I had an opportunity to look over an impressive (numbers only) collection for a client whose husband died. She had no idea the shear number of the coins he had in his collection. While nothing was extremely valuable but some nice common stuff. I go through the highlights as I going to look to you all for some advise on what to do. Lincoln Cents 14-D F+, 35-40ea 1909 vdb a few were XF Jefferson Nickels 2-complete sets nice Washington Quarters 1-complete set 32 D & S were nice with complete rims Some really good runs of 80's - late 90's (30 - 40) mint and proof sets, the boxes look to be in increadable shape, some look like they have never been opened. A whole bunch (10 -20) of Prestige and Commemoratives none of the really valuable ones however. Mint sets from the mid 60's and much more How should I approach the few local dealers we have here? Should I look to deal with possible buyers outside the state? Thanks for any help, this lady was really nice and I don't want her taken advantage of by a "shark". Bill
I would seriously think about either doing a rough appraisal for her, or find her a price sheet, and explain to her what [percentage of the listed price] she should expect a dealer to offer her. OR, if you have the funds, buy it from her and keep what you want, and sell the rest!
It is good to see you are looking out for your clients interests, I would check the ana site for numismatists in your area, You did not say how the collection was arranged, if it was just stored in old coffee cans, you might be better off having some trusty person sorting through it first and putting them in clear plastic tubes, arranged by years, type, decades, etc. The reason being is that a numismatist like an engineer or any person offerring a service charges for his time, a dealer presented with a coffee can full of wheaties will often stir them a little and give a ballpark estimate based on his experience, if the coins are sorted he can look more easily for ones that might have some die varieties that are rarer.
Milk spots on coins? Sorry about that, I went to make a new post and it didn't work out. As far as your situation goes. I have no idea how you are going to handle that situation at all. Hopefully someone on this forum will chime in with a great idea.
Hey AZ Jack, sorry didn't know it was turned-off. Thanks guys. I'm not a dealer nor extremely experienced. There are some real nice things in her collection but I diverted most of my funds to my new car. Is there a market for the proof, mint and prestige sets as this is the bulk of the collection? Thanks
one thing to check on the proof sets is wether or not all the coins have the s mintmark, sets without the mintmark are sold for a premium.
Yes, there is some wholesale market for it, but most of those are common. Some have good value, though.
I'm going to do a complete inventory. Possibly set her up an Ebay account and sell the items that appear to have general buyer interest. What's left over I'll shop with the local coin dealers.
The prestige sets should go well on ebay, along with any silver proof sets she might have. the more common mint sets and proof sets are still going to sell best on ebay. There are so many of the proof and mint sets out there right now that it is hard to get anything for them. the other guys are right though look for some with the errors that were common to certain proof sets. Good luck!!!!:goofer::goofer:
