Selling Silver in Chicago & Skokie
At Oakton Coins & Collectibles, we buy silver in many different forms — from bullion and coins to jewelry and household items. Whether you’re selling a small amount or a larger collection, we evaluate everything in person and explain how the value is determined.
Most customers who visit are not active silver investors. They’re bringing in items from estates, moves, downsizing, or general cleanouts. Silver often accumulates over time, and many people are surprised by both what has value — and what doesn’t.
How Silver Is Valued
Silver prices are often discussed in terms of the “spot price,” but that number is only a reference point. What you are paid depends on several real-world factors:
- Purity (for example .999 vs .925 sterling vs 90% coin silver)
- Weight
- Form of the item (coins, jewelry, flatware, bullion)
- Current market conditions and demand
- Refining and processing costs
In stable markets, buy/sell spreads tend to be tighter. During periods of volatility or heavy selling, those spreads can widen. This is especially noticeable with silver, which tends to move more sharply than gold.
We go over this with you in person so you understand how your items are being evaluated.
Types of Silver We Buy
Silver comes in a wide range of forms. Some items are straightforward to price and resell, while others require more processing.
Silver Bullion
We buy silver bars, rounds, and government-issued coins such as American Silver Eagles. These are typically valued closest to the underlying silver price due to their known purity and strong resale market.
90% U.S. Silver Coins
Pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars contain 90% silver. These are commonly traded by weight and are one of the most recognizable forms of circulating silver.
Sterling Silver (.925)
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and is commonly found in:
- Flatware and serving pieces
- Tea sets and hollowware
- Jewelry
These items are typically purchased based on their silver content, though larger or unusual pieces are sometimes evaluated individually.
Silver Jewelry
We purchase silver jewelry in all conditions — including broken pieces, single earrings, and mixed lots. Most silver jewelry is valued for its metal content unless it has clear collectible or designer value.
Foreign Silver Coins
Many world coins contain silver, often ranging from 40% to 90% purity. Some trade strictly for metal value, while others carry collector premiums depending on rarity and condition.
A Note on Silver-Plated Items
We do purchase Silver-plated items. They are made from a base metal with a thin layer of silver applied to the surface.
Because the actual silver content is very small and difficult to recover, silver plate has limited value and is purchased as low-grade scrap. We’re always upfront about this so there are no surprises.
What to Expect When You Visit
All silver is evaluated in person at our shop in Skokie. There is no appointment needed.
We sort items by type and purity, weigh them, and explain how the value is calculated. If you decide to sell, payment is made immediately.
Many customers come in unsure of what they have. It’s common to have a mix of sterling, plated items, coins, and non-silver pieces all together — we help sort that out on the spot.
Working With Customers From Across Chicago
We regularly work with customers from throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. In practice, the North Side, North Shore, and nearby suburbs function as one connected area, and many people choose to visit us for a straightforward, in-person evaluation. We also evaluate gold items, including coins, jewelry, and sterling flatware.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver
Is my silver worth anything?
Most silver items have value based on their silver content, though prices vary depending on purity, weight, and market conditions.
Where does silver come from?
Silver forms through similar natural processes as gold and is typically found in the Earth’s crust. It is often mined from ore deposits or recovered as a byproduct of mining other metals like copper, lead, and zinc.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and is commonly marked “.925.”
Are old silver coins valuable?
Many older U.S. coins contain silver and are worth more than face value, even if they are not rare.
Do you buy silver-plated items?
Most silver-plated items have little to no value because they contain very little actual silver.
Is the price based on the spot price?
Spot price is a reference, but real-world buy prices depend on multiple factors including demand and refining.
