FAQs

Q: What types of jewelry does Castle Rock Coins & Collectibles purchase?
A: We buy various types of gold jewelry, including rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, watches, and dental gold. Additionally, we purchase silver jewelry marked as “sterling” or “925.”

Q: How do you determine the purity of my jewelry?
A: We assess the purity of your jewelry through a visual inspection and non-destructive testing, which involves using specialized acids to determine its exact purity.

Q: What silverware items do you accept for purchase?
A: We are interested in acquiring all silverware and silver service items, provided they are marked as “sterling” or “925.”

Q: I have a silver item that isn’t jewelry or tableware. Would you consider buying it?
A: Certainly. We buy all silver items, including coins containing silver dated 1964 and earlier. We have the capability to test and determine their precise metal content.

Q: Do you purchase diamonds?
A: Yes, we do buy diamonds. Typically, our focus is on the gold content of jewelry, but if you possess a diamond (or other precious gems) that meets certain specifications and has certification, we are happy to examine it for a potential offer. Should you want to retain the diamond or gem, we can safely remove it from the setting you wish to sell and return it to you.

Questions About Coins

Q: Are silver dollars something you are interested in buying?
A: Absolutely. We purchase both Morgan and Peace silver dollars. These coins hold historical significance and are highly sought after. Starting in 1878, the U.S. Mint produced millions of them, and many remained uncirculated in Treasury vaults. This explains why they can often be found in pristine condition. It’s worth noting that these magnificent coins were in circulation until the mid-1960s. Almost every family has a collection of silver dollars, and we buy them for their 90% silver content and their popularity among collectors.

Q: Do you buy old pennies?
A: Yes, we do. We are interested in Indian Head Cents and Lincoln Wheat Cents dated 1958 and earlier.

Q: How can I distinguish between Wheat Cents and Memorial Cents?
A: Wheat Cents feature two wheat stalks on either side of the reverse, with the words “ONE CENT” between them. In contrast, Lincoln Memorial Cents display an image of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side.

Q: I own a 1943 Lincoln Cent that appears silver. What is its value?
A: The silver appearance of your 1943 Lincoln Cent is due to a zinc coating applied to a steel planchet. In 1943, copper was in short supply due to the war effort, so the U.S. Mint used steel instead. Unless it is in mint condition, your 1943 Lincoln Cent is worth approximately 10-15 cents. It’s worth noting that 1943 was the only year when steel cents were minted.

Q: Do you purchase old nickels?
A: Yes, we buy all types of nickels, including Buffalo Nickels, “V” Nickels, and Shield Nickels, as long as they are dated 1938 or earlier.

Q: What about Jefferson nickels? Do you accept them?
A: Most Jefferson nickels from 1959 and earlier are typically valued at 10-15 cents. However, wartime nickels dated from 1942 to 1945 contain 35% silver and are more valuable. You can identify these coins by inspecting the reverse side, where they have either a “P,” “D,” or “S” above Monticello. We are interested in buying all such “war” nickels.

Q: I have circulated dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier that contain 90% silver. How should I prepare them for appraisal?
A: You don’t need to organize them by denomination; just bring them in together, and we’ll take care of organizing and categorizing them. The value of these coins is determined by the current market price of silver and not by any collector premiums commonly associated with other coins.

Q: Do you buy JFK Half Dollars?
A: Yes, we purchase 1964 JFK half dollars, which contain 90% silver. These should be separated from other coins before visiting our store. However, JFK halves dated 1971 and later are worth their face value.

Q: How much will I receive for my circulated 90%/40% silver coins?
A: The amount we pay depends on the prevailing silver spot price at the time of the transaction and the total face value of your coins. Please give us a call for an accurate price quote, as market prices are subject to change.

Q: Should I create a detailed list of my coins?
A: There’s no need to create a list; we handle the organization and categorization of your coins during the appraisal process. We align them with our dealer pricelists and create an itemized list for you.

Q: Do you buy U.S. Proof and Uncirculated Sets?
A: Yes, we are interested in purchasing U.S. Mint Proof and Uncirculated Sets.

Q: I have coin sets organized by date and mint-mark in albums. Can I sell these?
A: Absolutely. We are keenly interested in buying coins stored in albums. Each series typically has a few key dates or mintmarks where the bulk of their value resides. These are considered the rare or key coins. If your album is complete with no missing coins, it can be quite valuable. However, if you are missing just a few coins, chances are they are the key dates, as these are often hard to find and expensive to acquire. In such cases, an incomplete album containing mostly circulated coins may have less value. In uncirculated condition, even common silver coins can hold good value.

Q: If I request a price over the phone, when might I receive a different amount when I sell my coins in person?
A: The value of common circulated silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars fluctuates with the silver market price. We do our best to explain this when providing a phone quote and attach the quote to a specific spot price range. However, if the silver price experiences significant shifts, you will receive the prevailing price on the day and time of your sale.

Q: Are there other factors that could affect the amount I receive compared to the phone quote?
A: Yes, there are. We receive numerous calls from individuals seeking to determine the value of their coins. Except for coin collectors who have in-depth knowledge about coins, most people are unfamiliar with coin terminology and grading. When you call, we understand that you’re describing your coins to the best of your ability. However, more often than not, we must make educated guesses about the type of coin you have and its general condition. For instance, we might inquire whether your coin appears “used” or “brand new” to assess its wear. Nonetheless, we strive to provide a range of values that align with your description. Nevertheless, our phone estimate can only be as accurate as the information you provide, which is why we recommend an in-store appraisal for the most precise valuation of your collection.

Q: What else could impact the amount I receive for my coins?
A: While it can be challenging for anyone other than a trained numismatist to identify, a coin that has been cleaned, polished, or damaged can lose significant value. Imagine buying a brand new car and then cleaning the body with a course steel wool pad. It would ruin the finish not to mention your car’s value. This applies to coins as well. Simply put, collectors prefer original and authentically aged coins. Reduced demand for lesser coins results in much lower prices. 

Q: I’ve heard that counterfeit coins exist. How can I be assured that my coins are real?
A. For the most part, only the rare dates or key coins of each series have been counterfeited. In the past unscrupulous individuals would add mintmarks to plain examples in order to make them look like the more expensive key date versions. Examples are the 1916-D Mercury Dime, 1932-S and 1932-D Washington Quarters and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. Most people do not have the ability to identify an altered coin let alone a complete counterfeit. Although you may be tempted, avoid any person or business attempting to sell “rare date” coins at “bargain prices”. Chances are high that these coins are fakes. If you have any coins that you believe might be valuable bring them to us for verification.

Q: Do you buy foreign coins?
A: Yes. We are interested in purchasing all kinds of foreign coins and currency.