The first step you should take is to have a look at an online guide. There are great and useful coin price guides for beginners. If you are new to the numismatics world, a basic guide is what you will need. In this way, you can have an idea of what your specimen could be worth without having to move from your house.
A basic and online guide to check the approximate value of your coin is the one from Heritage Auctions (HA). All you will have to do is match the silver dollar, half dollars, or any other US valuable pieces.
Things to know before using the HA guide for U.S. coins
Before going through this HA basic guide, check you know the concepts of:
- Status: Proof set, Mint set, Half cent, cent, two cent, three cent, five cent and so on up to a bullion
- common coins: those which are known for its name because they are very popular like the Buffalo Nickels or the Indian Cents
- hot topics: They could be either Wisconsin Quarters of New Nickels
- Other topics: Error coins, commonly reproduced specimens, world specimens etc.
If you do not want to make use of these “Find by” gateways, you can simply browse the sample coins they offer until you reach one piece that is exactly like they one you have in your possession.
Coin denomination guide
On the left hand side, you will have the obverse and reverse of the specimen. After that, you will have the written name of this dollar, cent and so on. Then, you will need to check the date.
Some specimens are more valuable depending on the year when they were minted. The next thing you will be able to check is the average price of circulated or typical uncirculated samples. Finally, you will have Proof and Mint sets. Prices are just informational.
Once you find out more about its value, you can contact PCGS to see the value of your rare specimen. They have professionals to help you find its accurate value.