Silver coins carry layers of value tied to material, history, and condition. Recognizing those factors helps explain ...

At her home in Moonachie, New Jersey, Quintero showed some of the coins that could have value: a few buffalo head nickels, an Eisenhower silver dollar, and at least one coin that dates back to 1887.

Rare coins from the 1930s, particularly those from the earlier part of the decade, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to coin collectors.

Americans are holding an estimated $60-$90 in coins per household. While some rare pennies are valuable, most are worth only a few cents. Consumers can exchange coins for cash at banks, credit unions, ...