This is a podcast from MR Mint Coins & Collectibles in Kerrville, Texas, exploring the value, history, and stories behind coins, currency, gold, silver, jewelry, bullion, sports cards, memorabilia, and family collections. Whether you are a lifelong collector, a curious beginner, or someone who just inherited a box of old coins, this show helps you understand what you have, what makes it valuable, and how to make smart, confident decisions. Join host Tom Fox and MR Coin owner Mike Russ for a show that celebrates local expertise, honest conversations, and the treasures hiding in plain sight across the Hill Country.
In this episode, Tom visits with Mike Russ about what makes a coin valuable, emphasizing that mintage and rarity are primary drivers, with age more relevant for 1700s–early 1800s issues and condition playing a major role. Using Morgan silver dollars, Russ explains how mint marks and dates can turn similar-looking coins from melt value to thousands of dollars, and he notes key dates like the 1893-S (100,000 minted) that are heavily faked and should be certified. He discusses grading companies, the 1–70 grading scale, and why cleaning coins can reduce value. Russ contrasts collectible value with metal value as silver prices change and shares surprise stories, including a three-legged 1937-D Buffalo nickel found in change and a certified 1893-S sold for about $7,800.
Highlights:
- What Makes Coins Valuable
- Mintage And Rarity Explained
- Mint Errors Surprise Finds
- Coin Grading Basics
- Mint Marks And Key Dates
- Surprising Valuation Stories
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