Old Silver

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Are there any advantages to playing one of the old Silver Clarinets?
   I've got an old silverplated metal clarinet. It isn't in bad shape, and even plays a bit, but it needs a full set of pads. This is going to cost me at least 0.00 and for a bit over 0.00 I can buy a good rebuilt clarinet, or I could have my old Bundy student model rebuilt. To me the primary attraction of the silver clarinet is the appearance. I play clarinet (and saxophone) primarily for my own pleasure, and on occasion with the local Shriner's Band.
   I should say that I appreciate the answers so far, but will probably have it repadded anyhow. It's about 50% playable as is, and has a decent tone. My only real playing is in a very loosely organized band where volume is more important than quality, (I mostly play Alto sax, just clarinet when needed) and the visual statement of a silver metal instrument is a factor. If I get more serious I DO have access to a nice 1960's Noblet wood clarinet.

   • ANSWER:
     I wouldn't bother getting the old silverplated metal clarinet done up. No matter how much work you do on it, its never going to sound as good as a new one. I'd say put it in a display cabinet or something. It might even be worth a few bob cos you don't see very many of them these days. I'd hold onto it though for that reason, rather than sell it.

     You should buy yourself a new instrument. Don't bother doing up the Bundy. I started off on a Bundy, and they're really not good instruments! Go with a student Buffet model. It may cost you a bit more, but it'd be worth it.

2. QUESTION:
   How can I melt old silver jewelry down at home?
   I've got a bunch of old silver jewelry pieces that I want to melt down and pour into mold.

   • ANSWER:
     You can melt silver relatively easily with a high temperature torch. However, in order to ensure that your casting goes well, you need to make sure that your mold is hot (otherwise your metal will cool before filling it) and something that you will be able to easily remove your piece from. Also, make sure that your old silver really is silver. Finally, it is recommended that when casting you use a maximum of %50 old (previously cast) metal--the casting process alters the composition of the metal, so it becomes more porous with each casting.
     If you're not sure what to do, consult a professional. Molten metal causes really nasty burns, and an improperly prepared mold can explode. (All of this also applies to your question about gold.)

3. QUESTION:
   How do you clean the INSIDE of an old silver flask?
   I bought this old well-crafted silver flask and would actually like to use it. I've used several iterations of hot and soapy water but there are still silver particles coming out of the flask and the alcohol tastes metallic.

   Any ideas?

   • ANSWER:
     If the silver is coming off the flask it is probably not usable and should be for looks only. But if it is 'stuff' inside the flask then put in some uncooked rice, add a drop of liquid dish washing soap, and a little water, cap and shake for 2 minutes, pour out, rinse well, and add clear water, shake and pour out (if there are flakes in the water still, it is NOT usable).

4. QUESTION:
   Does anyone know of a good way to tell how much silver is worth? I have an old silver tea set.?
   I have an old silver tea set that was my grandmothers and I have some silverware. I know I can take it to an appraiser but I'm not sure how to even know if they are giving me a good price for it. Any ideas?

   • ANSWER:
     The price of silver, as a metal, can be found at kitco.com, but that is for the commodity, which has been increasing in value the past year. However, silver that is in a collectible product is another thing. I think, the best way to value something, without the assistance of an expert (antique dealer, appraiser) is to see if a comparable item is for sale, either at an antique shop, ebay, craigslist, etc. There are numerous antique blogs on the internet...try a few of them, inquire at different sites....get three estimates, and you are probably somwhere in between the highest and lowest. Also, you may have a personal intrinsic value that will not be applied to the value. So, you may wish to keep it, or give it to a loved one.

     A simple source would be to "google it" and see what happens.

5. QUESTION:
   what is the best way to restore silver items that have turned a black color (very old)?
   I have some very old silver items, plates, platters, bowls etc. that have been in the attic. they are mostly black in color, one has green fuzz on it. I need to know the best way to clean and polish them without loosing the value. Some are very intricate.

   • ANSWER:
     Before you try all those name brand high dollar silver cleaners. Take a glass bowl of white vinegar, place one of the lesser pieces to test it, and wait a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

     Only leave them in as long as needed, but it works wonders on silver coins, brass items, copper and many other soft metals. It might stain stainless steel, (stain the stainless steel, oxymoron).

     It is cheap, vinegar, and it can be used for any cleaning you need to do around the house. Try vinegar first.

6. QUESTION:
   "What would cause my 2 year old silver dollar to suddenly die?
   "What would cause my 2 year old silver dollar to suddenly die? A couple of the fish had signs of fin rot and I put a finrot treatment in. The silver dollar had no signs of fin rot but was floating on top 3 days later. He had fed the night before and was found in morning. Have 10 other fish and none of them have died since " in Yahoo! Answers

   • ANSWER:
     some fish are medication sensitive ,i know when i treat my tank and i keep clown loach in with other fish they do react badly to the medication maybe the silver dollar had a reaction

7. QUESTION:
   how to find (inside) glass dishes to use with old silver serving dishes?
   I have some beautiful old silver serving dishes, but the glass dishes for inside are gone, where (in the UK) to find the right size, glass or pyrex?? I need two oblong dishes 20cm x 28cm. Have tried various stores, without success as to the size!

   • ANSWER:
     Try trawling through your local junk shops. it's amazing what you can find in them.

8. QUESTION:
   Whats the value of a 70 and 40 year old silver coin?
   I have a USA 70 year old silver coin and another 40 year old...

   I wonder whats the value of both of them?

   • ANSWER:
     We need more information, date, denomination and condition etc.

     The reason why is, some Silver U.S. coins was only made with 40% Silver while other was 90%.

9. QUESTION:
   Old Silver Filling What will the dentist do?
   I have this old silver filling that is on my tooth structure but the tooth part that doesnt have the silver filling feels loose like it will fall out. What will the dentist do? how will they remove the old silver filling its surrounding the tooth from the bottom up.

   • ANSWER:
     Sadly as my dentist has told me too many times - the most cavity prone area is next to an older or existing filling. Sounds like you may have decay and weakness in the tooth near the filling.
     The dentist will xray and confirm. Then, just as with any filling he/she will drill out the damage including the old silver and refill the tooth including the decayed area. This is provided there is enough healthy tooth to just do a filling. Should the old filling be very large or a lot of the tooth structure be damaged, a crown may be needed.
     Bottom line - schedule an apt. with your Dentist.

10. QUESTION:
    How much is old silver dollars worth?
    My husband bought 7 silver dollars dateing 1848,1921, 1906, 1895, one does not have a date on front but, on back has the number 999, the last one number is worn but looks like 1901. he paid .00 for the coins. does any one know what they are worth or how to go about finding out? without someone trying to rip us off. my husband loves to buy old thing without knowing anything about it. (i guess thats why he has me..ha ha)

    • ANSWER:
      There's a problem here. The US did not make silver dollars in the years 1905 -1920, so that leaves the 1906 out. The 1848 is very rare, only 15,000 were minted. 1895 are very scarce in all varieties, and .00 for all is too good to be true. A single silver dollar, even a worn one, is worth about just for its silver content. Something sounds very fishy here. The .999 on the back of the one makes me very suspicious that what he bought was a bunch of replica silver dollars. By law, they are supposed to carry the word 'copy' somewhere on the coin. They are sometimes plated with .999 silver. The total silver value in all 7 would be worth a couple bucks at the most.

11. QUESTION:
    Old silver sets any idea what they are worth?
    I came across a 4 piece plus serveing tray Forbes Sliver co. Quadruple with the number 216(i have no clue what they are thats just on the bottom)And i also came across a Wallace Bros Silver 3 piece set and they are both in pretty good shape and really old! I was wondering how much they would be worth if i desided to sale them!
    I Really need your help like before tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

    • ANSWER:

12. QUESTION:
    How do you clean silver... really old silver?
    I need a quick, easy, and cheap way to clean this really old silver I found in my mom's closet

    • ANSWER:
      If you want a very cheap answer, use an alcohol swab and rub very hard.

13. QUESTION:
    Will a really old sterling silver cross tarnish is taken to shower?
    I have an old, old nun's sterling silver cross from 1857. I plan to wear it always even in the shower. Will this affect it anyhow?

    • ANSWER:
      You won't want to wear it always. You can read this link to verify what I am saying but trust me from personal experience on this-water will tarnish it because of all the chemicals in the soaps, chlorine in the water, etc. You do not want to sleep with your jewelry on because it just wears out your chain. I'm sure it's a beautiful piece, so you'll want to take extra-special care of it and put it on in the morning and take it off in the evening when you are finished with it. And you'll want to make sure you are storing it in a cool, dry place-I personally use and love my standing jewelry armoire-the necklaces can hang nicely, earrings have a place to lay carefully without getting lost, and rings have personal little slots to keep them in place. Good luck to you, I hope this helps in some way
      http://www.beadedroyalty.com/jewelry-care.htm

14. QUESTION:
    Polishing silver with a cloth the old fashioned way?
    I will have time to kill. I have an old solid silver 'straw'. Is there a best type of rag or cloth to rub away at silver to get it back to it's beautiful silver color from black? I have time to kill, but don't want to waste my efforts. Anyone know?
    Yea, thanks, I will use all those ways, but I'll be at work standing at a table.. doing almost nothing. So I was thinking of the old fashioned elbow grease way. Then try the tin foil way an polish paste later for whatever is left. Btw, I just thought, this is a useable straw and I don't feel like tasting paste.

    • ANSWER:
      aluminum pan salt and aluminum foil
      check it online
      put water, salt and foil in pan heat up
      touch silver to foil

15. QUESTION:
    I have an old silver standing liberty quarter with the date worn off. How much is it worth?
    After all, even with the date worn off, it's a silver quarter. I have a lot of newer silver quarters, 1964, that may not be worth much more than the silver either.

    • ANSWER:
      It is worth 7-8 times face for it's silver content.

16. QUESTION:
    How to clean an old silver spoon with this green stuff on it?
    I found this old spoon in a creek behind my house and it has all this green stuff on it. I tryed to use soap, baking soda, and salt with fabric softener but nothing worked. I'm not sure how to get it off or what it is.

    • ANSWER:
      Use any silver polish (grocery store)

17. QUESTION:
    Where can i find an old silver bracelet? i Want an old fashioned charm bracelet for xmas.?
    but cannot put vintage charms on a new bracelet because it will look silly. thanks and some old fashioned charm websites etc as well...

    also how can you tell if it is real vintage and real silver.
    Oh just to say i live in the UK near london

    • ANSWER:
      you can try here:
      http://www.greatbrandstore.com/product/category/Bracelet-0-0-160-1.html?af=1
      my friend ever bought one from here, good quality,,and their price include the shipping, so really cheap, hope help

18. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to make my old, sterling silver chain look like new again?
    I have a really nice, sterling silver chain necklace. Its old, and doesnt have that same shine that it did when I first got it.

    WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN IT!!??

    Please help, 10+POINTS for best answer!!

    • ANSWER:
      clean it with baking soda powder. and you can buy new pendants
      http://stores.ebay.com/ismyrnesfashionhouse

19. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to make ny old, sterling silver chain necklace look like new again?
    I have a really nice, sterling silver chain necklace. Its old, and doesnt have that same shine that it did when I first got it.

    WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN IT!!??

    Please help, 10+POINTS for best answer!!

    • ANSWER:
      EAT CHEESE
      NUTRICIOUS
      LALALALALALALALALLALALALA

20. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to clean really dirty old silver?
    they are caked in years of dirt, all in the fine detail engravings and i want to bring them back up to scratch, silver dip cant get into the detail ive tried it, any ideas there must be a way!

    • ANSWER:
      electrolysis:
      use sodium bicarbonate and salt in very hot water with aluminium container or foil.

21. QUESTION:
    How can I easily tell the value of an old silver dollar?
    I have two old coins given to me from my grandma. I just want to know what they are worth but every time i look i get a confusing PCGS chart. I have one 1972 coin with eisenhower on the front and another from 1922.

    • ANSWER:
      The 1922 dollar is called a Peace dollar from the word "PEACE" on the reverse, and it is made of 90% silver. There were several Peace dollars made in 1922 so it is fairly common. The value of the silver is almost currently. If the coin is worn, it will not be worth much more than that. If it has a D or S mint mark below the "ONE" and near the tip of the eagle's tailfeathers, it might be worth just slightly more. If it is in very nice condition, it might be worth or a little more. The Eisenhower dollar probably is not worth as much. If the edge appears very dark, it is likely nickel clad copper which may be worth to someone. If there is an S mint mark under the Eisenhower bust and/or if the edge appears similar in color to the face of the coin, it might be made of silver, and you might consider taking it to a coin expert.

22. QUESTION:
    How do I get a old 1970s Silver Cross pram clean?
    I have an old 1970s silver cross pram. I wanted to know the best way to clean the canvas hood and apron to bring it up nice and clean without marking or damaging it in any way as it is in immaculate condition, just dirty! Also I wanted to know the best way to clean the silver chrome parts and wheels! Thanks alot!!

    • ANSWER:
      Murphy's Oil Soap is a great, gentle cleaner for the hood and apron. You can also use it on the chrome and wheels, then follow with a car polish made for chrome.

23. QUESTION:
    How to paint something to make it look like old silver.?
    For a school project me and some friends need to make a key for a lifesize clockwork doll. We're planning to use cardboard for the actual key, but how can we make it look like old and dusty etc.

    • ANSWER:
      alright metals are kind of a pain in the butt sometimes especially old copper but if i was making old silver then i suggest using gray as a base with aloooot of blackish shadow and lowlights and metals have more highlights because they are very reflective so make sure make good use of your white highlights and possibly suttle highlights of other colors too to creat the illusion of reflections of other objects

24. QUESTION:
    why is my old silver filling beginning to get sore and sensitive?
    i have a silver filling near the back of my mouth on the bottom. it is a fairly big filling and i have it about 3-4 years now. just recently it has began to get sensitive when i drink something cold and sometimes when i eat it begins to pain in the core of the tooth. could the tooth be decayed on the inside? and CAN a tooth with a deep filling decay? Any real help would be great thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, get it checked out. But, it could just be a case of a sensitive tooth. I have this trouble every now and then.

      They make toothpaste for sensitive teeth if that's all it is.

25. QUESTION:
    What does the "O" mint mark on an old silver dollar stand for?
    I know about San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia, s d p mint marks on old coins but what does the O stand for?

    • ANSWER:
      The O on your silver dollar does stand for the New Orleans mint, it was in operation from 1838-1861 & 1879-1909. It had a long and interesting history. At one time in 1861 it belonged to the US government, then the state of Louisiana and finally the Confederate States of America. The 1861-O 1/2 dollar was struck by all three. A lot of it's silver dollars ended out west such as the 1879-O through the 1880's O.That is one reason they have high values in mint state for must saw usage and have wear. One could find them at a saloon in Arizona to the Barbary coast of California..

26. QUESTION:
    Is the dentist gonna drill out my old silver filling?
    My dentist found a cavity in the back of my molar that already has a filling in it. I know I'm getting silver in the new one since the middle of the molar already has an old silver filling. Question is, will dentist just fill the new cavity with silver, or drill out the old filling with the new cavity and put one large silver filling in (yuck)?

    • ANSWER:
      hi most likely he will clean out your cavity and take the old silver filling out,and put a larger filling in,its not ethical leaving an old filling intact and putting in a new one on top of the old one.whatever germs were in the mouth or filling will cause an infection..

27. QUESTION:
    Where is the best place to take a sterling silver locket & 3 old USA silver coins to get money for them?
    The town i live in is pretty small but has about 10 pawn shops and 6 jewelry stores...I wanna know what i sh0ould do with them to get the most bang for my buck. Also, will a jewelry shop even except old coins...after all, they are silver.

    • ANSWER:
      I am not sure how a small town can have 10 pawn shops and 6 jewelry stores, but check the link for a coin dealer search engine. I hope it helps.

28. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to serve hot food directly on old silver plated dishes?
    I have a pair of antique serving dishes -silver plated, in good condition, however the inner glass dish is gone and I am not sure I can find a size that fits, can I use them on a buffet with hot food in them?

    • ANSWER:
      No - that is not what they're made for - they are pretty "holders" for the glass dish -- They can be ruined by food being placed directly into them --not to mention that you could get metal poisoning form them ---
      Take them with you to a store and try to find a glass casserole dish that fits them -- or measure and go online @ Anchor Hocking or Pyrex to find replacements --
      Good luck -

29. QUESTION:
    How to clean old silver coins?
    I dug up a 1956 half crown in my garden. I have tried every caustic substance know to man, but it remains the colour of an old penny (ie brown). Can anyone tell me how to restore it to its shiny original self?
    Thanks in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      It sounds as if your coin is already beyond restoration, but try the methods at the link below. Never use acids or abrasives on coins. I hope that helps.

30. QUESTION:
    How do I go about selling coins that are old? Like silver dollars, quarters, silver certificates.?
    Have a friend that is looking to sell his old coins and silver certificates. How do I go about this without getting ripped off?

    • ANSWER:
      Lot depends on the quality of the coins. If they have a lot of wear then they are most likely more valuable as silver then as Old Coins. You would get the most by selling at a coin show if you want to sell the coins. A dealer will give you an estimate but be aware they want a profit also.
      Of course you can sell them on Ebay.

31. QUESTION:
    What to do with old silver US coins?
    We have several mid-20th century silver coins. They have been circulated, so they're not in mint condition though many are in what I consider good condition. Are they worth more than their face value? My husband and I were thinking about exchanging all our saved coins, but we don't want to accidentally get rid of some coin worth more than it's face value!

    • ANSWER:
      The common date well worn coins to medium worn coins are worth about 5 to 6 times face value. That is what a dealer would pay. The mid 20th century would be the late 1940's through 1950's or so. There are really no rare dates in circulated grades. Some mint state grade items from there are scarce due to the grade of the coin. There are exceptions such as the 1950 D over S & S over D quarters. There is a 1960 doubled die obverse dime. It may pay to hold off on selling at this point for silver is kind of low. You need to watch the silver spot and sell when it is high. Hope this helps

32. QUESTION:
    getting rid of the silver tint on old photographs?
    Does anyone know how to use Photoshop in order to get rid of the silver on old photographs?

    • ANSWER:
      Best way to start with is not to scan the old photo. Shoot a copy of it with your digital camera instead, using cross lighting to de-emphasize the shiny places. Experiment with the lighting angles until you get it right.

      Once you have the best possible copy, you just clone or heal out the remaining problems, or work on them in an adjustment layer.

33. QUESTION:
    How much would a 134 year old silver dollar be worth?
    i have this silver dollar that was made in 1884 and i want to know how much it is worth please

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on the mint mark, condition and rarity. I was all excited when I found a 1886 silver dollar when going through my deceased grandparents effects. Found out later it was worth about

34. QUESTION:
    Why is the silver in old coins worth more than the coins?
    I have old coins made out of silver and they are only worth a dollar and a few cents on their own but the silver value would make them worth at least 15 bucks each or more? Why is that?

    • ANSWER:
      because the smount of silver in the coin was eqaul to the coins value when the coin was made, now the price of silver has risen(faster then regular infliation of other products) the amount of silver avalible has gone down(because people hang on to it) a lot of coins where scrapped for there material and now so many of the coins have been destroyed or hidden that the few examples left(compared to when they where made) are worth more money

      its the sae thing with pre 90s pennies, the copper in the penny itself could be worth more then 1cent, but now they make pennies from copper caoted zinc

      coins use to be made so that the material value and the stamped value where the same, if you had a dollar silver coin, you had 1 dollar worth of silver, but now the material in modern coins is worth less then the stamped value

35. QUESTION:
    Cleaning old silver coins?
    My husband bought some old American silver coins off ebay, but they're a bit grimy. What is the best way to clean them without damaging them?

    • ANSWER:
      If you plan to sell the coins later, do not clean them. Collectors do not like cleaned coins and will reduce the price they pay for a cleaned coin

36. QUESTION:
    Where can I find old silver patterns produced by Wm Rogers and son?
    The silver pattern I'm looking for is for silver plated flatware. The only detail apart from "wm rogers and sons" at the back of each piece is "IS".

    • ANSWER:
      Ok I don't know much about WM Rodgers & Son but below are some link I found that may help. It was hard to stay away from ones that were just selling but had little to no details.

      There are some really neat looking patterns.

37. QUESTION:
    how do i clean my old silver bracelet?
    it has some stains that look like dirt, but they aren't...
    What should i clean it with?

    • ANSWER:
      Try soaking it. Tenfoil in the bottom of bowl, hot water, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. Make sure the bracelet is on the tenfoil. Rinse well when it's done. You will know.

38. QUESTION:
    Do you think an old(about 25 years old or older) SILVER trumpet is worth anything?
    I see gold ones all the time but I have a silver one that I bought 12 years ago for my son.
    I bought it used at a pawn shop

    • ANSWER:
      I've played trumpet about 30 years.
      The "gold" ones you see are made of brass. I've never seen one made of gold, gold would be too soft and too heavy of a material for one, and would have a crappy sound due to the moduli characteristics of gold.
      A "silver" one is, again, an alloy. It probably contains little or no silver. It would be an allow of any number of things. Probably some copper, some nickel, etc.
      I've bought and sold many trumpets over the years. MOST trumpets don't have any intrinsic value as an antique or as a specialty item. I'm assuming your trumpet just falls into the regular category that the rest do.
      Beyond that....you're really talking about the condition and playability of the trumpet. If the trumpet has minimal pitting, has the mouthpiece, has all of its parts, has only a few minor dings, is fully functional and includes a working case......it will have a minimum value of around 0.00 .
      If there are some minor problems that can be repaired at a repair shop, you are looking at a value somewhere below 0.00 depending on the extent of the repairs.
      If the trumpet is in very good condition, and completely playable, it's value will be greater than 0.00 and could go as high as 0.00 or more depending on the quality of the instrument, manufacturer, etc. There are wholesale companies where you can get brand new ones for not a lot more than 0.00 so you won't get more than that out of it no matter how nice it is.
      Best of luck.

39. QUESTION:
    What does "57 Albuhera" on an old silver cigarette case refer to?
    I know Albuhera was a famous battle, but is this perhaps a reference to a regiment? The case probably dates back to the Second World War.

    • ANSWER:
      57th (Die-hards) The Middlesex Regiment.

      This is the only regiment in the world whose nickname has become part of the language.
      The term "Die-Hard" was coined in the smoke of war during the battle of Albuhera, fought on 16th May 1811 which was the bloodiest battle of the Peninsula War.
      At this battle the 57th were out numbered four to one. The Commanding Officer of the 57th, Colonel Inglis, took his position in front of his "Fighting Villains", a term used by him when referring to his regiment and a term used by the illustrious Picton. When the fighting was at its heaviest he was struck down by a charge of grape shot in his neck and left breast. He refused to be carried to the rear for treatment, but lay in front of his men calling on them to hold their position and when the fight reached its fiercest cried, "Die hard the 57th, die hard!", and die hard they did. The casualties were 420 out of the 570 men in the ranks and 20 out of the 30 officers. Marshal Beresford wrote in his dispatch, "our dead, particularly the 57th Regiment, were lying as they fought in the ranks, every wound in front".
      Even after this savage fight and such appalling casualties, the regiment were eager to advance with the remainder but Beresford called out, "Stop, stop the 57th, it would be a sin to let them go on!"
      Later when the battlefield was viewed it was seen that the dead of the 57th were lying like a pack of cards that had toppled over.
      Oman, the historian, said of the honour "ALBUHERA" "this, the most honourable of all Peninsular Blazons on a regimental flag......", but it was the soldiers of Wellington's army themselves that dubbed the regiment the "Die-Hards" after the exhortation of their Commanding Officer.

40. QUESTION:
    I am trying to find info on an old silver quil and ink stand? How can I find a list of silver hallmarks?
    The pice is made in Portugal by a company with a bow and arow stamp, and it says medeval.

    • ANSWER:
      you might want to try this website:http://www.ehow.com/how_4494300_research-silver-hallmarks.html

      Silver collecting has become a favorite for hobbyists over the last decade or so. It is a common occurrence to look at a silver piece and find a hallmark of some type. Many pieces use pictorial signs and very little actual writing. This site will tell you how to research silver hallmarks and even give you some web sites to help in that research. When you are finished, you will be able to tell what company an item was made for, when it was made within a few years and, in many cases, who did the actual smithing of the item. Hope this helps.

41. QUESTION:
    Old silver fillings in tooth leaking?
    I've already had to get some old silver fillings replaced with the newer ones now. And i noticed another one was hurting randomly. I am scared to go back to the dentist. I've recently overcome some of the fear. If i don't get it refilled, will anything happen to that tooth? Will there be any decay?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes the filling can be covering up raw exposed nerves. If it comes out, you will be in loads of pain, food will tend to get stuck in the cravice and yes it will lead to further decay. If it is really leaking buest bet, get it fixed now before it gets worse.

42. QUESTION:
    How do I clean my old gold and silver jewelry?
    I have some very old gold and silver jewelry, some pieces have stones in it. I want to know how to clean it so that the silver is no longer black and the gold doesn't look so dull. The stones in some jewelry are also dirty. I don't want to do anything that will damage the jewelry. How do I clean it?

    • ANSWER:
      I wouldn't use tooth paste, that's too abrasive. For the silver I would use a silver cleaning cloth. If the jewelry is really old, don't make it too shiny, at bit of tarnish enhances the appearance of older pieces and increases their value.
      For gold and stones, I would use lukewarm water with dish washing liquid and a soft/old toothbrush. Depending on what stones they are, you have to be more or less careful.

43. QUESTION:
    What is the value of the old silver dimes?
    I have one from 1925 and one from 1936.

    • ANSWER:
      As everyone said it depends on the condition of the coins and as far as the 1925 on the mint mark (or lack of one). In average circulated condition they would retail for about each. The 1925 could go as high as or retail if it has a "D" on the reverse (back) just left of the base of the fasces. If it has an "S" then or . If no mint mark you are back to .

      The best way to get a value is to show them to a coin dealer.

      Hope this helped.

44. QUESTION:
    I found some scratches on my 3 month old silver car. Is it okay to leave it alone or should I use?
    touch up paint to fix it. It's a very thin scratch.

    • ANSWER:
      You'll get Herpes if you don't fix that scratch!

      Really, it's up to you. If you're worried about rest and it's a deep scratch then touch it up. If it's thin as you say and don't care... then who cares?

45. QUESTION:
    how do you repair a very old mirror, the silver is peeling off?
    i have this beautiful old mirror with blue glass around the edge, and the silver part is peeling. how do i restore this?

    • ANSWER:
      Restoring the silvering on a mirror can only be done by a professional. It is very expensive. If it is only a small piece here and there you can use a little piece of aluminum foil for camoflage but that will only work if it is a small area. If the silver is flaking then first use some clear nail polish and paint over the edges to prevent more from coming off then stick the foil over top. Good luck.

46. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to have to re-electroplate an old silver tray?

    • ANSWER:
      yes. i dont know where you live but in large cities there are electroplating companies and mirror re-silvering companies, both can do it.

47. QUESTION:
    What is the difference between a new dime and an old silver dollar?
    How can you take 1 from 9 and get 10?
    Write 12, using the same digits, none of them being 4.
    Think about those. :O
    Yay thank you :3
    well not really thank you.. but uhhh wow yeah. o_O
    forget about that last post. thank you. XD

    • ANSWER:
      1) 90 cents
      2) IX - I = X
      3) 12

48. QUESTION:
    What are the rare series and blocks on the Old Silver Certificates currency of 1935 and 1957 1 dollar bills?
    I have a bunch of Silver certificates and am wondering what series and blocks are rare and what is actually worth looking for. ex. series 1935 F series Block A to A. or Block W to I. Can anyone tell me what to look for or any resources that will help me figure this out. Thanks Everyone!

    • ANSWER:
      Bank Note reporter does not list the rarer blocks. The star notes of course are worth more and are scarce so they command more. The 1935 star note sells for around .00 in grade fine and goes up from there. The 1935B star note is next highest at .00 in grade fine. Then comes the 1935C star note at .00 in grade fine. After that they sell for and below in grade fine. The 1957 notes are all and below in grade fine. I guess you need to see a currency dealer. Even the Currency Dealers Newletter does not list blocks. Looks like dealer bid on most 1935 or 1957 notes is a Little above .00 except the star notes.

49. QUESTION:
    Do you know of a site where I can determine value of old silver coins?
    I've inherited a bag full and am trying to determine there value.
    Any suggestions on how to go about doing this.

    Thanks in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      Most of your coins are probably "junk silver" worth approximately what their silver content is. This means they are worth roughly 12 times face value. A dime would be worth about .20, a quarter about .00. However, read this article. (Since this article was written the price of silver and coins has risen some.) Some coins may be rare and worth more than their silver content.

50. QUESTION:
    What should i do with the old silver jewellery that i don't want anymore?
    I would like to make money from it, but i guess its not worth much at a pawnbrokers, any other ideas would be appreciated as i don't want to throw it away!

    • ANSWER:
      Send it to me. I'll take it. .