OK so my Grandfather had probably 5,000 coins and left them to me. I have been going through them slowly and carefully. I have come accross a 1937 D three legged Buffalo Nickel in beautiful...I mean beautiful shape. As I said earlier I am photoing all of the coins and when I start developing the film I will post some pics. I really appreciate you guys giving me advice as I go through this collection. So what is everyone's take on this coin??? Any idea of the value. I looked it up and read a quick blurb that it is fairly rare???? Any advice would be helpful!!!
The condition of this coin can mean hundreds of dollars for a 3 legged buffalo. What do you grade the coin?
Yah, If it's mint state it will bring a Very hefty premium. Hopefully its what you think it is, and not a Counterfeit job
And a MS64 went for 7k on heritage. I recommend you join heritage - if for nothing else searching realized prices and looking at some of the coins.
WOW! Even if it is a MS64 that is terrific! Thanks Mark. With the size of my GF collection I am definately going to need all the resources I can get. He started collecting when he was a young boy around the age of 13. It was him and his father's hobby. So that means he started in 1928. So can imagine from 1928 until about 4 months ago, and he was pretty avid about it! Knew more than I could ever dream of! This really makes me think I might be sitting on a nice collection! Something that I could add to and pass on to my son! Thanks again guys! Any other advice would be great!
Another question. Would you guys recommend having a professional come in and look at the collection? If so what avenue would you suggest I go in finding someone? There are literally over 5,000 coins and I know that he always said he had some coins that are worth quite a bit. With my small knowledge I have been able just sorting through to find the 1950 D Jefferson Nickel and the 3 legged Buffalo...so I know there are lots of other I may not even know about???
I wouldn't. Just take the time to go through it yourself, It will be more enjoyable, and you will learn a ton about each set because in order to find all the variety's youll have to do all the research yourself. Its better than having a guy come in and say... "this one is worth 150$" "this one is worth 1300$" this one is worth .. blah blah blah do it yourself, I think youll enjoy it
I wouldn't advise letting a professional look at the collection. I hate to say it, but there are many dishonest folks out there who would perhaps take or switch coins on you. It's also dangerous for many people to know you have a valuable collection in the house, so keep it to yourself and CoinTalk. As for knowledge, just study and learn and ask questions. Take each coin one at a time and don't rush things. You may want to get a few of the best slabbed, and perhaps sell off a few over time. The main things are: (1) do it yourself (2) don't rush (3) have fun
I agree - do it yourself. The professionals also do not always look for varieties also. Since I do not know what this collection consists of you might also want to get additional books to help your searching. I think the first thing I would do is sort by date and type. Then get them cataloged and listed. The start working through the various types of coins.
What kind of protection do you have for these coins? I mean, they're not just all dumped in a coffee can, are they? If you're not careful your MS65 could turn into a MS60 or less real quick.
I would never sell grampa's collection. You got it free, now watch it grow. I'd build on it for years to come. That's quite a kick start to something you'd really enjoy when you get older. I'm a grampa too, I'd hate to find out that I left my coins to someone who just dumped 'em for the $$$. It's hard work to build a nice collection.
I am not planning on selling this collection..no way. I plan on adding to it and giving it to my son! I agree with everyone, I will slowly go through and research each the coins. I have had a blast doing that so far and it truly has been educational. As far as storing them. Most are in plastic casing and the others are in various coin holder books. Very few are just out and unprotected. I have the safe that my GF kept them in. WHich brings me to another question. What is the optimal environment to store these coins in? What is the best way to protect them from degrading. Am I correct in saying that the ones in slabs should be ok in the safe but what about the rest??? Thanks a million you guys! Very good feedback! PS. Tonight I am going to be researching his Morgan Silver Dollars sets....I am REALLY excited about that!!!!
