Anyone EVER watch Pawn stars?

[Art_from_Ark]

26. No, that's just plain wrong

The value of the metal of a US *collector coin* in decent condition (and I'm not talking about damaged coins, or worn "junk silver" coins that were manufactured in the billions in the 1940-69 era) is NEVER greater than the numismatic value of the coin. If that $20 gold piece (which is a collector coin) were real (and who knows if it was because the date didn't match up with the type), it would be worth at least $1366 as of this writing, versus $1324 for the metal content. The pawn shop could tack another $20 to the $1366 price and sell it easily to a collector.

Morgan dollars from the 1880s are fairly common except for Carson City mint coins (which ALWAYS command a nice premium) and some other mints of various dates. Nevertheless, unless the coins are scruffed up, holed, or otherwise damaged, a pawn shop should be able to easily sell common dates at 10% above their silver value. Heck, given that it's Las Vegas and the shop is no doubt visited by lots of tourists, they could easily sell those dollars with a sign saying something like "Get a genuine silver dollar from the Wild West! Only 15% over the silver value!"

And there is no way that you're going to get a better price by melting down a 1 ounce Buffalo gold coin instead of selling it in its original coin form. But it is almost guaranteed you'll get a lower price by melting it.