I just found 4 Whitman albums, two 1856-1909, one 1909-1940 and one 1941. They are almost all complete. Are there any that I should pull out and put in 2x2s? I don't think a cardboard folder offers much protection...
Absolutely! Pull out any keys and have them authenticated and graded/slabbed, if they're not badly worn. Just where did you "find" these albums? Lance.
They were in the attic, I'm pretty sure they were my great uncle's. So it is worth the cost to have them graded? None are in great condition, all are pretty much brown, but they are not very worn.
Here are some pics, my camera is being repaired so I had to use my iphone. (and the 1909s is missing because I already pulled it out and put it in a 2x2)
Wow, if they are seriously all there you just hit the jackpot! I'd definitely pull out the 1877 -$700, 1914-D -$150, 1922 -$650, those prices are according to numismedia in only G-4 condition. You might also want to take out the 1866 through 1872 as they are worth at least $50 each in G-4 condition. Congratulations!!!
Wow! Thanks for the info. I could kick myself for leaving them in a hot stuffy attic all these years, they deserve better!
Time out. Let's go slow and not get too excited. (There's no 1922 no-D in that album, e.g.) The smartest thing you can do is take the albums to a local dealer and get some advice. You likely have some nice circulated coins and some, if they're genuine, can be reasonably valuable. Before you go pulling coins and sticking them in random flips get some advice and consider your plan. They're not going to spoil in the Whitman albums and won't get damaged if you're reasonably careful. First, are these yours to do with as you please? No family members involved? Don't assume anything. Second, are you going to keep the sets or sell them? Keep just the keys or sell some of the keys? Sell duplicates or just the cheap, later Lincolns? Depending on your entitlement, the condition of the coins and your intent you might want some slabbed. 1877 Indian Heads, 1909-S VDB's, 1914-D's, and others are often counterfeit so they really should be authenticated and slabbed for maximum value. But talk to an expert in person. Don't sell anyone anything right away. Just listen and learn. The right approach will become clear in time. Enjoy! Lance.
Good idea, I will take them to a dealer tomorrow to have them take a look. There aren't any ownership considerations, I was home for Mothers' day and my mom said she had found them up in the attic while doing some Spring cleaning, and I'm the only collector in the family. So the ones that are worth grading are the 1877 IHC, 1909 S VDB, and 1914 D? Any others? There are a few that are BU or AU (the 1864 & 1884 IHCs), are those worth grading?
Sure, there are more. Plenty, depending on their condition. Buy or borrow the Red Book and go through it. You can get one online or from your friendly coin dealer's shop. If you can't stand the wait you can look at NGC's or PCGS's online price guide. Just remember that prices are retail and for coins that have been cleanly graded by their experts. Here's what NGC uses: Lance.
I'll definitely pick up a red book at the shop tomorrow, the one I have now is the '76 bicentennial edition, not very accurate prices I'm sure
Listen to lkeigwin - good advice to take your time and not do anything in a rush. Maybe even post some pictures of the keys - from what I can see most of the none keys look low grade. But take your time to learn about them first.
I wouldn't slab any of them, unless I intended to sell them. AirTites for the cream of the crop will work.
The 59 and 60 appear to be F-VF on the obverse. This should double the value assuming no damage on the reverses. You will find the grade and condition to be key to establishing value. Get the knowledge BEFORE selling them. This forum is excellent if you can wait until you can get good pictures. Handle them by the EDGES, not the front and back. This is hard to do with folders so going to 2x2s is a good idea temporarily. Most people go to albums for longer term storage of small cents. I use cotton liners and envelopes for Large Cents, but that may be overkill for the young whippersnappers.
I agree with Ikeigwin ..you should get them out..there might be a coin collector here in the future..Jim
