2026-01-14

Coins Dealers Quietly Avoid (The "Groan" Pile)

You paid extra for them. But when you try to sell them, the dealer offers you LESS than melt value. Why?

Dealers hate inventory that is heavy, hard to refine, or ugly.

1. Painted Silver Eagles

The Home Shopping Network loves to sell "Colorized" Eagles. Dealers HATE them. The paint is considered "damage." They have to soak them in acetone to remove the paint before they can wholesale them. Result: You get paid LESS than a normal Eagle.

2. War Nickels (1942-1945)

Result: Only 35% silver. They are dirty, greasy, and refineries charge a penalty to melt them because the alloy is complex (Manganese). Result: Dealers often pay 20% BELOW melt value.

3. 40% Kennedy Halves (1965-1970)

Most people don't know they exist. They look like normal clad coins. Hard to resell. Heavy to ship for low silver content. Result: Avoid. Stick to 90% or .999.

The 'Do Not Buy' List

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