Coins Archives | Your Gold Guys

Why and How Does Silver Tarnish?

May 17, 2022

When you purchase a fine silver item or a piece of jewelry, you expect it to be an investment that stands the test of time. Silver, a popular and budget-friendly option when compared to platinum or white gold, is a go-to jewelry metal for when you want a glamourous piece that doesn’t break the bank.

However, as is the case with all metals, silver tarnishes, sometimes faster than you’d expect it to. Tarnishing is not exclusive to low purity silver–even sterling silver will tarnish. Let’s explore why silver items tarnish and how you can slow down the process, clean your silver, or get tarnished silver off your hands.

Common Coins Gold Guys Sees

October 25, 2021

Collector Coins in a case with a magnifying glass

Gold has been a treasured precious metal throughout human history. Even dating back to ancient times, it has held a significance of beauty and status that set it apart from all other precious metals. Gold was also the metallic basis of many circulating coins through the early 20th century.

In today’s world, gold coins are at the top of almost every coin collector’s or coin investor’s want list. Some are more likely than others to be found in circulation. One collection of coins the experts at Gold Guys commonly see is the American Arts Commemorative Series.

American Arts Commemorative Series Medallions are a series made up of ten gold bullion medallions. They were produced by the United States Mint beginning in 1980 and ending in 1984. These coins were sold to compete with other bullion coins including the South African Krugerrand.

After the United States Department of the Treasury started selling portions of the national stockpile of gold, this series was first suggested by North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. Iowa Representative, Jim Leach, proposed that the medallions portray notable American artists. The bill containing the authorizing legislation into law was signed by President Jimmy Carter on November 10, 1978, regardless of objections from Treasury officials.

Coin Lore: The Story of the Half Union 50-Dollar Gold Coin

August 6, 2021

There have been hundreds of different coins concepted and struck by the U.S. Mint over the centuries, whether to serve as a means of legal tender or simply as items of commemoration. From the American Eagle Proof coins to the Eisenhower silver dollar and beyond, U.S. history is rich with rare and unique coins – many of which are still highly sought after as collectible items today.

As extensive as the history of American coinage is, perhaps the most mysterious and legendary piece is the now often forgotten half union 50-dollar gold coin. The half union – while never having been released into circulation – is still often thought of as one of the most significant and well-known pattern coins in the history of the U.S. Mint.

Here is a closer look at the story behind the half union that makes it one of the more iconic coins in our nation’s history.

How much is a gold quarter worth?

July 6, 2021

If you have one or numerous gold quarters in your possession, you may be wondering how much they’re worth and if you should sell them now or hold onto them as longer-term investments.

If this is the case, there’s an important distinction you should make between gold-plated quarters and gold quarters, as one is much more valuable than the other.

Here is a closer look at the differences between gold-plated quarters and gold quarters and how to go about getting value out of either.

Top 5 American Eagle Proof Coins

June 10, 2021

Following one of the most significant Silver American Eagle Proof releases of all time in February of 2021, we’ve built out a list of what we believe are the Top 5 Silver American Eagle Proof 70 coins ever produced.

In its fourth decade, the Silver American Eagle Proof program is one of the most popular coin series offered by the modern United States Mint. Over 130 million coins have been invested in since the program first launched. After being approved by Congress in 1985 under the “Liberty Coin Act,” the first release of the Silver American Eagle was in 1986.

The Silver American Eagle Proof coin holds one troy ounce of 0.999 pure silver. With this, it carries a legal tender face value of $1. The coin’s precious metal contents are guaranteed by the United States Government.