Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
Finally, Silver is starting to move up. We bartered for silver dollars on a housecleaning job years ago. I probably have about 40 coins. It would be nice for them to keep getting more valuable. No? 
What's with silver prices?
- Thread starter Paco Dennis
- Start date
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
It's good to have some Gold and Silver. The prices have increased in recent months as investors are increasingly skeptical about the dumb moves being made in Washington. Silver reached near $180 an ounce in 1980, and if the politicians don't get their act together soon, we may see a similar rise in Silver and the dollar becoming nearly worthless.
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Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
In 79-80 the Hunt family was flying high in the silver market and a friend of mine bought a new car with $1,200 face value of silver quarters.
I’ve never purchased precious metals but I do occasionally think of selling a 10k class ring and a few silver half dollars that float to the surface of the junk drawer every now and then.
If the dollar collapses and precious metals soar in value I’m not sure how practical it will be to buy a loaf of bread or gallon of gas with a one ounce bar or coin.
I read years ago that some Indians keep their wealth in gold chains. The idea being that they could snip off a few links to trade for minor purchases during tough times.
I’m close enough to the cemetery that I’ll just stick with what I know and take my chances.
I’ve never purchased precious metals but I do occasionally think of selling a 10k class ring and a few silver half dollars that float to the surface of the junk drawer every now and then.
If the dollar collapses and precious metals soar in value I’m not sure how practical it will be to buy a loaf of bread or gallon of gas with a one ounce bar or coin.
I read years ago that some Indians keep their wealth in gold chains. The idea being that they could snip off a few links to trade for minor purchases during tough times.
I’m close enough to the cemetery that I’ll just stick with what I know and take my chances.
dilettante
Well-known Member
- Location
- Michigan
I casually follow a local dealer and a couple small shops out of state but that's about it. $1500 in silver today might get you a hamburger soon, but you aren't going to finance long-term care on that.
Silver dimes might make sense if you really expect a need to barter for food and gasoline. But if things get that rough I doubt you'll be buying enough stuff to make larger coins practical. You might be lucky to buy 8 ounces of beef jerky or half a gallon of gas at one time as supplies become constrained very quickly.
Silver dimes might make sense if you really expect a need to barter for food and gasoline. But if things get that rough I doubt you'll be buying enough stuff to make larger coins practical. You might be lucky to buy 8 ounces of beef jerky or half a gallon of gas at one time as supplies become constrained very quickly.
Remy
Well-known Member
- Location
- California, USA
My stepfather gave me a gold coin and some silver coins a number of years back. I had no interest in them. Took them to a place in town that buys who had good online reviews. I was very pleased with amount I got. Also a ring that had been given to me from someone no longer in my life. It had a heavy gold band so that added in too.
I found another gold coin I guess my stepfather gave me, I'll take in and a couple of pieces of gold jewelry that was my mother's I'll take to an estate jeweler in town. I've already called them and they stated to bring in. I need to do that and just get the money if they are something they want. That one ring, I'm sure they will.
If they don't want the rest, I'll probably give to PAWS. I see this, probably reseller, at PAWS and another thrift store downtown who targets the jewelry. I call her the jewelry shark.
I found another gold coin I guess my stepfather gave me, I'll take in and a couple of pieces of gold jewelry that was my mother's I'll take to an estate jeweler in town. I've already called them and they stated to bring in. I need to do that and just get the money if they are something they want. That one ring, I'm sure they will.
If they don't want the rest, I'll probably give to PAWS. I see this, probably reseller, at PAWS and another thrift store downtown who targets the jewelry. I call her the jewelry shark.
JBR
Well-known Member
How do you feel that worked out for you?
Murrmurr
SF VIP
- Location
- Sacramento, California
Silver is being used more and more for electronics and electrical contact points for the myriad features in newer automobiles, and there's an increased demand for it in pharmaceuticals and medical products (unlike most metals, silver is non-toxic).
Maybe that's why it's up in value right now. One of the reasons, anyway.
Maybe that's why it's up in value right now. One of the reasons, anyway.
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
I have five silver dollars, one to give to each grandchild (don't worry, that's not all they were to get). I wonder if they are worth more than $1.
I feel like you do about precious metals. Not only is having a gold bar or more impractical if the dollar collapses, what if it doesn't and you just want to sell. How does one find an honest broker for the gold? Also, how practical in an emergency is it to carry those gold bars if one has to go to a shelter or even a relative's house? I've seen several trends to buy gold (Y2K scare) at various times but always decided against it. Like you, I'll stick with what I know.
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
This will give you an idea of the scrap value but the value as collectible coins might be higher.
| Coin | Composition | Melt Value Updated 10/25/2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Dollar (1878-1921) | 90% Silver | $26.02 |
| Peace Dollar (1921-1935) | 90% Silver | $26.02 |
| Eisenhower, Silver (1971-1976) | 60% Copper, 40% Silver | $10.63 |
| American Silver Eagle $1 (1986-Date) | 99.93% Silver | $33.64 |
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
Thank you Aunt Bea. I'll dig mine out at some point and see if they are from the above dates.
Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
Ok...silver is worth $91 an ounce!!! I have about 40 ounces or dollars. A cleaning customer paid me to clean their house for a silver dollar. Then they were worth about $35.
I think I can trade them in for about $3000!?
I think I can trade them in for about $3000!?
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Sunny Southern California ♥
Here's the current melt values of common (not collector) US pre-1965 silver coins:Ok...silver is worth $91 an ounce!!! I have about 40 ounces or dollars. A cleaning customer paid me to clean their house for a silver dollar. Then they were worth about $35.
I think I can trade them in for about $3000!?
| Morgan Silver Dollar | 0.7734 oz | $70.50 |
| Peace Silver Dollar | 0.7734 oz | $70.50 |
| Kennedy Half Dollar (1964) | 0.3617 oz | $32.90 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 0.3617 oz | $32.90 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 0.1808 oz | $16.45 |
| Mercury Dime | 0.0723 oz | $6.58 |
OneEyedDiva
SF VIP
- Location
- New Jersey
Thank you for this information Star. I have 5 or 6 silver dollars. I'll have to dig them out to see which ones they are. I also have a dollar that looks more like a quarter.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Sunny Southern California ♥
I have a fair amount of silver quarters and dimes. Some were bought in the early 80s, others drifted my way here and there as I'd come across them in my change.
I'm not cashing them in because I purchased them as a final "if the wolf's at the door" hedge against inflation and the possibility of our fiat currency collapsing. Same with old 14K jewelry. In any case, I expect silver and gold to continue climbing in value.
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
I’ve gotten as far as getting my odds and ends of scrap silver and gold into a ziplock bag.
I also have a small collection of sterling silver souvenir spoons, similar to this one, and am curious about the melt value vs the collectible value. I should probably find a way to weigh them or an approximate weight for similar items.
The amount that I have isn’t life changing. I find the idea of shopping around to for a fair price to be a bit daunting. I’ll probably end up doing nothing but I’m ready.
I think it’s a fine idea to cash in a small stash of scrap silver and gold as long as you find a new investment for it before it’s quickly absorbed into your general fund and it disappears.
Consider cashing out and opening a certificate of deposit to create a new stash.
I also have a small collection of sterling silver souvenir spoons, similar to this one, and am curious about the melt value vs the collectible value. I should probably find a way to weigh them or an approximate weight for similar items.
The amount that I have isn’t life changing. I find the idea of shopping around to for a fair price to be a bit daunting. I’ll probably end up doing nothing but I’m ready.
I think it’s a fine idea to cash in a small stash of scrap silver and gold as long as you find a new investment for it before it’s quickly absorbed into your general fund and it disappears.
Consider cashing out and opening a certificate of deposit to create a new stash.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Sunny Southern California ♥
Question is whether the CD will appreciate as much as the silver.
Aunt Bea
SF VIP
- Location
- Near Mount Pilot
My point was that you really haven’t gained anything if you simply trade your dusty treasures for a pizza or a tank of gas.
Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
I hope this helps...I’ve gotten as far as getting my odds and ends of scrap silver and gold into a ziplock bag.
I also have a small collection of sterling silver souvenir spoons, similar to this one, and am curious about the melt value vs the collectible value. I should probably find a way to weigh them or an approximate weight for similar items.
The amount that I have isn’t life changing. I find the idea of shopping around to for a fair price to be a bit daunting. I’ll probably end up doing nothing but I’m ready.
I think it’s a fine idea to cash in a small stash of scrap silver and gold as long as you find a new investment for it before it’s quickly absorbed into your general fund and it disappears.
Consider cashing out and opening a certificate of deposit to create a new stash.
It is lovely to see such a detailed piece! The spoon in your image is a classic example of a Syracuse, New York souvenir spoon, featuring prominent landmarks like City Hall and the Court House.
To help you evaluate your collection, here is a breakdown of how to weigh them and how to think about their value.
1. Estimating the Weight
Since most souvenir spoons are relatively small, their weight can vary significantly based on their length. If you don't have a kitchen scale, you can use these common benchmarks for sterling silver spoons:| Spoon Type | Length (Approx.) | Weight Range (Grams) |
| Demitasse (Coffee) | 3" – 4" | 7g – 15g |
| Teaspoon (Standard) | 5" – 6" | 15g – 35g |
| Heavy/Ornate Teaspoon | 5.5" – 6" | 30g – 50g |
2. Melt Value (Intrinsic Value)
The "melt value" is the raw value of the silver metal. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver.- The Formula: $\text{Weight in Grams} \times 0.925 \times \left( \frac{\text{Current Silver Price per Troy Ounce}}{31.1} \right)$
- The Reality: Most standard souvenir spoons have a melt value between $10 and $25 (depending on current market spot prices). Coin shops or refiners usually pay about 80% to 90% of the actual melt value to account for their own costs.
3. Collectible Value (Market Value)
For many souvenir spoons, the collectible value exceeds the melt value—sometimes significantly. Factors that increase value include:- Maker Marks: Look for names like Tiffany & Co., Gorham, or Watson. A Tiffany souvenir spoon can easily sell for $100–$300+, whereas a generic maker might stay closer to melt value.
- Subject Matter: Rare "figural" handles (where the top is a 3D person or object) or spoons depicting extinct landmarks or specific historic events (like a World's Fair) are more desirable.
- Enameling: Spoons with colorful enamel work often fetch a premium of $10–$30 over plain silver versions.
- Condition: Deep tarnishing is fine (and expected), but "pitting" (tiny holes in the metal) or bent handles can drop the value down to just the melt price.
Summary Table: Melt vs. Collectible
| Feature | Melt Value | Collectible Value |
| Typical Range | $10 – $25 | $20 – $75 (average) |
| High End | Heaviest spoons (~$45) | Rare makers/motifs ($100 - $500+) |
| Best Way to Sell | Local Coin/Gold Shop | eBay or Specialty Antique Dealer |
Trade
Well-known Member
Last year I loaned my brother in law $900 so he could get the brakes on his truck fixed. At that time silver was going for about $30 an ounce and he gave me 30 silver dollars to hold as collecteral. About a month ago he was able to buy them back. Silver was going for about $70 an ounce then. But I sold 29 of them back to him for $30 each and kept one as a souvenier. It's an 1878 S which is one of the oldest ones. But it's also one of the most common so has very little collectable value. They made almost 10 million of them. But it's kind of cool to have.