i inheritated a coin collection from my grandfather and would like to learn about the coins i have, is there a good book out there that will tell me the value of old coins? or is there someone i can contact? i am thinking of selling the collection off and would like to knw what i actually have. thanks for all the help.
Go to your local bookstore and get a copy of the 2005 Red Book of U.S. Coins. This will give you plenty of information about determining the condition of the coin and pricing.
Actually I've always advised people to use the BLUE book. It's got wholesale prices and reflects about what you could get for the coins if you should sell them. The RED book has loads of good info but often the prices are unrealistic and misleading. With most coins you can buy them at shops, shows, auctions etc at less than red book prices. Remember that these books come out once per year so sometimes their pricing info can be outdated. Dealers use a weekly publication called The Greysheet and even though it's weekly sometimes even it's outdated too! If you want to determine value first DON'T CLEAN ANYTHING, as that will lower the value substantially. You'll need a grading guide. I use the ANA but Photograde is a good one, too. Some coins have wild spreads in their value depening on their grade. Knowing how to grade your coins will make/save you lots of money, hence the value of a good grading guide. Post any specific questions you may have here, this is a great place to find answers. Just my 2c, Nick
hey do prices for coins always change?? like do quarters dated 1950 and back like go up a dime a month or something?
Yes they change. Not necessarily every month and sometimes not even every year - or several years. But then there can be times when they change every few days. There's no rule - it's just how the market works.
