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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,617 |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
Hello all! I just inherited my grandfather's collection, and have been going through it. I am a 'darkside' collector and fully admit I know very little about older US coins. If I were to start selling some of these coins, from the viewpoint of the buyer, what should I do as a seller? Meaning, I don't really know a lot about toning, wear, etc. Is this something that I need to go to a dealer about? I hope that makes sense. I'm trying to become more knowledgeable, so any advice would be great! |
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Pillar of the Community
Israel
2420 Posts |
As a first step, I'd suggest taking all of the modern (say, 1971 and later) coins out, as they are less likely to have any significant values. Next, I'd sort the coins by types (coins sharing the same front and back designs), and post their dates here. We should be able to tell you if any of them have potential. Lastly, if any of the coins have some potential to be valuable, take pics of them and post them here for a value estimation. Good luck and  . |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
If you carefully take close up, clear pictures of the coins, they will sell themselves. If they are valuable classic coins buyers will recognize that from your carefully photography and they will " buy ", you won't have to " sell "
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Pillar of the Community
Israel
2420 Posts |
Quote:
If you carefully take close up, clear pictures of the coins, they will sell themselves Except for the fact that listing in coins in the right place will expose it to more potential buyers, valuable classical coins might not get nearly close to their value unless slabbed by a recognized TPG. Risk premiums on some of the Trade dollars online are amazing, and this effect is multiplied if coins are not clear enough, focus on the right places. |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Since you're already a collector there's no need for the basics of grading and rarity. Have a look at our US Coin Facts section: http://www.coincommunity.com/us_coin_facts/That'll give you ideas regarding the rarity of the individual issues you're looking at, with the qualification that there might also be some Conditional Rarities amongst them. Just as an example, an 1884-S Morgan might not seem "rare" with a mintage of 3.2 million, but they're scarce as hen's teeth in Mint State and fetch a huge premium. Then there's the consideration of varieties, which can be pretty important with American coinage. Especially Morgans, and pretty much anything pre-1840, have a solid core of collectors choosing their purchases by die pair varieties. Your best bet, unfortunately, would be to post an inventory. Whatever you have, there's someone here who will know offhand which of them ought to be shown greater attention. Images can follow later, of course, but for a start please notate any which you consider to be Uncirculated or close. You may well have pieces which would be best liquidated in a formal coin auction as opposed to a relatively "bulk" outlet like ebay. We'll be happy to help you make those determinations.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4415 Posts |
Welcome, puedc. Joining the CCF was a fine idea.
This oldtimer suggests that you seek out and attend coin club meetings and shows in your area. Learn as much as you can about your holdings before selling them. This can best be done by networking with other collectors and dealers, alike. Some coin clubs run their own auctions, and some coin shops run bid boards.
I long ago learned that low end coins and paper money typically realize above average prices in antique and collectible auctions, while better material can sell at bargain prices. Knowledge, the abundance or lack thereof, tends to be the dominant factor at these auctions. For example, bidders tend to bid high on circulated silver certificates, thinking that these are still redeemable for silver. For many bidders, there's a perception of rarity, based on their personal experience; this, as opposed to true market value.
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Valued Member
United States
275 Posts |
Did any of our friends say NOT TO CLEAN!! any of said collection? Go Slow don't rush to get the cash. Do the research. Purchase reference books and post good quality pictures here for the experts to help with grading. did I say DON'T CLEAN ANY COINS? did I say Don't rush? Have Fun! |
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New Member
 United States
20 Posts |
Thank you very much everyone for your insight, and I apologize for not responding earlier.
I will create a PhotoBucket account and upload all of my photos of the coins to there so it will be easier to post them all.
I appreciate all of your help!
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Valued Member
United States
202 Posts |
Cant wait to see what you have!  |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
http://s1293.beta.photobucket.com/u...edc/library/Here is what I have done so far. I have some Great Britain and Canada coins in there as well. I have duplicates of most of these coins, I just didn't want to get bogged down photographing many of the same coin over and over. Thank you so much for looking at these and helping me in figuring out what I have!
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Valued Member
United States
202 Posts |
What a beautiful assortment! I didnt study any of the dates, but I'm sure somebody on here will do that and let you know if you have any key dates.
This would be the jump start to a great collection!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1109 Posts |
I like! There's something for everyone in that set!
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Valued Member
United States
169 Posts |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,617 |
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Posted 03/04/2013 2:57 pm
