Which Coins Are Worthless and Which Ones are Valuable?

If you’ve got a handful of coins clinking around in your drawers or in a box under your bed, you may be wondering if they are valuable. But how can you tell which coins are worth something? We’re here to tell you which coins are worthless and which ones are valuable.

Which Coins Are Worthless?

Susan B. Anthony Coins

Susan B. Anthony coins tend not be worth much. There are two reasons that these coins don’t hold much value. The first is that they were extremely common when they were in circulation. It is very rare to come across one that actually has worth to it since so many are common mints. Second, is that there was a lack of interest and confusion when it came to the coins that caused most of the variations to not be in circulation at all. The supply of these coins is very high, while the demand is low. Often, you won’t get more than the face value of the coins.

Sacagawea Coins

Like the Susan B. Anthony coins, the Sacagawea Dollars don’t often hold much value besides the very few rare varieties that exist. These coins are also often only worth their face value, and while they are a great addition to a coin collection, they won’t make you money.

Presidential Dollar Coins

Presidential dollar coins are another type of coin that is only worth its face value. Presidential dollar coins are fairly common on the market and make a fun gift for kids or collectors, but aren’t worth trying to make a sale on. These coins stopped being in production around 2011 because they had a very low demand.

Wheat Back Pennies

Wheat back pennies are coins that are commonly misrepresented as being worth a lot of money, but in reality, they aren’t worth more than a few cents. There are millions of these pennies on the market, and there are only two pennies (the 1909-s and the 1909 BVD) that have value. However, these two pennies are so extremely rare that it’s highly unlikely that you will ever come across one.

Which Coins Are Valuable?

American Flowing Hair Dollar (1794)

The American Flowing Hair Dollar first appeared in 1794, and only lasted until around 1795. The 1795 version is more common than it’s earlier counterpart which makes the 1794 coin extremely valuable.

Draped Bust Half Dollar (1797)

Draped bust half dollars were minted between 1796 and 1807. However, the 1797 draped bust half dollar is a very rare version of the coin with less than 4,000 coins ever minted with only a few hundred still left circulating today.

Liberty Seated Dollar (1870)

Liberty Seated Dollars from 1870 are extremely rare and valuable coins. With only 15 minted of the 1870-S variety, these coins are in high demand and could fetch you over a million dollars if it’s in pristine condition. However, the regular strike 1870 coins are also valued around $100,000 (in pristine condition) and have around 415,000 in circulation.

Morgan Silver Dollar (1889)

It’s possible that you have an 1889 Morgan silver dollar sitting around at home. With over 21 million minted, these coins are valued at around $25,000 if they’re in pristine condition. These coins are also valuable because each mint of these coins has its own distinctive mark.

Any PCGS or NGC Coins

Any coin that is graded by a national grading organization like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) will have value to it. If you buy coins that are already graded by one of these organizations, it’s likely that your coin has potential resale value that can make you a profit.

Should You Clean Coins Before Selling Them?

You should never clean coins before you sell them. Even if you have a coin that is extremely valuable, cleaning it could greatly diminish the value. Even if your coins are very dirty, you should never attempt to clean them before you bring them to be graded. Professional coin dealers won’t mind that they’re dirty, and they will take the proper steps to remove the dirt if it’s necessary.

Want to Buy or Sell Gold and Silver Coins?

If you have coins that you are ready to sell, or you’re prepared to invest in gold and silver coins, California Gold and Silver can help! You can contact us to schedule an appointment or visit our office in Upland, California. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

/by

What’s the Difference Between Karats, Carats, and Carrots?

When you start to invest in gold and diamonds, it’s important to know the terminology associated with each trade. Each of these investment opportunities uses karats or carats as a form of measurement. However, there are a few differences in how carats and karats are measured.

Carats

Carats are a unit of measurement used specifically for diamonds. While most people believe that carat refers to the size of the diamond, it actually refers to the weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. While diamonds are priced on their weight, or how many carats they are, they are also priced based on their cut, clarity, and color.

Karats

Unlike carats, karats don’t refer to the weight of gold, but they instead refer to their purity. Gold ranges from 9 karats to 24 karats with 24 karats being 100% pure gold. Often, people will choose 14-karat gold for jewelry since it is extremely durable and more affordable than other karats. 14-karat gold is about 60% pure gold and 40% other metals. 18-karat gold is another popular choice since it is about 75% pure gold. 18-karat gold also has gorgeous color quality and is very durable. Since 18-karat gold has a very high gold content, it is less likely to irritate the skin.

…Carrots?

Carrots are a delicious root vegetable, and a great healthy choice to add to a meal. They also make a delicious snack on their own!

We Buy Gold, Silver, and Diamonds

If you have gold, silver, and diamonds you’d like to sell, you can bring them into CA Gold and Silver Exchange in Upland, California. We will test, weigh, and price your coins, bullion, and jewelry in our store. We also sell coins and bullion if you are looking to purchase or start investing. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

/by

Gold and Silver Are in Demand – Shop Our Stock

Gold and Silver Are in Demand

Gold and silver are high in demand right now, which is good news for investors. However, this means that it can be more difficult to locate gold and silver items to trade. Here at CA Gold and Silver, we still have both gold and silver items in stock including coins, bullion, and bars.

The Silver Shortage Causes a Peak in Demand

According to the website Chief Investment Officer, “Demand for silver is estimated to have reached a record high of 1.21 billion ounces in 2022, up 16% from the prior year, per the Silver Institute. Gold demand was up, too, some 18%, although it failed to match its 2011 record, the World Gold Council found” (ai-cio.com). This increase in demand comes from the current silver shortage we are experiencing. Since silver is used as an industrial material, and not only for investment and jewelry like gold is, there is a greater disparity in the amount of silver that is available. Only about 25% of our silver comes from mining, so simply increasing our mining production isn’t a viable solution to the shortage.

 

Gold and Silver

Gold Prices Reaching All-Time High

We’re seeing a steady increase in the price of gold this year, and it’s predicted that prices will continue to rise as the year goes on. Currently, we’re seeing gold at the highest it’s been in over ten years, and predictions say that the price of gold will remain high. This has led more people to turn to invest in gold to combat rising inflation prices.

Another big factor in the demand for both silver and gold is the reopening of China’s economy along with others. China is currently the largest trader of precious metals in the world. With their Covid-19 restrictions lifting, and their economy slowly reopening, the demand for gold and silver continues to rise.

We Have Silver and Gold in Stock

If you are an investor that is looking for gold and silver items to buy or sell, come see us at CA Gold and Silver! We have both gold and silver coins, bars, and bullion in stock in all weights and karats. You can see what items we have available here, or call us today for pricing.

/by

Why Are Economists Predicting a Market Crash?

With the Silicon Valley Bank crashing, and others like it predicted to follow, some economists are predicting a market crash in the near future. But what other factors are leading to this crash? And how can you protect your assets? There are several things that may be the root cause of the impending crash, and an easy way to protect yourself is to start investing in gold, silver, and bitcoin as soon as you can.

Factors Leading to the Crash

Why are economists predicting a market crash?

Banks Crashes

In March, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank crashed causing the second and third-largest bank failures in U.S. history. This not only led to the loss of thousands of jobs, but companies with similar banks had to scramble to secure their funds in fear that their bank would also fail. The failure of these banks is leading to a large disruption in the economy since so many businesses relied on SVB for essential financial services such as lending, cash management, and investments.

Inflation

With the price of nearly everything in the U.S. on the rise, we will begin to see many negative consequences very soon if inflation isn’t controlled. According to USNews.com, “While year-over-year inflation did slide in October, if inflation rebounds or if the Federal Reserve is forced to continue to aggressively raise interest rates to keep it in check, that could be a negative scenario for stock prices.” Although the Federal Reserve is “strongly committed” to reducing inflation to 2%, we may see a crash soon if they are not able to achieve this goal.

Interest Rates

A rise in interest rates means that companies have to borrow more money to invest in their growth. Many economists are predicting that the rates are going to continue to rise during 2023 if inflation doesn’t slow down soon. This same problem is occurring in the housing market as well with interest rates on housing also expected to continue to rise.

Geopolitical Events

We are still seeing the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This event has caused stress on economies all around the world and caused a massive wild card for investors. We’re also seeing supply chains at risk in China and Taiwan as tensions between the two countries remain high. However, the political events on our home turf are also causing strife in the economy. With the left and right more divided than ever, members of the House and Senate continue to cause problems for American citizens.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Because of events in Ukraine, Russia, and China, we are seeing a major disruption of the U.S. supply chain in these countries. This is part of the problem with our rising inflation rates as well. With nearly everything in shortage, the supply and demand of the economy is deeply disrupted and leading to a potential crash.

How to Protect Yourself in the Event of a Crash

 

Invest in Gold

MarketWatch.com says that “Gold futures settled Monday at their highest in about 11 months, after briefly topping the $2,000-an-ounce mark for the first time in over year, as the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS stoked fears about more banking-sector fallout.” Despite the concerns over the economy, gold still remains to be a stable investment.

 

Invest in Silver

Like gold, investing in silver also works as a great hedge against inflation. Although it isn’t as valuable as gold, it’s still an excellent investment in times of economic uncertainty. Since silver is one of the most common metals used in jewelry, you may even already have items at home that have some value to them.

Invest in Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a super secure investment with low transaction fees and tons of potential. Bitcoin not only has unlimited growth potential, but it also carries long-term value. However, that’s not saying that Bitcoin doesn’t also come with some risks. If you are new to Bitcoin, make sure to do lots of research before you invest.

 

Ready to Start Investing In Silver or Gold? We Buy and Sell!

If you’re ready to start securing your assets, come to our location in Upland, California and we can help you start your gold or silver investing journey. Contact us today if you have questions.

 

/by

Why You Should Never Clean Your Coins Before Selling Them

Picture this… you find old coins in a box as you’re cleaning out the house of a relative that’s recently passed away. You look up the coins online to see what they’re worth and get excited to see they could fetch you around $300 each. However, you also notice the coins are a bit dirty from sitting in that box for years, so you decide to give them a nice clean and polish them. You go to a shop to sell them, and the shopkeep tells you that they can’t even buy them for a tenth of what they are worth.

Coins can actually lose a lot of value when you clean them. This is why we never recommend that you clean your coins before you sell them.

Why Do Cleaned Coins Lose Value?

Cleaned coins lose value because most cleaning products are abrasive, you can easily damage the coins, and even non-abrasive cleaners can react poorly with other metals in the coins. When you clean your coins, you can also damage the design of the coin itself if you apply too much pressure while scrubbing, or if you scrub for too long. A coin’s design can be one of its most valuable assets, especially when the design is unique, rare, or no-longer in print. It’s one of the most important factors when buyers grade the coin. The coin can also become damaged during the drying process if the cloth you use to dry it is too rough. This causes scratches and blemishes that further decrease the value.  When it comes to bullion coins, even your newer coins hold their value in their precious metal content, not their cleanliness.

clean your coins

What is Patina?

A coin’s patina is the layer of toning that a coin naturally develops over time. Patina development is how the metal in the coin naturally protects itself from the environment. Another important reason not to clean your coins is because a coin’s patina can help determine how much it is worth.

Silver Coins

Silver coins will turn from a light grey to a darker brownish grey with even darker browns in the recessed areas of the coin.

Gold Coins

Gold turns to a softer or warmer yellow over time since it is the least reactive of the metals. It may be harder to determine the patina on gold because of this. If your gold coins have a brown or dark-looking patina on them, it may mean that your coin was not made from solid gold, but was mixed with other metals.

Ready to Sell Some Dirty Coins?

If you have some coins you are looking to sell, you can contact us or come into our shop located in Upland, CA. Although we don’t require appointments, we definitely recommend them to make sure you can be serviced.

/by

Coming Soon: 2023 1 oz American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin

2023 American Eagle 1 Troy Ounce Silver Bullion Coin

Coming Soon to California Gold and Silver Exchange is the 1 troy ounce 2023 American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin. This coin is issued yearly from the United States Mint. Since 1986, the U.S. Mint has issued the 1 oz American Silver Eagle Coin.  In 2021, half way through the year, the reverse side of the coin was re-designed for the first time.  This new Type 2 coin has been very popular among collectors and investors alike.

The obverse of the American Silver Eagle coin features Weinman’s Walking Lady Liberty design.  The Lady Liberty drapes the American flag and leaves.  The front has the sun rising over a ridge.  “In God We Trust” and the word Liberty are also on the front of the coin.  There is no mint mark, but these coins are generally made in the West Point Mint. They do also produce them at the San Fransisco Mint and Philadelphia Mint when more are needed.

The reverse of the American Silver Eagle coin features an American Bald Eagle.  The Bald Eagle appears to be flying through the air, carrying a wood branch.  The coin says “United States of America” “One Dollar” “1 oz. Fine Silver” and “E Pluribus Unum”  The coin is .999 Fine Silver and has a weight of 1 troy ounce.

 

 

 

Specifications of the 2023 Silver Eagle

Alloy: 99.9 AG

Diameter: 40.6 mm

Thickness: 2.98 mm

Denomination: 1 Dollar

Quality: Bullion

Year: 2023

Packaging: 20 in Tube with Green Lid, 25 tubes of 20 coins for a total of 500 troy ounces in monster box

Availability

California Gold and Silver Exchange has secured this new product for purchase in store.  We will soon have 2023 silver Eagles available in store for purchase.  Call for pricing and availability.  For more information on coins from the United States Mint visit The U.S. Mint website. Furthermore, for other items available at California Gold and Silver Exchange visit our What We Sell page or call us directly at 909-985-4653 during regular business hours.

 

 

 

/by

Now Available: Great Britain 2023 Silver Robin Hood 10 oz Bullion Coin

Great Britain 2023 Silver Robin Hood 10 Troy Ounce Silver Bullion Coin

Now available at California Gold and Silver Exchange in Upland, California is the 10 troy ounce 2023 Silver Robin Hood Bullion Coin. Inspired by the traditions of storytelling and folklore, passed down through centuries and generations, the Myths and Legends Collection from The Royal Mint was launched in 2021, beginning with a three-coin series celebrating the famous tales of Robin Hood. These beautiful silver coins are a great addition to any silver stacker collection. Furthermore, the feature the now deceased Queen Elizabeth the Second, one of the last coins to be issued with the beloved Queen.

The legendary hero Robin Hood, who notably took from the rich to give to the poor, appears on the first coin in a new bullion collection inspired by myths and legends. The hero of folklore will soon be followed by two more coins inspired by the tale, featuring the courageous heroine Maid Marian and Robin Hood’s trusted companion Little John.

Stories of this heroic rebel have spread far and wide since the fourteenth century. Robin Hood was often described as a great archer, and Jody Clark’s depiction of the character features him hidden amongst the branches of Sherwood Forest, poised with a bow and arrow ready for action. Struck in 999.9 fine silver, each ten-ounce coin is finished to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard, and is also available as a one ounce fine platinum edition. What a great addition this will make to your silver bullion collection!

Key Features of the 2023 Silver Britannia

  • Each Robin Hood 2023 10oz silver bullion coin featuring the fifth and final effigy of Queen Elizabeth II has a limited production run. 
  • The largest coin in this exciting Myths and Legends bullion coin collection
  • Each coin contains ten troy ounces of 999.9 fine silver
  • Struck to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard
  • Features a modern interpretation of Robin Hood by Jody Clark
  • Individually packaged in a single coin capsule

Specifications of the 2023 Silver Robin Hood

Alloy: 99.9 AG

Diameter: 89.00 mm

Obverse Designer: Jody Clark

Reverse Designer: Jody Clark

Quality: Bullion

Year: 2023

Packaging:  Coin Capsule

Availability

California Gold and Silver Exchange has secured this new product for purchase in store.  Furthermore, this product will be now available, however there will only be a limited quantity of coins.  Call for current pricing and availability.  For more information on coins from Great Britain visit The Royal Mint’s website. Furthermore, for other items available at California Gold and Silver Exchange visit our What We Sell page, check out our blog or call us directly at 909-985-4653 during regular business hours. We are located in Upland, California in San Bernadino County of Southern California.

 

 

 

 

/by

Now Available: Great Britain 2023 Silver King Arthur 1 oz Bullion Coin

Great Britain 2023 Silver King Arthur 1 Troy Ounce Silver Bullion Coin

Now available at California Gold and Silver Exchange in Upland, California is the 1 troy ounce 2023 Silver King Arthur Bullion Coin. Inspired by the traditions of storytelling and folklore, passed down through centuries and generations, the Myths and Legends Collection from The Royal Mint was launched in 2021, beginning with a three-coin series celebrating the famous tales of Robin Hood. These beautiful silver coins are a great addition to any silver stacker collection. Furthermore, the feature the now deceased Queen Elizabeth the Second, one of the last coins to be issued with the beloved Queen.

The legend of King Arthur first appeared in the Welsh medieval chronicles of the ninth and tenth centuries and remains one of the most iconic figures within British mythology. Furthermore, the legend has evolved over the ages, with various narrative strands offering depictions of Arthur that range from a fierce warrior defending Britain against Saxon invaders to the noble leader of the Knights of the Round Table, which embodies the values of a chivalric society.

The design, created by the experienced illustrator David Lawrence, features King Arthur at its center as he sits astride a horse and grasps Excalibur, his legendary sword. Camelot Castle, home to the Knight of the Round Table and their noble leader, can be seen in the background. Struck in 999 fine silver, each coin is finished to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard.  This coin is also available as a one ounce gold edition. Call us for more information on the gold edition, as this item will also be able in store for purchase.

Invest in a legend of British folklore as the story of King Arthur inspires our latest three-coin series within our collection dedicated to myths and legends. In addition, the fabled king graces the first coin of the new series, with Merlin and Morgan le Fay planned to feature on the second and third coins respectively. What a great addition this will make to your silver bullion collection!

Key Features of the 2023 Silver Britannia

  • The first coin in a new three-coin collection inspired by British myths and legends, honoring the legendary King Arthur
  • Each coin contains one troy ounce of 999 fine silver
  • Struck to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard
  • Features an interpretation of the legendary King Arthur by David Lawrence

Specifications of the 2023 Silver King Arthur

Alloy: 99.9 AG

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Obverse Designer: Jody Clark

Reverse Designer: David Lawrence

Quality: Bullion

Year: 2023

Packaging: 25 in Tube

Availability

California Gold and Silver Exchange has secured this new product for purchase in store.  Furthermore, this product will be available for purchase in the middle of November, however there will only by a limited quantity of coins.  Call for current pricing and availability.  For more information on coins from Great Britain visit The Royal Mint’s website. Furthermore, for other items available at California Gold and Silver Exchange visit our What We Sell page, check out our blog or call us directly at 909-985-4653 during regular business hours. We are located in Upland, California in San Bernadino County of Southern California.

 

 

 

/by

Coming Soon: Great Britain 2023 Silver King Arthur 1 oz Bullion Coin

Great Britain 2023 Silver King Arthur 1 Troy Ounce Silver Bullion Coin

Coming soon to California Gold and Silver Exchange in Upland, California is the 1 troy ounce 2023 Silver King Arthur Bullion Coin. Inspired by the traditions of storytelling and folklore, passed down through centuries and generations, the Myths and Legends Collection from The Royal Mint was launched in 2021, beginning with a three-coin series celebrating the famous tales of Robin Hood. These beautiful silver coins are a great addition to any silver stacker collection. Furthermore, the feature the now deceased Queen Elizabeth the Second, one of the last coins to be issued with the beloved Queen.

The legend of King Arthur first appeared in the Welsh medieval chronicles of the ninth and tenth centuries and remains one of the most iconic figures within British mythology. Furthermore, the legend has evolved over the ages, with various narrative strands offering depictions of Arthur that range from a fierce warrior defending Britain against Saxon invaders to the noble leader of the Knights of the Round Table, which embodies the values of a chivalric society.

The design, created by the experienced illustrator David Lawrence, features King Arthur at its center as he sits astride a horse and grasps Excalibur, his legendary sword. Camelot Castle, home to the Knight of the Round Table and their noble leader, can be seen in the background. Struck in 999 fine silver, each coin is finished to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard.  This coin is also available as a one ounce gold edition. Call us for more information on the gold edition.

Invest in a legend of British folklore as the story of King Arthur inspires our latest three-coin series within our collection dedicated to myths and legends. In addition, the fabled king graces the first coin of the new series, with Merlin and Morgan le Fay planned to feature on the second and third coins respectively. What a great addition this will make to your silver bullion collection!

Key Features of the 2023 Silver Britannia

  • The first coin in a new three-coin collection inspired by British myths and legends, honouring the legendary King Arthur
  • Each coin contains one troy ounce of 999 fine silver
  • Struck to The Royal Mint’s bullion standard
  • Features an interpretation of the legendary King Arthur by David Lawrence

Specifications of the 2023 Silver King Arthur

Alloy: 99.9 AG

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Obverse Designer: Jody Clark

Reverse Designer: David Lawrence

Quality: Bullion

Year: 2023

Packaging: 25 in Tube

Availability

California Gold and Silver Exchange has secured this new product for purchase in store.  Furthermore, this product will be available for purchase in the middle of November, however there will only by a limited quantity of coins.  Call for current pricing and availability.  For more information on coins from Great Britain visit The Royal Mint’s website. Furthermore, for other items available at California Gold and Silver Exchange visit our What We Sell page, check out our blog or call us directly at 909-985-4653 during regular business hours. We are located in Upland, California in San Bernadino County of Southern California.

 

 

 

/by

Now Available: Great Britain 2023 Silver Britannia 1 oz Bullion Coin

Great Britain 2023 Silver Britannia 1 Troy Ounce Silver Bullion Coin

Now available to California Gold and Silver Exchange is the 1 troy ounce 2023 Silver Britannia Bullion Coin. This coin is issued yearly from Great Britain’s Royal Mint. For more than 1,100 years, The Royal Mint has innovated to create coins that are both beautiful and secure.  In 2023, Britannia, the symbol of Britain, leas the way to redefine security in the bullion market.  This embodies the Royal Mint’s drive for the very best in design and security.  The latest Britannia combines Philip Nathan’s acclaimed interpretation with four groundbreaking security features to create the most visually secure coin in the world.  These additions both decorate and protect the coin, just as the micro-text that borders the design states – ‘Decus et Tutamen’, which translates as ‘An ornament and a safeguard’. This will be the final year with Queen Elizabeth on the coin. Furthermore, the next coin will feature King Charles.

Furthermore, in the lower left-hand of the design, below Britannia’s flowing gown, is a trident to represent her naval history. As the viewer changes their perspective this trident becomes a padlock, emphasizing the coin’s secure nature. Surface animation behind Britannia reflects the movement of waves and fine details such as the Union flag on Britannia’s shield have been highlighted by tincture lines.

The 2023 Silver Britannia is the only silver coin to carry these new security features, but they are also available on the one ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and tenth-ounce fine gold editions of the coin. The coins come in tubes of 25 (see picture below) and monster boxes of 500 (20 tubes of 25 coins).

Key Features of the 2023 Silver Britannia

  • Features four advanced security features
  • a latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident
  • Surface animation brings the background of waves to life
  • The micro-text provides both decoration and protection
  • Britannia’s shield bears the Union flag, which is accented with tincture lines

 

Specifications of the 2023 Silver Britannia

Alloy: 99.9 AG

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Obverse Designer: Jody Clark

Reverse Designer: Philip Nathan

Quality: Bullion

Year: 2023

Packaging: 25 in Tube

Availability

California Gold and Silver Exchange has secured this new product for purchase in store.  We now have 2023 silver Britannia available in store for purchase.  Call for today’s pricing.  For more information on coins from Great Britain visit The Royal Mint’s website. Furthermore, for other items available at California Gold and Silver Exchange visit our What We Sell page or call us directly at 909-985-4653 during regular business hours.

 

 

 

/by