Many Various Coins to Valuate: How to proceed?

Billincolo · 07-01-2009, 02:28 PM

I have just received an estate share of highly eclectic "collection" of American single coins, proof sets, uncirculated sets, individual cents, some foreign proof sets and rolls of Canadian dimes, Japanese proof sets, etc.,etc., as well as commemorative medals of US Presidents (no gold) and silver 1-ounce bars.

(Also: Many Kennedy Halves that are very unattractively "toned": Almost black in a crescent shape around and about 1/4 in from the obverse or reverse edges, etc. Does this destroy their value except for melt?)

I don't know quite where to start in trying to valuate these. I can start with the Red Book for the US coins, but there are many various coins and "medals" on which I can't even guess.

Anyone have suggestions for sources of values?

**De Orc** · 07-01-2009, 02:38 PM

ll the stuff that you dont know try posting pics in the Ancient & world forum as I am quite sure that some of us will know LOL

Billincolo · 07-01-2009, 02:51 PM

Thanks -- I'll do that.

Any other ideas?

Upvalley · 07-01-2009, 03:06 PM

I was in a similar situation recently and contacted a reputable local dealer to look at the coins. He was willing to do so for free as long as he had a crack at buying them if I was going to sell them. He gave me time after his evaluation to check prices etc. I believe that is a good way to go if you can find a similar deal.

Mark Feld · 07-01-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billincolo

Thanks -- I'll do that.

Any other ideas?

You can also check for current and completed listings of the same items on Ebay.

**TheNoost** · 07-01-2009, 08:31 PM

How about a quick and dirty way to evaluate a hoard like this when buying from someone? How do you know how much to pay for foreign?

chip · 07-01-2009, 08:59 PM

The first question I have is what sort of valuation are you looking for? Are you looking for what price you should get if you sell, or are you looking for what value you should insure the collection for in case of loss? There is a big difference.
If you got these coins as part of an estate distribution perhaps you should ask the executor what value was assigned to the coins, how he/she arrived at the estimation.
With coins there is no exact figure to put on any coins, experts often disagree as to the graded condition of the coin, and also the market for it. Usually plus or minus ten percent is considered a good appraisal.

Just Carl · 07-02-2009, 10:55 AM

As to what chip said. So much depends on what you are trying to find. A selling value, a collection value, insurance value, what?
Naturally first sort out the US coins. Then sort out things like proof sets, raw coins, coins in slabs, etc.
As to all your US coins I would just use the latest edition of the Red Book. Estimate the approxiamate grade, condition, of the coins and see what is listed in that book. Then, since everyone knows those prices are excessive, reduce all your estimates by about 25%.
However, that would be the selling prices if you were to be dealer or try selling on the internet in ebay, for example. If your intentions are to just sell them, most dealers will try to low ball you so you should really know what you have first. Then expect them to offer you about half of what you think they are worth since they must resell them and make a profit to live by.
As for foreign coins as already mentioned try that forum right here.

Billincolo · 07-02-2009, 11:31 AM

Thanks everyone -- I'm looking to find a selling value for most of these, but I will keep some.

Part of the collection is about 20 pounds of cents, from 1909 to 1980's; from about 1935 on, there are square tubes of them by year, many uncirculated and some I've looked at actually in great condition that my untrained eyes would say might be AU in grade. What to do with those is a big question.

Some of the coins are presenting a mystery. For example, the "National Bicentennial Medal," from the US Mint and appearing to be a silver dollar 1-ounce proof ... I can't find any mention of it in any books - Red Book, Black Book, etc. etc. Where would I search for a valuation on that kind of thing?

Also, I have two 1970 "Great Britain and Northern Ireland" Proof sets, apparently the last of their coinage before they went on the decimal system ... but I can't find any value or mention of the proof sets anywhere. Should I post a picture in the foreign coins forum? And a Royal Canadian Mint roll of 1968 Canadian dimes, mostly BU from the look of them... etc.etc.

I did finally find a retail value for the 1953 100 Yen note, which is unfolded and in CU condition.

jello · 07-02-2009, 11:37 AM

On Kennedy's it is to soon to tell if you had post so photo's it would be a lot easier to tell U

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