You might be sitting on more than just pocket change.
Every week, we meet people who uncover a jar, bag, or box of old coins—usually during a cleanup, move, or estate sort-through. Most of the time, the coins aren’t neatly displayed or in pristine condition. They’re loose, mixed in with buttons, keys, or receipts—and yet, some of them could be worth far more than face value.
The key? Silver.
What You Should Know About Old Silver Coins
If you’ve got U.S. coins from before 1965—like dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars —there’s a good chance they’re made of 90% silver. And even if they’re scratched or worn, that silver content gives them real value, often much higher than what’s stamped on the front.
For example:
• A silver dime might be worth $2 or more
• A silver quarter could go for $5–$6
• A silver dollar? $20+ depending on the market
That’s why we always say: don’t spend old coins without checking them first.
It’s Usually About the Metal, Not the Mint
While coin collectors do pay premiums for rare dates, special mint marks, or coins in excellent graded condition, that’s the exception, not the rule.
In real-world scenarios—like when we visit clients’ homes to review messy coin collections—the majority of value comes down to silver weight, not collectibility. A coin doesn’t have to be pretty to be valuable. As long as it’s pre-1965 and silver, it’s worth more than what you’d get at the bank.
How We Can Help
At Syl-Lee Antiques, we help sort through these collections and separate the coins that are worth something from those that aren’t. People are often surprised and delighted to learn that their old dimes and quarters are worth real money. Knowing you’ve got a $2 dime instead of a 10-cent coin? That’s a win.
Want to understand what to look for yourself? Watch our short video guide here:
And if you’d rather have a professional take a look, we’re happy to come to you or schedule a time to meet. No pressure, no gimmicks—just honest advice and a clear explanation of what you have.
And read our post about The Importance of Selling Coins & Bills to a Reputable Antique Dealer.