Sell Coins in Wilmington and Surrounding Areas
Let me start by saying that this list is by no means all inclusive. If you believe that you have a rarity that is not listed here feel free to Contact Me. The purpose of this page is to assist you in identifying the coins that you have and to give you a background on them as well. The coins shown here are the most widely known and collected. As you will see, I only collect United States coins – the only exception to that would be foreign gold coins.
Silver Coins
Draped Bust Dime (1796-1807)
The Draped Bust Dime was one of the last denominations of coins introduced in the United States. The first appearance of this dime featured liberty on the front and a small eagle on the back. Which was released in limited supply in 1796 and 1797. A later version of this dime with the eagle on the reverse side ran from 1798 to 1807. These dimes range in rarity from very scarce to extremely rare and it is almost impossible to… READ MORE
Capped Bust Dime (1809-1837)
Those of you familiar with the design of the half-dollars that started circulating in 1807 will probably be somewhat aware of what the capped bust dime looks like. First minted in 1809, the front of the coin shows Lady Liberty with a cap on her head, long locks flowing down all the way to her shoulders. The cap is held in place by a band that has “LIBERTY” inscribed upon it. The bust also features the beginnings of a gown that appears to have some sort of brooch attached to it at the shoulder. All told there are 13 stars – 7 on the left and 6 on the right – located above the bust with the mint date sitting clearly at the bottom… READ MORE
Liberty Seated Dime (1837-1891)
Although it underwent a number of modification the Seated Liberty Dime had a long run from 1837 to 1891 and was brought about in part by Andrew Jackson’s Presidency who began expanding the borders of the United States further and further west. By 1837 the United States decided that new coinage was needed that reflected… READ MORE
Barber Dime (1892-1916)
The Barber Dime was minted between 1892 and 1916 and while this dime has a simple enough design the road to accomplishing that design was extremely long. Throughout the early 1880s New designs for coins were submitted by mint engravers throughout the early 1800s with little success. So in an effort to get fresh new designs mint officials opened a contest to the public. Out of over 300 drawings there was only… READ MORE
Mercury Dime (1916-1945)
In 1915, then Mint director Wooley working under the erroneous belief that new coinage had to minted ever 25 years ( When actually the law read there had to be at least 25 years between new coin designs) held a competition for the design of new coinage. He chose 3 well known sculptors of the day to compete Hermon A. MacNeil, Albin Polasek and Adolph A. Weinman. The original idea was… READ MORE
Roosevelt Dime (1946 to 1964)
In 1945 just as World War II was nearing an end, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who been President of the United States for 4 straight terms past away at the age of 63. The people of the United mourned the loss of the man who had seen them through the greatest economic depression of all time, and a World War. They wanted and even needed to see some type of memorial to their beloved and fallen President… READ MORE
Draped Bust Quarter (1796-1807)
The first quarter minted in the newly formed United States was minted in 1796 just for years after it was authorized by the Mint Act of 1792. The history of this “first quarter” is almost as interesting as the quarter itself… READ MORE
Capped Bust Quarter (1815-1838)
First minted in 1815, the Capped Bust Quarter, like most other United States coins of that period and even coins that were produced previously, features Lady Liberty on the coin’s obverse side, shown facing to the left and surrounded by thirteen stars, with six on the right side and seven on her left. The word “LIBERTY” is imprinted upon her mobcap that is in place to hold Liberty’s hair… READ MORE
Liberty Seated Quarter (1838-1891)
Almost from the moment that the U.S. was established, it became clear that appointments to the Mint were based on who you knew rather than what you knew. It was during this time of undisguised nepotism that a young man named Christian Gobrecht began making his mark as an engraver. For more than ten years, Gobrecht tried to obtain a permanent position with the Mint only to be passed over time and time again… READ MORE
Barber Quarter (1892-1916)
In 1887 Mint director James P. Kimball felt that the coinage for United States was out dated and got a bill introduced that would allow for new coin designs to be completed if the coins in circulation at the time was at least 25 years old. The bill past in September 1890 and the Treasury Department set about looking for a suitable design for the upcoming new coinage. Against the wishes… READ MORE
Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)
The Standing Liberty Quarter was conceived at a time when World War I was raging in Europe and America wanted to show that it was prepared to fight for freedom and its hope for peace. Tired of the rather Mundane Barber coins after 25 years in circulation, it was decide it was time for new coinage designs and so a competition was held. Hermon Atkins MacNeil won the competition… READ MORE
Washington Quarter (1932-1964)
Few people realize it, but if it hadn’t been for Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon the Washington Quarter could have designed for a woman named Laura Gardin Fraser. When the idea first came up for a coin to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday, a competition was held to find the best design for a half dollar bearing the first President’s likeness… READ MORE
Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795)
Flowing Hair Half Dollar was one of the very first coins that were issued by the federal government of the United States. Flowing Hair Half Dollar was minted in 1795 and 1794. The size of flowing hair coin was just like the Spanish Dollar and its size was also based on Spanish Dollar. Spanish Dollar was very popular in America for the trade… READ MORE
Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807)
Production of the half dollar began in 1796, at a time when the designs of new coins changed dramatically from year to year. The U.S. Mint seemed determined to make the design of their coins loves by all, which is perhaps why they were so quick to make changes at the first sign of any criticism. The first version of the Draped Bust Half Dollar came in 1796, with the biggest difference between earlier coins being that Lady Liberty looked a little more mature, whilst also being given flowing hair in the new design… READ MORE
Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839)
The 1807 version of the capped bust type of coins depicted left faced lady liberty adorned with a cap tied at the base with a headband engraved LIBERTY, with locks of her hair beautifully kissing her shoulder, her deep cleavage is covered by a cloth or wrapped by a gown aesthetically affixed by a breastpin onto her shoulder. The right side contains seven stars while the left has six of it with the date of manufacture inscribed at…READ MORE
Liberty Seated Half Dollar (1839-1891)
The Seated Liberty, this type of coin was introduced in the United States’ to the national coin system from 1836 to 1891. Twenty cent piece was also introduced in the Seated Liberty design. It was discontinued as it looked just like the quarter… READ MORE
Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)
By the increasing demand of new coin after the Seated Liberty design, Barber Half Dollar was introduced as the replacement. This type of coin had a half dollar, dime and quarter in its coinage system. With the many innovations in the overall era, there was more demand of new coins. The name of this type of coin was derived from the name of its engraver. New quarters and the half dollars were… READ MORE
Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
Walking Liberty Half Dollar was half dollar coinage system or 50 cent silver piece that was issued by the United States Mint in 1916 and this type of coin was present in coinage system from 1916 to 1947. Adolph A. Weinman was the designer of this type of coin. New Mint Director noticed that it is the requirement of the time that new coins should be introduced… READ MORE
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
The Franklin half dollar is one of the coins that were introduced by the American Mint from 1948 to 1963. The fifty-penny piece pictures Founding Father Benjamin Franklin on the front-side and the Liberty Bell on the invert. A little hawk was set to one side of the ringer… READ MORE
Kennedy Half Dollar (1964 to 1969)
This type of coin was distributed in larger amount as compared to other half dollars. But the interesting thing about this type of coins is the disappearance of these half dollars at higher rate. As much as this type of coin was distributed, they disappeared at the same rate…READ MORE
Flowing Hair Dollar (1794-1795)
In October 1795, recently designated Mint Director Elias Boudinot requested that the lawful fineness of .892 (89.2%) silver is utilized for the dollar as opposed to the unapproved fineness of .900 (90%) silver that had been utilized since the group was first printed in 1794. Because of an incredible degree to a reducing in the measure of silver spared at the Philadelphia Mint, coinage of silver dollars declined all through… READ MORE
Draped Bust Dollar (1795-1804)
In October 1795, recently designated Mint Director Elias Boudinot requested that the lawful fineness of .892 (89.2%) silver is utilized for the dollar as opposed to the unapproved fineness of .900 (90%) silver that had been utilized since the group was first printed in 1794. Because of an incredible degree to a reducing in the measure of silver spared at the Philadelphia Mint, coinage of silver dollars declined all through… READ MORE
Liberty Seated Dollar (1836-1873)
The United States has produced a wide variety of dollar coins for years now. Made of various metals at different points, including gold, silver, copper and nickel, they have been a popular denomination with both the general public and coin collectors alike. Without a doubt, one of the most popular U.S. dollar coins is the Liberty Seated silver dollars minted from 1836 till 1871… READ MORE
Trade Dollar (1873-1885)
This type of coin was introduced to the United States Mint as this silver trade coins were very famous for trade in Asia. So basically, this type of coins was introduced in the United States when the price of silver was decreasing due to the increment in the mining… READ MORE
Morgan Dollar (1878-1921)
There is no other United states silver coin can compare with the rich history enjoyed by the Morgan silver dollar. Morgan silver dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, and it remains a favorite of both casual and serious coin collectors… READ MORE
Peace Dollar (1921-1935)
The Peace Dollar represents American ideals as the country began to assert itself on the world stage. The peace dollar was struck by the US Mint during a seven-year period, from 1921-1928, followed by a two-year mintage in 1934-1935.The Silver Peace Dollar coin succeeded the Morgan dollar which was… READ MORE
Silver Eagles (1986-date)
The outline on the coin’s front was taken from the “Walking Liberty” plan by Adolph A. Weinman. As this notorious plan had been an open top pick—and a standout amongst the most cherished outlines of any United States coinage of current circumstances, silver or else—it was restored for the Silver Eagle decades later. The American Silver Eagle was first issued in 1986 and from that point forward more than 200 million silver hawks have been struck. The Silver Eagle… READ MORE
Gold Coins
Gold Dollar (1849-1889)
A gold dollar coin had been proposed a few times in the 1840s, however was not at first received. Congress was at last stirred without hesitation by the expanded supply of bullion caused by the California gold surge, and in 1849 approved a gold dollar. In its initial years, silver coins were being stored or traded, and the gold dollar found a prepared place in business. Silver again coursed after Congress… READ MORE
Draped Bust $2.5 (1796-1807)
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, two and a half dollars represented a considerable sum of money: a five-day salary for the average American worker. However, it is unlikely that anyone outside the Philadelphia Mint would have this amount in the form of the new quarter eagle… READ MORE
Capped Bust $2.5 (1808-1834)
After revamping the design from capped bust to only left faced & with a new modification to quarter eagle, thought to be produced only 2,710 bits, these type of coins demand premium value during auction block to stand above their toughest competition & easily earn their place in stable priced directory. After this new modification to left design made its market flow, it… READ MORE
Classic Head $2.5 (1834-1839)
The $2.50 Classic Head Gold Quarter Eagle (1834-1839) was the first coin of this denomination to circulate in large numbers. New legislation passed by Congress in 1834 altered the standards for United States gold coins, lowering their weight to a realistic level and permitting them to circulate freely and not be hoarded for their bullion value. The basic design of the preceding Capped Head Liberty quarter eagle was retained, although it was altered by removing the Liberty’s cap and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. These changes readily distinguished… READ MORE
Liberty Head $2.5 (1840-1907)
The $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle was pressed by the US mint between 1840 and 1907. This particular design is sometimes also called “Coronet,” for the decoration in Liberty’s hair. During the 1830s, officials hoped to create a design that would serve as an enduring symbol of American gold coinage. Indeed, the Liberty Head circulated for almost 70 years, achieving unsurpassed longevity in U.S. history. The coin has been in circulation from the era of westward expansion to the dawn of World War… READ MORE
Indian $2.5 (1908-1929)
The $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle series, along with the half eagles of the same design type, represents a revolutionary and controversial segment of American numismatics. Coin World Staff Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned by President Roosevelt in 1905 to redesign the nation’s gold coinage. The famed sculptor began in earnest, preparing designs for the Indian Head $10 gold eagle and the $20 double eagle – but was not able to offer new designs for other gold coins before he died in 1907… READ MORE
Three Dollar (1854-1889)
The three dollar gold coin, introduced in 1854, was among the foremost unpopular coins in history. Both the US Congress and the US Mint were sure a 3 dollar gold piece would be a high demand item primarily to buy sheets of one hundred three-cent postage stamps. A similar thought method led to the birth of the 3 cent trime in 1851… READ MORE
$4 Stella (1879-1880)
The four dollar Stella coins were first suggested by John A. Kasson. It was through the efforts of W.W. Hubbell, who patented the alloy goloid (used in making another pattern piece, the goloid metric dollar), that we have these beautiful and interesting coins… READ MORE
Draped Bust $5 (1795-1807)
Long before the minting of this coin began in 1793, officials were aware of the need to maintain the integrity of American coins. A country’s currency is its the face to the world; Not only should they be the right weight, but it was equally important that they be strong and reliable. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of gold and silver plates, but was attracted by the design… READ MORE
Capped Bust $5 (1807-1834)
The first few years of the United States mint were full of problems: the facilities were not adequate, it was difficult run the steel machine, and until 1816, men and horses provided the manpower to operate the machine. However, one of the most serious problems… READ MORE
Classic Head $5 (1834-1838)
In the United States during the earlier decades of the nineteenth century, a few gold coins circulated freely. the bullion content of every U.S. gold coin exceeded its face value, if exchanged for silver on the world market. This has led to huge melting losses. Congress sought to eliminate the profit margin of the bullion speculators by reducing the weight of gold in the United State coinage by about 6.3%. To reflect the new standard, the $5.00 Classic Head Gold Half Eagle type was released in August 1834… READ MORE
Liberty Head $5 (1839-1908)
The United State Mint struck the Liberty Head half eagle from 1839 till 1908, rendering it a common form of currency during many notable events in U.S. history. Probably most significant of all was the Civil War, which resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and the destruction of much of the South’s infrastructure. While the years prior to the war had been marked by numerous political conflicts, the Reconstruction era was an especially dreadful time that left many disillusioned with the nation’s state. These trying decades… READ MORE
Indian $5 (1908-1929)
The Indian gold half eagle $5 gold coin and the quarter eagle are of the same design type. They represent a revolutionary time in American numismatics. The design resulted from a fusion of great political and artistic minds, and reflected a passion for and dedication to the nation’s coinage that may never be see again. President Theodore Roosevelt’s numismatic crusade for more artistic coinage allowed for an unrestrained incubation of concepts, fostered by his relationship with famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens… READ MORE
Draped Bust $10 (1795-1804)
Even though Americans at the time (18th century) were only familiar with the Spanish coins, when discussions of a new monetary system for the United States began after the Revolutionary War, its architects were determined to strike a balance between the old and the new in formulating their plans. Although Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton championed… READ MORE
Liberty Head $10 (1838-1907)
$10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht. The Gold Eagle, also known as Coronet or Liberty Type was minted from 1838 to 1907. The original design displayed Miss Liberty on the obverse with the word Liberty on the Coronet and the spread-winged Eagle on the reverse; this was the No Motto Type minted from 1838-1866. The succeeding With Motto Liberty design began in 1866 and… READ MORE
Indian $10 (1907-1933)
Artistic and U.S. coinage were two words that hardly ever appeared in the same sentence. It was an image President Theodore Roosevelt was determined to change with his sweeping coinage design legislation. One of the first examples produced from this change was the $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and produced from 1907 to 1933… READ MORE
Liberty Head $20 (1849-1907)
The existence of the liberty golden Eagle Coin can be traced all the way back to the great California Gold Rush of 1848 and the discovery of gold at the still famous Sutter’s Mill. The authorization happened in 1849, and the coin entered circulation as American currency in 1850. It holds the highest Gold content of any regularly issued U.S. Gold coin of its time and the original Liberty design was minted for more than 50 years. This is a one-of-a-kind coin in its uniqueness and its place in history… READ MORE
St. Gaudens $20 (1907-1933)
Gold coins signify opulence, and with good reason. Gold is perhaps one of the most easily recognized precious metals. Long before the age of credit cards or even paper currency, it was gold that symbolized wealth. In the early 1900’s, President Theodore Roosevelt inquired of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens as to whether or not he would be interested in re-crafting the design or the nation’s coinage to look more like the coins of ancient Greece, where democracy first took root. What Saint Gaudens created… READ MORE
Gold American Eagle (1986-date)
Many people have come to find the American Gold Eagle coin to be extremely attractive for a wide variety of reasons. While some individuals purchase them because they are a sound investment, there are others who just want to build a collecting of these coins. American Gold Eagles were first minted in 1986, following the passage of a bill by Congress that approved their official creation… READ MORE
Gold Indian Buffalo (2006-date)
The American Gold Buffalo coins were authorized for production for the first time on 22nd December, 2005, under the Public Law and were issued in two varieties, one of which was the ‘Bison on the Mound’. The second variety featured a re-designed thinner base… READ MORE