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Frequently Asked Questions

Coins, Bullion, & Precious Metal Questions and Answers


What types of coins do you buy and sell?

We buy and sell U.S. and world coins, with a focus on coins that carry numismatic value and can be resold to collectors.

What U.S. coins are most popular with collectors?

Vintage U.S. coins minted before the 1920s are the most sought-after, along with Morgan dollars, American Silver Eagles, and other silver or gold coins.

Do you buy old coins from estates or inherited collections?

Yes, we buy coins from estates and inherited collections. We evaluate any collection brought to us, though we don't actively search out collections ourselves.

How do you determine the value of a coin?

We determine coin value using a combination of resources, including current melt values from Coinflation.com, numismatic pricing guides, and recent sold listings on eBay.

What makes a coin valuable?

A coin's value comes primarily from its metal content, with rarity and condition (quality) adding to that base value.

How can I tell if my old coins are worth money?

Start by checking the metal content against current gold and silver prices on Coinflation.com, then factor in the coin's rarity and condition. Bring the coins in and we'll provide a full evaluation.

Do you buy individual coins, or do you only buy entire collections?

Both. We purchase everything from single coins to complete collections.

Do you buy collections that contain coins, paper money, and other collectibles?

Yes. In addition to coins, we buy currency, gold, silver, tokens, comics, vintage toys through the 1990s, military items, Pokémon cards, sports cards, and most other collectibles that fit our inventory and resale market.

Do you buy foreign coins?

Yes, we buy foreign and world coins.

Do you buy gold coins?

Yes, we buy gold coins.

Do you buy silver coins?

Yes, we buy silver coins.

What types of gold and silver bullion do you buy?

We buy gold and silver bullion of virtually any type, as long as it is verified authentic and appropriate for retail resale.

What are gold and silver bullion bars?

Gold and silver bullion bars are stamped bars with a purity of 90–100%.

What is the difference between bullion value and collectible value?

Bullion value is based strictly on the weight of the precious metal. Collectible value can match bullion value or exceed it when a piece carries a premium for rarity, condition, or demand — though not every collectible item is easy to resell in every market.

How does the current price of gold or silver affect what my coins are worth?

Live gold and silver spot prices, along with supply, demand, and item-specific premiums, all factor into what your coins are worth. Steady prices tend to support a healthy market, while sharp price swings can shift buyer activity.

Do you sell gold and silver bullion for investment purposes?

Yes, we sell gold and silver bullion for investment purposes.

How do you determine the price when buying gold or silver from a customer?

We base our offer on current spot price along with how readily the item can be resold under current market conditions.

Do I need to clean my coins before bringing them in?

No — never clean your coins before bringing them in. Cleaning can significantly reduce a coin's value, so leave them exactly as you found them.

Should I have my coins professionally graded before selling them?

It depends on the coin. In some cases professional grading adds value; in others it isn't necessary. Bring your coins in and we'll advise you on whether grading makes sense for your specific collection.

What is coin grading, and how does it affect a coin's value?

Coin grading is a standardized 1–70 scale that rates a coin's condition based on wear, preservation, and history. A professional grading service evaluates and encapsulates the coin for protection, though our team can also assess a coin's condition in-store.

How does I have Coins determine precious metals spot prices

Precious metal spot prices are priced on the financial markets like any other commodity. There are a multitude of websites that display the spot price (what a troy ounce is being bought and sold for at any given time throughout the day). I Have Coins & Collectibles uses www.coinflation.com as the authoritative source for this information.

How should I prepare my coins for appraisal?

The best thing you can do is bring your coins in “as is”. Do not clean, shine, burnish, buff, polish, dip, or attempt to improve them in any way. Coins are valued on their condition and their lustre can be completely ruined by such actions.

What is junk silver?

Generally speaking, junk silver describes coins that are valued solely on their silver content. In the US, junk silver is also referred to as fractional silver, and is usually understood to mean American coins minted prior to 1965 (back then the dimes, quarters, and half dollars were made of 90% silver content). This category also includes the war nickels (Jefferson nickels minted 1942-45), as well as Kennedy half dollars minted 1965-1970 (these contain 40% silver content). Junk silver is valued for its refined value (no, they don’t get melted down but are traded as a commodity further downstream), as well as by silver stackers who use these coins to diversify their holdings.

How does I Have Coins verify genuine gold or silver? Conversely, can I Have Coins help me test my coins?

The shop is equipped with non-destructive testing equipment. We test everything prior to putting into the display cases. We are happy to help test your coins and jewelry within reason.

Can I have Coins help me refine sterling flatware, platters, candle holders, cups, etc?

We work with a partnering refinery and can help refine sterling and silver-plated articles. This work involves testing, weighing, and transport - and the customer can usually see these items converted to cash within a day or two. Customer gets a percentage of what we get, and it adds up quickly.

Why is it smarter to buy gold and silver from a local shop?

Almost all of the counterfeits that we see come into the shop were bought online. eBay and WhatsApp are great sites for auctions and commerce, but unfortunately they are a scammer’s paradise. Caveat emptor! Whereas if you buy in person at our local shop, you can ensure testing is done. Not to mention Cash is King.

What methods of payment does I have Coins accept? What is preferred?

I Have Coins & Collectibles accepts Cash, Credit/Debit* ** cards, Apple Pay, and Venmo. We do not do trades (generally speaking). Cash is King (this policy allows customer to save on merchant fees).

*for bullion sales using a credit/debit card we add a 3% convenience fee.

**all card sales are subject to positive identification verification, and we reserve the right to decline any transaction.

Comics & Other Collectibles Questions and Answers


What types of comic books do you buy and sell?

We buy and sell comic books in resalable condition, with premium value for books stored in a bag and backboard. Even comics with wear or damage can hold significant value — bring them in and ask, and we'll let you know.

How can I tell if my old comic books are valuable?

We reference the Key Collector app and eBay sold listings to research comic book values.

What makes a comic book collectible or valuable?

Key factors include first appearances of popular characters, as well as the book's age and condition.

Do you buy entire comic book collections?

Yes, we buy entire comic book collections.

Do you buy vintage comic books?

Yes, we buy vintage comic books.

Do you buy modern comic books?

Yes, we buy modern comic books.

Do you buy other collectibles besides coins and comics?

Yes, we carry a wide variety of collectibles beyond coins and comics.

What types of collectibles do you typically have in your store?

Our inventory regularly includes military items, toys, automobile memorabilia, pocket knives, new-in-package toys, music, LEGO sets, and more.

Do you buy sports cards or trading cards?

Yes, we buy sports cards along with Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, and most other trading card games. Our sister stores, TCG Trainers Universe and Franklin Sports Cards, specialize further in TCG and sports card categories.

Do you buy collectibles from estates or inherited collections?

Yes, we buy collectibles from estates and inherited collections.

How do you determine the value of collectibles?

We base our valuations on online sales data and auction history for comparable items.

Should I bring my entire collection in when I want to sell?

Give us a call first — we can advise on the best approach, and we also offer house calls for larger collections.

Selling to the Store Questions and Answers


How does the process of selling coins or collectibles to your store work?

For most collections, we perform a detailed appraisal using comparable sales history from online auctions and marketplaces. Larger or more complex collections may need to be left with us so our team can evaluate every item carefully.

What should I bring with me if I want to sell a coin collection?

Just bring the coins as-is — there's no need to clean, sort, or organize them beforehand. Our team handles that process carefully to avoid any damage from improper handling.

Do I need an appointment to sell coins or collectibles?

We recommend calling ahead to schedule a time, especially for larger collections.

How do you make sure I receive a fair price for my collection?

We price your collection based on current market conditions and how quickly and easily each item can be resold, ensuring our offer reflects real market value.

Do you offer cash when purchasing coins and collectibles?

We pay by check for most purchases, in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Can you help me identify an item before I decide whether to sell it?

Yes, we offer item identification and appraisal services for a fee.

What should I do if I inherited a collection and don't know what anything is worth?

Give us a call. We'll walk you through your options and offer honest guidance based on what's best for you — even if that means recommending another buyer better suited to a specific item.

Why should I sell my coins or collectibles to a local dealer instead of selling them online?

Selling to a local dealer gives you a straightforward, reliable transaction — no waiting on auctions, buyer disputes, or return requests. In many cases, you can get a comparable price locally with far less hassle than selling online.

Does I Have Coins charge for appraisals?

We charge $35 per hour for coin collection appraisals that do not result in a buy. If a customer needs an appraisal done for Estate Settlement reasons, or for insurance purposes - we will charge that amount. If you are interested in selling your collection to us, we will waive that fee. This policy is enforced on a case by case basis.

Does I Have Coins & Collectibles have an Instagram?

Yes, I Have Coins & Collectibles has an Instagram @IHaveCoins_ . It is also the best way for customers to get store updates on products.