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Max Hockley
Numismatics and Precious Metals Expert
Education
- Master's in Business Administration, Emory University
Favorite Piece of Advice
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Co-authored Articles (13)
How to Clean Coins without Reducing Their Value
Numismatics expert Max Hockley explains when to clean dirty coins and when to leave them beDo you want to make dull or dirty coins shine like they’re brand new again? Before you start scrubbing, there are a few importa...
A Simple Guide to Cleaning Old Coins Without Damaging Them
Coin collector Max Hockley explains when it’s acceptable to clean old coinsIf your old coins are looking a bit dull or dirty, you may be tempted to clean them. However, cleaning coins can greatly decrease their value, ...
What is a Star Note? And Is It Valuable?
Decoding the star on some U.S. currency If you flip through a wad of paper bills, there’s a slight chance one of those bills may be marked with a small star after its serial number. This is called a star note, or repla...
How to
Calculate the Value of Junk Silver Coins
The majority of U.S. silver coins struck before 1965 were struck from an alloy consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Most of these coins have circulated extensively and have no numismatic value above their silver valu...
Double Die Penny: How to Spot One (& What It's Worth)
Numismatics expert Max Hockley explains the double die error Have you ever found a penny that looks like it's been stamped twice? You may have stumbled on a rare (and possibly valuable) double die coin! A double die is a...
Expert Tips for Cleaning Copper Coins (Without Damaging Them)
Numismatics expert Max Hockley explains when you should (or shouldn’t) clean coins and how to do it safelyWhether you have a whole collection of copper coins or you just found a cool-looking penny on the street, you mi...
How to
Detect Counterfeit Trade Dollars
Counterfeit Trade Dollars have pretty much flooded the market over the past decade. If you want to make sure you buy a real coin, the surest route is to buy a Trade Dollar that's been authenticated and graded by PCGS, NG...
How to
Sell Coins on eBay
Whether you collect coins or have inherited some, eBay is a straightforward way to exchange them for cash. It’s as easy as setting up an account, then listing your coins for sale. Before you begin, identify and grade t...
How to
Clean Quarters
Sometimes, quarters become so dirty that they are just too gross and disgusting to handle. As such, some people find it necessary to clean them, especially if they wish to use them for a craft project. Other people may j...
How to
Find Silver Half Dollars
Depending on when the coins were minted, silver half dollars can be a valuable investment. If you're a coin collector interested in finding the right half dollars, you may not know where to look and what coins are valuab...
Your Complete Guide to Cleaning Ancient Coins
Expert-backed tips on when to clean a coin & the safest ways to do itAncient coins offer a window into the past. However, they are often dirty when you acquire them. If recommended by an appraiser, you can clean them whi...
How to
Sell Silver Coins
Whether you want to take advantage of a strong silver market or have recently inherited a coin collection, it pays not to rush the selling process. The easiest way to sell coins is to track down a reputable dealer. They...
Complete Guide to Your 1921 Silver Dollar's Worth (& How to Value It)
Breaking down your old coin's value & history A 1921 silver dollar (AKA the Morgan dollar) is a special coin – and not just because we don't use silver dollars in our currency anymore! While not very rare, these coins ...
