So why, exactly, are we crucifying the poor guy for possibly misestimating the value, rather than praising the circumstance by which he acquired them? Pessimism is tiring.
Like the other gentleman said, one can't just pick the highest listed already highly debatable "values" and say that's what a coin "might" be worth. I remember times watching people insist whatever dog they thought gem was highly valuable by simply picking the highest listed "value", PR or BS, in whatever "guide" they chose and expecting a windfall, but simply doesn't work that way. Unfortunately, and aside from the foreign, the total best case retail on the lot isn't anywhere even remotely close to your brother's guess. However, this shouldn't, and I hope it doesn't, matter to you. The coins, which are fine collectibles, if I've understood correctly, were a gift from an older gentleman to a young one, and should be cherished because of it. Tis indeed a fine gift and generous act of kindness, and I do hope your gratitude was made very clear. Congrats, Andy.
If you want more accurate values than the redbook go to coinflation.com, find the type of coin you have and then click on the blue hyperlink i.e. for the standing liberty quarter you end up http://www.coinflation.com/coins/1916-1930-Silver-Standing-Liberty-Quarter-Value.html Scroll down and you find the date and it gives a few conditions estimated value for that date. Some of the values listed are still a bit high but better than the Redbook and you can actually click a link to view Ebay listings for that particular coin and see what they are actually averaging on an auction site from that page as well.
I would very much hope selling hasn't, and will never cross the young gentleman's mind, but shouldnt matter. Most of what you sell is the type of material that I viewed as being, in context, tough sells and often tossed in the closet or simply gave away to new/young collectors, as freebies, etc, etc. Does this mean there's anything wrong with what you sell, or that I'm right and you wrong? No, of course not and that's the very point here: not everything needs nor should be viewed/judged by what someone else may be willing to pay for it. I sometimes found more "value" in possibly promoting the hobby than what for me was time better spent elsewhere, but I also was at a much later point in life than you. Perception is everything.
That was very nice in-deed of the gentlemen to share some of his coins! Did he talk with you about the coins or why he lost interest in collecting or give you any advice? I was brought up to respect elders they have a lot to offer if people would stop and listen. One other thing not to be mean in anyway but holding coins in that manner allows oils from your skin to contaminate the coins it is good to get in the habit of proper handling even older worn coins. I hope you keep talking to the gentleman it probably made his day as well as it did yours! What great coins that will remind you of him.
Yep, I would never want to sell these coins as they are very special to me! I don't like selling gifts!!
And I'm sure the older gentleman would appreciate this; it's not the money or the value but principle. Smart kid.
IMO, these coins are worth more than $200 in sentimental value! Store them properly and you'll always be able to look fondly upon this generous gift.
And one of these eons, after this crew has moved on to our reward, maybe you can pass them on to still-another young collector.
Study those coins and and grade each one. Every coin you get is an opportunity to learn! An awesome gift!