Setting the SILVER STANDARD IN U.S. COINS

AFFORDABLE SILVER COINS SHINE AT AUCTION

- BY GREG REYNOLDS

In recent months, affordability has become a buzzword in America as many households struggle to keep up with the high cost of living. Collecting scarce, high-quality 19th-century coins is an expensive hobby. So, I am going to present an unusual auction analysis here with an in-depth look at many coins that are relatively inexpensive and many people can afford. Consequently, I do not draw attention to the most expensive coins in this particular auction.

During June 2025, Stack's Bowers Galleries, one of the largest, oldest and most prolific coin dealerships in the world, conducted a “Showcase Auction” that featured an assortment of coins, medals, tokens and paper money—mostly United States government issues. Although this was the official auction of the Whitman Expo in Baltimore and all lots were shown there from June 18 to 20, the auction sessions were held at the Stack's Bowers headquarters in Costa Mesa, California. The coins I review here were auctioned on June 24 or 25.

It is just not practical to cover an entire auction that includes thousands of items of interest to collectors. There were appealing U.S. gold coins, copper coins and nickels in this auction, but I would have to write a long book to review all of them. Therefore, I narrowed my coverage to individual U.S. silver coins that I favor.

I encourage every budget-coin buyer to learn about coins and markets for coins, ask many questions and make their own decisions. It is also important for value-minded buyers to think carefully about how much to pay for coins. Some coins in auctions bring gigantic prices—way above market values—while others are good deals for buyers. U.S. coins in major auctions frequently bring high-wholesale or low-retail prices.