 6 = $2150 plus box. You could price the set as a Buy it Now for $2500 - $3000.

If the set doesn't sell within a month or so, split the set up and sell each coin individually, since there might be collectors looking for one or two coins to complete the set. You could sell the box separately as well. Good luck!

I would put it on ebay for around $3000, while accepting offers. Then you can see if there are people interested in buying, and how much they are willing to pay. You can haggle a price that you think is fair.

Thank you very much for your feedback. I suspected that the buyer of the coin referenced on ebay thought it might actually be a large Silver Eagle coin or something. I checked the wording of the add it was quite proper in my opin since it made no claims for the unit other than to be what it was. Someone can assume a lot about things on ebay. I really don't want to deal with these items via ebay. And since I'm new, I can't attempt to sell through this forum.

OK. So I will shop some "local" coin dealers and try to sell as a set and expect something approaching melt prices. Or I can decide to sell the cases on ebay and the coins to the jeweler down the street if he'll give mom a competitive price.

Your assistance has been wonderfully educational! Next month, I'll be digging through the proof sets and first day covers she has. That will probably prompt a very different strategy.

Thanks so much!