crazy coin guy

There are many different coins that can be sorted besides pennies.  Below is a short list of different coins and a breif description of what should be kept. All denominations have errors and rare collector coins in the mix, We will leave them out, and only discuss coins that have a melt value exceeding their cash value

So, how do you tell if a coin is silver or not?  Obviously using the information  to the right you can read the date on the coin and if it meets the requirements of a silver coin than it probably is.  but here is a trick, that only experienced coin hunters know: 

You can "edge check" coins for silver.  If you leave the coins standing on edge (does not work with nickels) you will notice the layers of different colors,  with the copper color showing up vibrantly.  Now if there is a silver coin in the roll it  will show pure silver color and no copper will be present.  Once you see this for yourself you will understand and never check dates for silver again.  The picture above should give you a pretty good idea of what I mean.  The two coins with arrows pointing to them are silver.

Nickels:

1942-1945 Nickels are refered to as war Nickels, these Nickels are 35% silver and trade for $1.75 or so

Canadian nickels prior to 1982 are .999 nickel and should always be kept, they bring a premium on the open market. 

Dimes:

 Dimes prior to 1965 are 90% silver and trade around $2.25or more each.

Quarters:

Quarters prior to 1965 are 90% silver and trade for $6.00 or more each.

Half Dollars:

1964-1970 halves are 40% silver and trade around $5.00 each.

Prior to 1965 they were 90% silver and trade around $12.50 each

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT SILVER PRICES FLUCTUATE AND THE ABOVE PRICES ARE FOR SILVER AROUND OR ABOVE $30.  BASED ON THE PRICES IN EARLY 2011