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What Are My Old Pennies Worth
"Wheat Cents"-the Lincoln Cent minted from 1909-1959 were minted in the millions. There are some "key" or scarce dates. The include the 1909-S VDB and the 1931-S. Sometimes there are coins that have been altered to make them appear to be a rare date. This can be determined by closing inspection under a microscope. Whatever you do, DO NOT CLEAN OR POLISH ANY COIN. You can devalue a rare coin.
What Are My Silver Coins Worth
90% silver coins were issued in dimes, quarters, and half dollars by the United States through 1964. Though there are some rare issues in various series of coins, the majority of old silver coins are going to be valued by their silver content. As silver goes up or down in value, so will the value of common silver coins. Bring in your silver coins so we can determine if you have any scarce coins. And remember--NEVER CLEAN OR POLISH YOUR COINS. You can reduce the value of a scarce and desirable coin.
Can I look Up The Value Of Coins Myself
Yes of course! A very popular book with information is often referred to as the "Red Book". It has every US coin ever minted listed. Many people, new to the hobby, look up their coins in this book and believe their coin is worth top dollar. That is often not the case. Condition and rarity are the two factors affecting value. Furthermore, these books are printed once a year and cannot reflect the changes in market value that can occur. The "Red Book" is a great book and can help you determine if your coin is scarce, and then a knowledgeable dealer can help you determine the market value of your coin.
TV "Deals" And Why You Should Avoid Them
Promoting coins (and sometimes medals) on TV can be lucrative to a seller but often provide little to no value to a buyer. That TV advertising is expensive, and often the buyer pays well over current market value when they buy one.
Coins: issued by the government with a face value to be used in commerce
Medals: issued by private companies to commemorate a person or event with no value in commerce
My best suggestion is: don't spend your money buying these items off the TV. Contact a professional if you have an interest, and they can educate you as to value.