Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Buying Silver Dimes and Quarters
Familiarize yourself with the United States' output of silver dimes and quarters by consulting any of a number of excellent reference books or good websites devoted to the subject. A serious investor or collector will also visit coin shops and coin shows to look at examples of what he or she might buy, and to talk to dealers about coins.
Understand how silver dimes and quarters are priced, since virtually all silver coins are worth more than their face value. Bullion (or "melt") value is how much the silver in the dimes and/or quarters are worth as silver. Many silver dimes and quarters, however, are in demand by coin collectors for their beauty or rarity, and that gives them value far beyond their bullion value--their numismatic value.
Decide why you are buying silver dimes and quarters. If you are buying them merely as an investment in silver, the process is fairly straightforward. Find a reputable dealer or company that buys and sells bags of silver coins without numismatic value, and pay according to the current price of silver.
If you're investing in the numismatic value of silver dimes and quarters, narrow your focus to one kind of coin or even one highly desirable coin (depending on what you can afford). Based on careful research, estimate how much you might have to pay for it, and then go looking for it, and be patient.
Establish a relationship with a trusted dealer, either in person or at a distance--mail order or on the Internet--especially if you plan to buy more than a few coins or spend a substantial sum on silver dimes and quarters. Like any business relationship, it may take time to cultivate. If possible, get a recommendation from someone who has bought from the dealer.
An alternate strategy for finding silver dimes and quarters is to do it the way professional coin dealers do it. Seek them out directly at places such as coin shows, estate sales, auctions, or even flea markets, and don't be shy about haggling. Unfortunately, this approach can be time-consuming and difficult, since you are up against a lot of competition (those professional coin dealers).