Looking for advice on the best way to determine what I have. My dad left me a collection, but I don't know anything about coins, yet. I know he enjoyed them very much and spend a lot of time and money on it. As I look at several internet sites I get more confused on grades and values. How do I find a coin expert that I can trust to look it over. Don't want to sell it, but would like to know if the closet or safe deposit box is more appropriate. Should I insure it? Those kinds of things. Newbie
The first thing you'd want to do is buy the United States Redbook. It's available on ebay and bookstores. It has invaluable info in it regarding nearly all US coins. Another thing you could do is take some photos of the coins so we can ID them for you.
1st - Welcome to the forum 2nd - if you get to confused, try taking it to a dealer. Talk to some before bringing in the coins. If they seem nice and trustworthy, talk to them about if you could bring in some coins to get a sense of value. Keep in mind, any number they give you will probably be less then what you could get retail off Ebay or another collector. 3rd - good luck
Welcome! As DJ said the RedBook is the best way to go about things. You didn't mention if they were United States coins or foreign which will make a difference. The red book will not help you with anything but coins minted in the United States as well as some for the Phillipines.
Redbook I did buy the redbook, but it really confused me. I have an American Eagle Silver Dollar including proof only issues through 2000. After looking at the redbook their values seem unrealistic. I will post some pics after Mem Day weekend, that is a good idea, thanks
The only thing I'd say is not to assume value. For example, I have plenty of old coppers (cents) and Morgans, mostly pre-1900's and they are worth $50-$30 or less. I bought a couple Silver sets last year fomr the mint and both of them are worth ~$1,000. What's more confusing, is that some items are more rare and often more valuable, but sometimes this isn't the case (everything rare isn't always very valuable). I guess one could say there's shades of rare (as it has more to do with demand than anything else). Condition often plays a huge role in value, but I think far too often people misjudge the condition of coins they get, and don't fully understand that something might look great, shiny even, but not be in the type of condition that's worth large sums of money. You'd be surprised at how low "perfect, mint condition" looking coins will actually grade. Without knowing what you have, and seeing it (or high quality scans online) it's nearly impossible to tell grades and value. If the comins are graded, then by whom, and the grades would get you a ballpark.
Don't clean them. With lots of coins, you can destroy most of their value by cleaning them, no matter how much shinier they look.
I'm glad to hear you don't want to sell your dad's coins. Alot of people come to this forum wanting to know how much money they can get for their inherited coins, and not caring about the historical or sentimental value. If the red book confused you, you should probably try to post some photos here, and maybe get a coin grading book, like the official ANA grading guide. Good luck, and welcome to the forum!
Welcome to the forum, & condolences on your loss. Might I sugest that you start by making a list of what you have then work your way through that slowly. Check the coin against the Red Boook and also agains actual sales this should give you a feel for the value. Post pics of the coins here on the site as the guy's are very knowlagable and allways willing to help Good Luck
Welcome to the forum tonedef. Scanning the obverse and reverse of your coins would help us in determining grade and subsequent value. If not, buy the Red Book.
Like what has been said before, just make sure you don't them. If they are already in holders, I would suggest getting some tubes or 2x2s to put them in. They are very cheap, and will allow you to handel your coins with a lot more ease. Also, if you do go to a coin dealer, don't take any coins with you. Some of them are very trustworthy, but some are best left alone.
When you go to..oh and welcome to cointalk....a coin shop check out thier coins. see the high and low end ones.. and buy something. even if its just a few flips(coin holders). then go home and compare.
