Thu, November 12, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTC
Collecting coins can be an interesting hobby, but not every coin will hold its value over time. Factors such as mint marks, condition, grade, mintage, rarity and demand can make some coins more desirable to collectors than others.
MoneyLion asked Ted Ancher, Director of Numismatics at APMEX, Inc., which collectible coins are more likely to maintain their value, and what makes them worth keeping, rather than redeeming for their melt values, as per the Numistic Guaranty Company.
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Morgan Silver Dollar
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Potential resale value range: $40 to $500 (or more for 1921-D, 1921-S)
Morgan dollars are among the most popular collectible coins in U.S. history, with a variety of common and rare dates that continue to attract collectors, Ancher said. He said that they contain slightly more than three-quarters of an ounce of silver and are generally affordable, except for a few rare coins.
Ancher added that the Morgan dollars are among the easiest U.S. Mint coin series to buy and sell, making them appealing to collectors looking to complete a collection.
Morgan silver dollars are unlikely to be found in everyday change, since regular production ended in 1921. However, collectors can still find them at local coin shops, coin shows and online, said Ancher.
Their value is dependent on the condition of the coins and whether they are uncirculated, circulated, 1921-D, 1921-S or higher-grade uncirculated. And there’s always the outside chance you could come across the extremely rare 1893-S, which has fetched upwards of $2 million in excellent circumstances.
Buffalo Nickel
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Potential resale value range: $2 to $15,000, per PGS Gold & Coin and Golden State Mint
This discontinued nickel series remains popular with collectors because of its recognizable design, affordability and selection of common and rare dates He said that collectors also look for specific dates, mintmarks and varieties, making these coins relatively easy to resell
He also said that although you probably won’t find them in everyday coin change, building a complete collection can cost less than $1,500. They can be found online and in coin shops.
Buffalo nickels, officially known as Indian Head nickels due to a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on one side, were minted from 1913 to 1938.
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel is a well-known error coin that originated at the Denver Mint. Thousands of these nickels were released into circulation before the error was noticed, making these popular among collectors today.
Because the Buffalo nickels are made of 25% nickel and 75% copper and not precious metals, all of their value is numismatic.
Mercury Dime
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Potential resale value range: $1.50 to $10,000 or more, per Carat 24 and Bullion Exchanges
Ancher said that Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 through 1945. He said that with many dates available, you could possibly find one through coin dealers, online sellers or even in a bag of 90% junk silver coins. He added that the hardest coin to find is the 1916-D, which had a limited production and can sell for around $1,000 even in poor condition.
Since most other dates are reasonably priced, it’s possible to build a complete collection for under $3,000 by choosing lower-grade coins
The Mercury dime is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, so it holds its value well. Be sure to check the combination of the mintmark and the date to find out whether you have a rare Mercury dime.
This article was provided byMoneyLion.comfor informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
