Question On Large Collection

Looks like you have a decent collection to build off of. Like others have noted above, there are many types of collectors. Some collectors realize early on that they want to focus their collecting goals so that they become an expert collector in a certain series which requires a lot of devotion and possibly a lot of $$$$ to get high end examples. Others collectors buy a little bit of everything, for example: if they see something that they like at a decent price they buy it. Using this strategy it is much more difficult to become knowledgeable on a particular series since you're not focusing your efforts.

Take it slow and look around the forum for coins/series that you are particularly interested in and would like to collect. Ask questions about the series, some of the more experience members here can tell you what to look for in a particular series like what are the key dates, which years/conditions are difficult to find, and how much $$$$ it could take to complete the set.

I got started when my Father-in-law passed. I didn't inherit his coins, but I went through them and organized it into a collection for my mother-in-law. This sparked my interest, and I have enjoyed learning and collecting the last year or so. You have some interesting coins you have pictured, and my advice would be to take each one and do a little research to find out how long the series was made, look at values, etc. Don't get too wrapped up in prices found on the internet or books, condition will be the driving force in value, though some coins are valuable in any condition.
I actually really enjoy coin photograhy as a side hobby now, and have a camera and lights purchased just for that purpose.
If all this seems to be work instead of enjoyable, you should still do it to make sure you are treated fairly if you decide to sell.

I hope you enjoy the process though! Good luck, and we all love pictures!

A very nice start to an already made collection. I too collect little bit of this and little bit of that, which also includes few Franklin Mint. My main focus is on small gold and Early Classic coins.

to the forum.
If your not sure what to do, just bundle up everything and send to me.
Not sure if you have one but I suggest you look into purchasing a Red Book by Whitman publishing. As a start this book would give you some valuable information as to what you have. Then too, you may want to start looking into hobby stores or on line for Albums to put coins in if your going to be a Album collector type person. Everyone is different as to what to collect and how to collect coins. If you stick around here you would see a massive variety of differences in opinions and likes and dislikes. However, anything you learn is always valuable.

1890-CC $5 Gold...

The Oregon Trail is real and they are quite popular -- a beautiful design.

The less you handle them, the better.

You can buy 2x2 storage boxes but I strongly advise against it. The staples rub the coin behind them in the box. If you want to go the 2x2 route, use flat-clench staples and store them in PVC-free album pages in three-ring binders.

The 1890 $5 CC you would probably want to get slabbed (encased in a protective holder) by a grading company such as PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. A local coin dealer can sometimes submit coins for grading on your behalf if you don't want to buy a membership and/or pay full price for the grading services.

If you are going to handle the coins use lint-free coin gloves such as those sold by Wizard Coin Supply, or a microfiber, lint-free "coin cloth." Only hold them by the edges and never lay them facedown on hard surfaces or allow them to rub other coins.

This is an example of a 2x2 binder with pages.

TXShelbyman, thanks for that half-eagle reverse photo. Your 1890-CC looks to be in EF to AU condition and I don't see any serious problems like scratches or harsh cleaning. Retail value on this piece is likely close to $1000 so you will want to take good care of it. I would probably pay to have it certified by PCGS. Coins certified by that grading service generally have the highest resale value so when it comes time to sell a PCGS holder would be an advantage.

As mentioned, the Oregon commemorative half is genuine and your example is in very nice condition. It is likely worth upwards of $150.

I thought I had PM on. I think it is now.