gold bullion - Leo Hamel

High Value Coins

Was one of your family members a passionate numismatist, but their priceless coin collection is now locked away to gather dust? Well, maybe it’s time to brush the dust off as one of their coins could literally be worth a fortune. Don’t believe us? Here are some of the most valuable coins you might already own and not even know their worth.

1895-S Morgan Silver Dollar

This coin is often referred to as the King of Morgan Dollars and is a very rare find. In fact, you are more likely to come across a forgery than the real deal, as original coins are very rare. There are only 880 mint versions of this coin in circulation from the original 12,000, and if the mint mark is missing, it is likely a forge or a replica.

1896-O Morgan Silver Dollar

This is one of those coins that can puzzle someone not familiar with numismatics. While a worn-out coin is rather easy to find, there are very few mint versions in circulation. Around 4.9 million of these coins were issued back in 1976. But in its original state, the coin is among the rarest finds. A certified mint issue of this coin today can be worth as much as a sports car.

1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar

The predecessor of the previous entry, the 1895 Morgan silver dollar is much more valuable, even in rough shape. There’s an interesting story behind it as well. Back in 1985, the New Orleans Mint was tasked with producing as many silver dollars as they could within a very short deadline. Therefore, the craftsmanship of this coin is rather terrible. The coins were hence stored and many of them melted until they were finally released into circulation and their value skyrocketed due to high demand.

1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar

Despite the coin being very valuable in certified mint condition or even in worn grades, the 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar was never particularly popular among numismatists. The coin is very common in worn out condition, but a mint specimen is a rare find.

1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar

This 1886 dollar is particularly difficult to put a price tag on, and even the most expert numismatists have a hard time appraising this rare coin. Similarly to the 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar, the craftsmanship of this particular coin seems to be rather sloppy. It is also worth mentioning that a forgery derived from the 1886 Philadelphia Dollar has been in circulation, although it is not that common. To recognize the forgery, look closely at the added “O”.

Do you think you might have one of these priceless coins locked up in the attic? Looking for an expert to determine the price of a coin or make sure it’s not a forgery? If so, stop by Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers. Our expert buyers in our comfortable and secure jewelry buying office will resolve any doubts you might have and pay you the highest possible price for these rare coins. Find our hours and the buying office closest to you here or call 619-299-1500.

With the uncertain economy, many families are looking to collect some extra money by selling their gold jewelry, coins, or bars. Because of increasing gold values, many new companies offering to buy gold jewelry have popped up in San Diego, and selling your gold has never been riskier. These buyers seem to pop up at every corner, making it difficult to know whom to trust.

However, with so many people eagerly looking to sell gold jewelry in San Diego, scammers began trying to take advantage of the unwary. This is why it is extremely important to do your research before selling your valuable to someone who might give you an unfair price.

You’ve probably seen “We Buy Gold” signs all around town. With the demand to sell gold so high, many such shops seem to have opened overnight. Some of them are completely legitimate gold buyers, but others might have a few stains on their resume.

Some of the less-reputable ones might even give you a quote that is up to 60% less than what you’d get from a legitimate gold dealer. Most of these shops work without a proper license and don’t follow the same legal procedures that other legitimate practices do. They will no doubt try to devalue your gold jewelry using all types of schemes.

For example, using scales for weighing that are not legally licensed by the Department of Weights and Measures can result in shorting the weight of your gold to reduce its value. That is why it’s important not to rush into selling your gold, no matter how anxious you are. Instead, take the time to research a gold buyer online and look for any red flags from customers who already got burned.

Selling Gold to Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers

Your safest bet when selling gold is to turn to a reputable, local gold-buying business like Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers. A legitimate gold buyer has both friendly and knowledgeable staff and all the right equipment to appraise your gold jewelry. A reputable dealer will offer you advice and will not rush you into selling valuables that may have an emotional value.

Leo Hamel’s is a family-owned business serving customers in San Diego since 1980. In these four decades, we have built a reputation for being a safe, secure, and confidential gold, jewelry, and watch buying business. You can sell your gold of any karat, even broken pieces, or single earrings. Or you can trade it for another treasure from our collection of fine jewelry! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or visit us at a location near you.