Coin Shop in Hamden, CT — Haven Coin & Jewelry

Our Coin Shop Services

From individual coins to complete estate collections — we provide professional, no-pressure service every step of the way.

Types of Coins We Buy

From bullion coins to rare numismatic treasures — we evaluate everything at full value, not just melt price.

Bullion Coins

American Eagles, Maple Leafs, Krugerrands, and other bullion coins trade at a small premium over spot price. We weigh and test each one in front of you, pull live pricing, and show you exactly how the offer is calculated. Hamden residents bring us bullion coins from estate divisions, investment liquidations, and inherited safes — and the process is the same whether you have one coin or fifty.

Silver Dollars and Pre-1965 Silver

Morgan and Peace Dollars are the coins we see most often from Hamden estates. Common-date circulated Morgans trade close to silver value, but key dates like the 1893-S, 1889-CC, and 1895-O can be worth hundreds or thousands even in worn condition. Pre-1965 U.S. silver — dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before the alloy change — is 90 percent silver and priced from the live silver spot. Walking Liberty halves and Mercury dimes from Hamden family accumulations are all worth evaluating individually because some carry numismatic premiums above their melt value.

Lincoln Cents and Small Cents

Lincoln cent collections are one of the most common things we see from Hamden residents who inherited a family collection. Most common-date Lincolns are worth a few cents each, but key dates — the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 plain, and 1931-S — are genuinely rare and command significant premiums in any grade. Indian Head cents, pre-1937 Buffalo nickels, and pre-1942 Liberty nickels are all worth checking. We sort through cent books and nickel folders coin by coin because the one valuable date in a book of three hundred common coins is the one that matters.

Proof Sets and Mint Sets

U.S. Mint proof sets and uncirculated mint sets from the 1950s through the present turn up regularly in Hamden estates. Silver proof sets from 1964 and earlier contain real silver and carry premiums above face value. Later sets are worth less but still have a market. We open each set, confirm the coins match the packaging, and price them based on the silver content and the current collector market for that year. Bring them in their original government packaging if possible.

Do Not Clean Your Coins

The single most important piece of advice we give: do not clean your coins before bringing them in. Polishing, dipping, or scrubbing removes the original surface toning that collectors prize, and a cleaned coin is worth less than an uncleaned one in the same grade — sometimes dramatically less. We see this often with Hamden estate collections where a well-meaning family member has polished old silver dollars thinking it would help. It never does. Leave them exactly as you found them.

Inherited Collections and Whole-Estate Evaluation

If you have a full collection — a binder of Lincoln cents, a set of proof sets, a cigar box of silver dollars, or a complete estate — bring the whole thing. We evaluate every coin individually, not as a single bulk lot. A 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent in fine condition gets valued as a rare coin, not lumped in with the common-date cents around it. Some dealers offer a single bulk price for an entire collection; we do not. We lay out each coin, grade it, and price it so you can see exactly where the value is. Hamden estates from Spring Glen and Whitneyville regularly produce surprises — a key-date cent tucked in a folder or a pre-1933 gold coin in a forgotten box.

The 10-Day Hold

Connecticut law requires a 10-day hold on certain non-bullion items before we can resell them. This is a consumer protection that gives sellers a window to reclaim items if they change their mind. The hold applies to when we can resell, not to when you get paid. Bullion coins and bars are exempt. You receive your check the same day you accept our offer, regardless of the hold period.

Not sure what you have? That is the most common situation we see from Hamden residents. Bring it in — the evaluation is free, and we will tell you honestly whether your coins are worth holding onto or worth selling today.

Ready to Visit Hamden's Premier Coin Shop?

Stop by or book a free appointment. We're open Tue–Fri 10AM–5PM, and Sat 10AM–2PM at 2285 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT. Large collections and estates always welcome.

Content by Matt Pavia, Licensed CT Precious Metals Dealer & ANA Member — Licensed, insured, and committed to fair, professional service.