# Whats the best way to get Silver coins appraised? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 14, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242 "2013-08-14T19:24:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![holmes23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@holmes23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes23)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/1 "2013-08-14T19:24:53Z")
Ive recently come onto a few silver dollar coins and want to know whats best avenue of approach to get them appraised. I’m not expecting much of a gain from them but for general knowledge’s sake im curious. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![aNewLeaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/2 "2013-08-14T19:31:53Z")
Any coin shop will give a pretty good estimate, but ask at two or more stores to compare. If the coins are especially valuable, a specially trained appraised can be hired. Be aware that “book value” may be substantially higher than what anyone will actually give you, just as with cars. The [American Numismatic Association](http://www.money.org/) can certainly provide info on appraisers and such if needed. ---
**Author:** ![Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d9b06d/32.png) [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boozahol_Squid_P.I)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/3 "2013-08-14T19:33:17Z")
You could try a licensed coin dealer, or, lacking one, even a local pawn shop should be able to get you started on valuation. ---
**Author:** ![NotDeadYet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotDeadYet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotDeadYet)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/4 "2013-08-14T20:42:32Z")
If the coin has no collectible value to speak of it is the spot price of siver, assuming the coins in question are .999 pure. ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/5 "2013-08-14T20:53:47Z")
For anything that has significant value, it’s probably worth getting graded. That will make it easier to do objective comparisons too. I think the only 2 that are universally recognized are [PCGS](http://www.pcgs.com/servicesandfees/) and [NGC.](http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.aspx) The links are to their fees and services page. Don’t hesitate to call them with your questions if you have trouble understanding the faqs and other information there. It’s not that complicated but to a newbie, it’s confusing. Also take a look at the grading standards pages. It will give you an idea of what the ratings and price quotes mean when you see them in coin books, ebay, etc. [URL=“[NGC Services and Fees | NGC](http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.aspx)”] ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/6 "2013-08-14T21:08:17Z")
[Here,](http://www.coinflation.com/) at least as far as melt value is concerned. However, while not an expert, I know that Morgan and earlier silver dollars typically command a premium over melt value, not sure about the more recent ones. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/7 "2013-08-14T22:23:49Z")
List the dates and approximate conditions here and I’ll give you a rough estimate. Currently, we’re paying $20 each for average silver dollars between 1878-1935. Grading would only be necessary if they are almost flawlessly uncirculated, or if a very rare dat/mintmark. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-get-silver-coins-appraised/666242/8 "2013-08-15T02:15:19Z")
> [@NotDeadYet](#): > > If the coin has no collectible value to speak of it is the spot price of siver, assuming the coins in question are .999 pure. Most common historic silver dollars (Morgan and Peace) are 90% silver and 10% copper.