Here is some information on how to find silver coins in circulation. There are few things more exciting to a silver collector than looking through their pocket change at the end of the day a finding a silver dime or silver quarter. These coins from 1964 and older are not just an interesting collectible from America’s past, but they are worth far more than face value. At the time of this writing the 90% silver coins are worth just over 10 times their face value. That means that each silver dime found in circulation is worth just over a dollar and each silver quarter found in circulation is worth about $2.50. Halves or fifty cent pieces from 1965 to 1970 were 40% silver and can be found in circulation as well. For more information on silver coins to look for in circulation visit www.coinflation.com.
There are two primary ways for the average person to find silver coins in circulation. The first way is to simply accumulate a lot of change when making purchases. Carry along a handful of pennies (1983 and older only, as the 1982 and earlier copper pennies are worth about 2 cents each) and use enough pennies to get back only quarters and dimes. Keep an eye on your change and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll find some silver. Once you are familiar with spotting silver coins starting looking into open registers while the clerk is counting your change. If you spot a silver coin in the register drawer simply say that you are a coin collector and would like to buy that old coin. Most people will look at you with annoyance (especially the people in line behind you!) but I have never had a clerk say no.
Another way to find silver coins in circulation for the average person, and the one that probably is the most efficient, is to simply buy rolls of coins at the bank. Spend a morning going around and buying all the rolls of coins that you can afford. Go home and sort through them to find the silver and then simply re-roll and return for cash (or more coins). The bank people will think you are nuts and might not like all the work but that’s OK.
By far the best way to find silver coins in circulation is to have people give you a lot of coins. While bagging groceries in high school one of the cashier’s mentioned that someone just paid with a bunch of old coins. I paid face value for about $7 in silver quarters (worth about $70 today). Of course, quitting your job to run a register at the corner store might be a poor career move but you might consider investing in a coin intensive business in order to find silver coins in circulation. I always look with envy at those emptying the coins from vending machines, Laundromats, car washes, and the greatest of all – coin counting machines!
If you are going to get serious about looking for silver coins in circulation you might as well study up on collectable coins to look for while sorting for silver as well.
