[Aimrehtopyh]

I used the library example because borrowing or even buying art from a museum isn't very easy. If a minted silver slug is considered art yet a softbound set of shakespeare on pulp paper is not, the world is way more messed up than I thought it was.

Certainly in many situations those who lack the means to properly protect their art should donate it to those with better security or conservation expertise.

Yes, even if were legal to melt them, pennies would be considered scrap copper. Scrap copper usually goes for about half of the price of high grade copper. You caught me on that one.

My coin shop guy will buy any silver coin for its "melt value" calculated with one dollar subtracted from the days spot price. From what I understand this is a standard practice.

You pointed out very well how desperation pushes our price down, even if the buyer isn't aware of the particulars of your personal crisis. Maybe not precisely desperation but being in a hurry to sell will never help you get more money for your goods. Going to another pawnbroker looking for a better price? Once again you're talking about investing more time and incurring possibly lethal delays (mortgage due, zombies coming).