Hey guys, first time here and its my first time with any real coins in my possession and thats how I found this site. My grandfather passed away recently and left me with some of his coin collection. I was wondering what you think about them and how to get a qoute on their worth.(I now know how much condition and ratings matter) The first set is a sealed glass case that reads U.S. Proof Franklin Half Dollars. It contains 14 half dollars from 1950 to 1963. There is a hand written sticker near the top that reads complete gem proofs. The 2nd one is a blue box that reads U.S. Liberty Coins. Inside the case are three coins: A Silver Dollar, a half dollar and a 5 dollar gold coin. They are all 1986. All of the coins look brand new to my ignorant eye. Thanks for any info or help you can provide.
Welcome to the forum Sounds like you have a great collection. Post photos if you can and that would help a lot...if you can find a coin dealer in your town take them to him and have him give you a value. I'm trying to do a set of Porrf Franklins and let me tell you it isn't easy.... To know what the coins are worth we would have to know the grades and have photos of both sides. Speedy
Thanks for the info. Whats the best way to photograph the coins (lighting, closeness, glass)? Also how do I post the pictures here with my digital camera?
The '86 set sounds like the Statue of Liberty commemorative set. The PCGS value guide shows ~$145 for coins in MS-65 condition.
Yes thats the one, Thanks. Do you have any tips on taking a photo of these, because every time I try, there is a glare from the flash or the glass. I've never done this before and I was told not to handle them. Thanks. PS How do I get them graded?
Use some good external light and turn the flash off....then search 'upload photo' on this site for the posting directions. Somebody else will have to tell you how to get coins graded, sorry. -Jeff
Another good rule of thumb for photography onto glass is to use a very slight angle (about 10-20 degrees) when photographing. It lets the glare from the flash bounce AWAY from the lens, rather than straight back toward it. Also try being about 1-2 feet away and zooming in on the coins, or taking a wide photo and then cropping it and enlarging it manually on the computer. ~AJ
Don't use Flash...if you have a micro lens on your camera...you will only need to be about 3-6 inches away from the coin... As for getting them graded...we can help some but if you want them slabbed and such you will have to get a dealer to send them to a Co. for you...unless you want to send them to ANACS... The Grading CO. will only take coins for graded if you are a dealer...they will let people pay a fee to "become a dealer" but its $$$.... I would suggest that you find a dealer and ask if they are worth slabbing...the 1950 PF Franklin would be worth slabbing where as the 1963 might not be... If they are ask how much...and where he would send them...try NOT to go with PCI...they seem to overgrade and are not as good as others...I would go with NGC first and if not that PCGS. I like ANACS alot and maybe you want to go that way...they are cheaper and if you use the 5 day service faster--and if you go with ANACS you can send them yourself. So post some photos and then we can help from there... Here is a link on how to post... http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?p=66269#post66269 Speedy
If the set of Franklins is a complete proof set, that would be of some value. As for the grading you could take them to a coin dealer and get an appraisal of them. As for value the dealers buying price will be lower than the open market value due to the fact he has to make a proffit on them to stay in business. If they are a reputable dealer he will offer a fair price on them, if not, you know what happens then.
