Top 7 Coins to Avoid

What Coins’ Not to Bring for Evaluation at Lone Mountain Coin

When considering bringing coins to a coin shop like Lone Mountain Coin for evaluation, it’s important to know which coins are likely to be of interest and which ones may not be worth the trip. While every coin shop has its own policies, certain types of coins are generally less desirable due to low collector demand, common availability, or lack of significant value. To help you prepare, here’s a guide to coins you should avoid bringing for evaluation at Lone Mountain Coin, including specific categories like error coins (unless graded/certified), modern Presidential dollars, Susan B. Anthony dollars, Sacagawea dollars, modern quarters, state quarters, and half dollars after 1970, as we’ll as other coins that coin shops typically avoid.

1. Error Coins’ (Unless Graded or Certified)

Error coins—those with minting mistakes like off-center strikes, double dies, or planchet errors—can be exciting finds for collectors. However, unless these coins have been professionally graded and certified by reputable services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), most coin shops, including Lone Mountain Coin, are unlikely to show much interest. Ungraded error coins are difficult to authenticate and value on the spot, and many errors are minor or lack significant market demand. If you believe you have a valuable error coin, consider having it professionally graded before bringing it in.

2. Modern Presidential Dollars (2007–2016)

Presidential dollar coins, minted from 2007 to 2016 to honor U.S. presidents, are still considered modern coinage and are widely available in circulation or in mint rolls. These coins, made of a copper core with a manganese-brass cladding, typically hold only face value unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition or part of a rare variety. Even then, their collectible value is often minimal. Lone Mountain Coin generally does not prioritize these coins for evaluation due to their low market demand.

3. Susan B. Anthony Dollars (1979–1981, 1999)

The Susan B. Anthony dollar, featuring the women’s suffrage leader, was minted in limited years (1979–1981 and 1999) and is commonly found in circulated condition. These coins are often mistaken for quarters due to their similar size and appearance, which led to their unpopularity during circulation. Unless they are in exceptional uncirculated condition or part of a specific rare variety (e.g., the 1979-P Wide Rim), these coins typically hold little more than face value. Coin shops like Lone Mountain Coin usually pass on these due to their abundance and low collector interest.

4. Sacagawea Dollars (2000–Present)

Sacagawea dollars, also known as Native American dollars since 2009, feature a golden-colored manganese-brass composition and are still in production. These coins are common in circulation and bank rolls, with most holding only face value unless they are high-grade, uncirculated examples or rare varieties (e.g., the 2000-P “Cheerios” dollar). Due to their widespread availability and limited numismatic premium, Lone Mountain Coin is unlikely to seek these coins for evaluation.

5. Modern Quarters (Post-1964)

Quarters minted after 1964 are made of a copper-nickel clad composition and lack the silver content that makes pre-1965 quarters desirable. Unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition or exhibit a significant error (professionally graded), modern quarters are typically worth only their face value. This includes common circulated quarters found in pocket change, which are not of interest to most coin shops.

6. State Quarters (1999–2008)

The 50 State Quarters program, launched by the U.S. Mint from 1999 to 2008, was wildly popular, resulting in billions of these quarters being produced. While they sparked interest in coin collecting, their sheer abundance means that most state quarters, even in uncirculated condition, have minimal value beyond 25 cents unless they are high-grade examples or rare varieties (e.g., the 1999-P Delaware Experimental Planchet). Lone Mountain Coin generally does not prioritize these coins for evaluation due to their low numismatic value.

7. Half Dollars After 1970

Kennedy half dollars minted after 1970 are made of copper-nickel clad and are commonly found in circulation or bank rolls. While Kennedy half dollars from 1964 (90% silver) or 1965–1970 (40% silver) have value due to their silver content, those minted after 1970 have no precious metal content and are typically worth only face value unless in exceptional condition or part of a rare variety. Coin shops like Lone Mountain Coin are unlikely to be interested in these later half dollars.

8. Other Coins’ Coin Shops Tend to Avoid

In addition to the specific categories above, there are other types of coins that Lone Mountain Coin and most coin shops generally avoid due to low value, lack of collector demand, or other factors. These include:

• Damaged Coins’: Coins’ that are heavily worn, scratched, cleaned, or otherwise damaged are typically not desirable unless they are extremely rare or have significant historical value. Cleaning coins, in particular, can drastically reduce their value, as it removes the natural patina collectors prize.
• Common Wheat Pennies (Post-1943): Lincoln Wheat pennies minted after 1943 are made of zinc-coated steel or copper-plated zinc (except for the rare 1943 copper penny). Common dates in circulated condition are worth little more than face value and are not typically sought by coin shops.
• Modern Commemorative Coins’ (Unless Graded): Modern U.S. commemorative coins, issued by the U.S. Mint since 1982, are often sold at a premium to collectors. However, unless they are high-grade, professionally graded examples or rare issues, their resale value is often close to their metal content or face value, making them less appealing.
• Foreign Coins’ with Low Numismatic Value: Common foreign coins from countries with little collector demand in the U.S., such as modern Canadian, Mexican, or European coins, are typically not accepted unless they are made of precious metals or are rare collectibles. For example, Canadian quarters or loonies in circulation are often worth only their exchange value.
• Coin Sets or Collections in Poor Condition: Homemade coin collections or albums containing common, circulated coins (e.g., Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, or Lincoln pennies) are generally not valuable unless they include rare dates, high-grade examples, or key coins. Incomplete sets or those with damaged coins are particularly unappealing.
• Replicas, Counterfeits, or Novelty Coins’: Replica coins, privately minted “tribute” coins, or novelty items (e.g., coins with added colorization or plating) are not considered legal tender or collectible by most coin shops. Counterfeit coins, even if old, are also undesirable due to legal and ethical concerns.

Why These Coins’ Are Avoided

Coin shops like Lone Mountain Coin focus on coins with strong collector demand, significant numismatic value, or precious metal content. The coins listed above are often too common, lack significant market value, or require specialized authentication (e.g., ungraded error coins) to be worth evaluating. Additionally, coin shops must consider resale potential, and items with low demand or high processing costs are less likely to be accepted.

The Good News: What to Bring Instead

If you’re looking to bring coins to Lone Mountain Coin for evaluation, consider items with higher collectible or intrinsic value, such as:

• Pre-1965 U.S. silver coins (dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars with 90% silver content).
• Rare or key-date coins in any series (e.g., 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, 1916-D Mercury dime).
• Professionally graded coins from PCGS, NGC, CACG, ICG, ANACS, or other reputable grading services.
• Gold or silver bullion coins (e.g., American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs).
• Early U.S. coins (e.g., Large Cents, Bust Halves) or coins with historical significance.
• Certified coins with documented value.
• Rare US Paper Currency

Tips for Visiting Lone Mountain Coin

Before bringing coins to Lone Mountain Coin, consider the following:

• Research Your Coins’: Use resources like the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins’) or online price guides to identify potentially valuable coins.
• Avoid Cleaning Coins’: Cleaning can damage coins and reduce their value significantly.
• Organize Your Collection: Sort coins by type, date, and condition to make the evaluation process smoother.
• Call Ahead: Contact Lone Mountain Coin to confirm their evaluation process and any specific requirements.

Conclusion

While it’s exciting to discover coins in your collection, not all coins are suitable for evaluation at a coin shop. At Lone Mountain Coin, items like ungraded error coins, modern Presidential dollars, Susan B. Anthony dollars, Sacagawea dollars, modern quarters, state quarters, and half dollars after 1970 are typically not of interest due to their low value or lack of collector demand. Additionally, common wheat pennies, worn or damaged coins, and low-value foreign coins are also unlikely to be accepted. By focusing on coins with strong numismatic or precious metal value and preparing your collection thoughtfully, you’ll have a more productive visit to Lone Mountain Coin. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, visit lonemountaincoin.com or contact our team directly. Happy collecting!