A Moral Issue

Nah, don't feel like you ripped her off- that was the dealer attempting to do that You are right, I bet she would not cash a check for extra money. You made out pretty dern good with the Lincolns for $100 and then $250 face in Wheaties is over-the-top awesome, I bet that some treasures do lurk in there.

The charitable donation is a good idea but you may want to try something that would have a more direct impact on her. Ask if she needs any help around the house with anything- offer yourself as a handyman for a day or two if you are capable of that. Older widows are usually not able to take care of things when husbands pass away and a house tends to deteriorate over time. Go ahead and pay it forward

When I was in high school, I had a lawn mowing business and I cut grass for a few elderly widows and others in the neighborhood. Over time, I started to notice things that should be fixed and I offered to help out. Yeah, they always paid me for it but I was not doing it for the money, I just felt they needed some extra help. I knew I was making a difference and they greatly appreciated the work because I usually had a glass of lemonade and a plate of cookies waiting for me when I finished and they doted on me to their friends like I was a grandchild This also got me quite a few referrals to their friends and I ended up doing work for them too.

USMCLion,
I think you should bring her some flowers and maybe even take her out for lunch,that would probably make her day,she sure made your day right?
John1

Lion,

Sounds like she was just a nice old lady. I've dealt with people like this in the past when collecting for my other hobby (old motorcycles) and I've found that a lot of people that wont take money, will take services. Like cleaning her yard, or plowing her driveway when it snows, or other odd jobs around the house. Just something to show you appreciate her kindness. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks,

KD

I think you should share them with the rest of the forum, Just kidding. ''
That's a great story and thanks for sharing it. I think all of the above plus you should keep in touch with her every once in while and let her know how special the collection still is to you. Some people like to be reminded of the happiness they have brought to others.

Tom

KJDonovan is correct. If you ask if you could do some work around the house, she will very likely accept. Also, people will refuse cash, but its easier to get people to accept grocery certificates.

There is a County/Western song titled, "Don't let the chain of love end with you". Someone else posted "pay it forward." In addition to a Thank You note, flowers and helping around her house, why not take her out to a nice lunch, bring her a hot lunch, ask if she has any errands such as picking up a prescription or groceries, and the one thing that most elderly folks enjoy the most, conversation.

In addition, do something really nice for a complete stranger, just listen to your heart.

Pass it forward. Use some of the coins to get kids interested in the hobby.

I think biokemist hit the nail on the head. If she doesn't have someone to pass those coins on to, then she likely doesn't have anyone to help her with chores. Older people always have something going undone around the house. Trimming the hedges, cleaning the gutter, that sort of thing. Maybe you could help out.