We purchase a wide variety of coins, such as old United States currency, some foreign currency and numismatic and bullion coins. While we accept most coins, we most often see dimes, quarters and half dollars from the mid 1900s.
The two ways that we determine the worth of the coin is by its scarcity and condition. While most coins we see do not have much scarcity, customers can often get the value of what the coin is made up of, whether that be silver, non-silver, or gold.
When talking about scarcity, we ask: How many of this coin were minted? And: Are they still around today?
When looking at the condition of coins, we use the Sheldon grading scale. This grading scale gives us a better understanding of how much wear a given coin has. The scale goes from 1 to 70. The scale is as followed: Base (1), Fair (2), Very Fair (3), Good (4-6), Very Good (7,8,10), Fine (12,15), Very Fine (20, 30), Extremely Fine (40), About Uncirculated (50) and Mint State (60-70).
An 1895 proof cameo Morgan silver dollar valued at $45,000! The 1895 Morgan dollar from the Philadelphia Mint may be the most famous U.S. silver dollar in the world. Only the 1804 silver dollar has a greater reputation. That's because, even though the records show that a tiny 12,000 Morgan dollars were struck in 1895, no one has ever seen one. The only 1895 Morgan dollars that are known to have actually been released are 880 proof versions. It is estimated that roughly half of these coins still exist. This means there are approximately 400 coins that every Morgan dollar collector must compete for, if they desire a complete date set.
If you have fine jewelry, luxury watches, coins, or collectibles you no longer use, you might be sitting on more value than you think. Right now, certain high-quality items are seeing strong demand across the United States, and selling them has never been easier.
If you have ever wondered how to tell if jewelry is real, here are some simple tips.
Estate jewelry carries stories. It could be an heirloom diamond ring, a vintage bracelet passed down through generations, or an antique brooch that has been sitting in a jewelry box for decades. When it comes time to part with these pieces, many people assume the best option is to list them online. After all, it’s quick, convenient, and seemingly exposes your items to a wide audience.
But here’s the catch: convenience doesn’t always mean value. In fact, working with estate jewelry buyers in person at a trusted buying event often leads to stronger offers, and here’s why.
At first glance, selling online feels straightforward. Take a few photos, post a description, and wait for bids or offers. The reality? It’s rarely that simple.
Market Uncertainty – Unless you’re an expert, it’s difficult to know if your asking price matches the true market value.
Risk of Scams – Online platforms carry the risk of fraudulent buyers or disputes after the sale.
Fees and Commissions – Many websites take a percentage of your final sale price, cutting into your profit. Some charge as much as 15% for the sale, plus shipping fees and insurance eats into the sale as well.
Time Commitment – Listing, responding to messages, negotiating, shipping, and insuring all fall on you. Some items may take months to sell online
What looked like a quick transaction often turns into weeks of effort, with no guarantee of getting the best price.
National Rarities hosts buying events across the U.S., partnering with local jewelers to provide a safe and professional place to sell. For those looking to sell estate jewelry, these events create a very different experience:
On-the-Spot Appraisals – Trained buyers evaluate your items right in front of you. No waiting for online bids.
Fair Market Offers – Because buyers work with current demand and know what collectors are seeking, you receive a competitive, real-time offer.
Immediate Payment – Accept the offer, and you leave with cash the same day.
No Hassle – No shipping, no photographing, no online fees. Just straightforward selling.
One of the biggest advantages of an in-person event is the expertise behind the appraisal. A vintage Art Deco ring, for example, may look like just another piece of jewelry online. To the right buyer, however, its craftsmanship, period design, and rarity give it added value.
This is where estate jewelry buyers excel: recognizing the unique qualities that online shoppers or generic resale sites might overlook. If you’re looking to sell vintage jewelry, working with professionals ensures your piece is valued for more than just its metal or gemstone weight.
Selling online might feel convenient, but when the goal is to maximize your return, in-person buying events consistently outperform. The combination of expert evaluation, immediate offers, and competitive pricing means your estate jewelry gets the respect and the cash offer it deserves.
Instead of settling for less online, consider attending a National Rarities buying event near you. You may be surprised by just how much your treasures are worth when they’re seen by the right eyes.
