Coins

Making Cents Of It All

A coin is a small, flat, (usually, depending on the country or value) round piece of metal used primarily as a medium of exchange or legal tender. They are standardized in weight, and produced in large quantities at a mint in order to facilitate trade. They are most often issued by a government. Coins often have images, numerals, or text on them. Prior to coinage, bullion was most likely used for this role,

The earliest coins are mostly associated with Iron Age Anatolia of the late 7th century BC, and especially with the kingdom of Lydia.

Coins range in attractiveness from a piece of art created by dedicated craftsmen to boring hunks of poured metal that were stamped. Over the years, different coins have come and gone with the civilizations and governments that issued them. Governments have changed coinage with the name and face of the new ruler, recovery of precious metals, or in attempt to take money out of circulation by convincing its population to "collect" the coins (often termed commemorative).

Coins can have any combination of three values:

  • Face Value (what the issuer says it is worth)
  • Intrinsic Value (Its worth if you melt it down for its metal value)
  • Numismatic Value (Its value as a collectible)

Please take a look below for more information about coin values, and the types of coins that we are always looking to have in stock. If you are interested in selling your coins (we are also interested in paper money!), please take a look at our buying page, or just give us a call at (831) 643-9931.

Face Value

The face value is the value of a coin as printed on the coin by the issuing authority. The face value of a coin is usually its legal value. However, their market value need not bear any relationship to the face value. For example, some rare coins may be traded at prices considerably above their face value.​

Often times, secondary markets are created for "commemorative" or specialty coins that are sold on TV or by a private mint (even the US mint). These coins can be advertised as "special" based upon their subject matter, packaging, or just opinion. Before you pay extra for a coin above its "face value", make sure you understand and agree with why you are doing it; most likely its value is not improved by the packaging it is in or its subject matter. Think of all of the "State Quarters" and "Westward Journey Nickels" issued by the US government. They are most likely still worth $0.25 and $0.05 respectively.

Intrinsic Melt Value

Many Coins throughout history were made from precious metals like Gold and Silver. Different countries did things different ways, and each coin could adhere to a different standard for metal content and weight. Some coins might have numismatic value in addition to its intrinsic value, which is why we always suggest you bring in any coin for an estimate of its value so you don't sell yourself (or your coin) short.

You might be surprised to find that many of the coins you have around the house make be worth a lot more than you think... for example, did you know that many US coins before 1965 have silver and even possibly gold content? As an example, a 1964 Washington quarter you may have in your pocket has a face value of $0.25 (25 cents), but actually has a silver value of ~$3,25, or 13x face value!!!​

If you are not sure what you have, come show and tell. If you are interested in selling, let us give you the fairest price in town!

Numismatic Value

Numismatic value is based upon "collectibility", which means that it is subjective to opinion, as well as based upon facts. While these coins might have intrinsic value based upon their metal content, many are collectible due to things like rarity, beauty, or just a "personal feel". Sometimes all factors align, like the 1343 Edward III Florin pictured to the right. Made of gold, it had an original value of about 6 shillings. With that said, there are only 3 known examples of the coin, and an estimated value of $6.8 MILLION dollars!!!

While we can't guarantee that we can help you find this florin in your collection, we can help you fairly and honestly understand what you have in your collection, its value, and what we would be willing to pay for it if you are interested in selling.

American $20 Liberty

American $20 St. Gaudens

American Indian $10

American $50 Buffalo

American Gold Eagle

American Silver Eagle

American Platinum Eagle

American Palladium 1 oz

British Sovereign

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

France 20 Francs

Austrian Philharmonic

Mexican 50 Peso Centinario

South African Krugerrand

Austrian Ducat

US Morgan Silver Dollar

US Peace Silver Dollar

US Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Us Franklin Half Dollar

US Kennedy Half Dollar

(Pre-1965)

US Barber Half Dollar

US Standing Liberty Quarter

Us Washington Quarter

(Pre-1965)

We Are Always Buying

So... you have decided that you have an item (or several) that you no longer utilize and wish to trade or sell. At A Niche In Tyme, we are committed to ensuring that we provide the utmost transparency and information to a potential seller about their item, what we would pay, and how we justify the price.

With us, you will always understand what your items are worth and what we are willing to pay for it. By default, we clearly post current metals spot market values on a big board right in front of you at our buying station. You know what we know, and have the information needed to make your best decision.

Please take a look below at our buying page for all you need to know about buying and selling precious metals, jewelry and coins... or just give us a call at (831) 643-9931.