I Have A Chance To Buy 150+ Coin Collection & Need Advice!

The non-U.S. paper currency likely has some value but I wouldn't pay for it. I would guess the coins are probably worth at least $200. Based on the photos only, my offer would be $150. Might be a low-ball but it's an offer that you couldn't get hurt too bad on and would likely make some money.

You could also tell the seller that if you find high value pieces in the lot, you would be willing to compensate them with additional funds. For example, you get a big rip and feel the seller should receive a bit more than $150 or whatever figure you agreed upon. Just my 2 cents worth.

Hey everyone, thank you so much for the replies - they saved me about $500 - before I had gotten any replies here I added up every coin, giving the silver it's silver weight value, and estimating values based on the limited knowledge I had of the other coins, like the indian head pennies at $2 each, etc. and actually came out thinking about $300-$400 not including loose change, so I decided to just shoot him an offer of $500 but told him I wanted a second opinion tomorrow before going through with the purchase. He countered and said he would sell for $650 tonight, or just start trying to find buyers tomorrow. In all fairness I did stall him out 3 days, plenty of time to do my homework, and he doesn't know much about coins I don't think - so thanks again guys, I will somehow have to reduce my offer while trying to save face and maybe make it work - only way I could see making a profit buying higher than $200 would be to ebay each coin.. Will update everyone, I'm not responding to him until tomorrow, so feel free to keep leaving estimates/comments on value of anyone sees something someone hasn't already pointed out.. Good night all.

Ryan

the real value of the collection seems to be limited to the Barber dimes and the halves. otherwise not much special in there

That is rather an odd ball collection. Almost looks like a pile of coins from home or coin shop roberies. Note some have descriptions, some have prices, some just a pile of coins. Rather not what you would find from a real coin collector, dealer or anyone serious about coins. Due to this I too would only offer a few hundred dollars, nothing like the $650 he wants. If not for $200 to $400 area, I'd just pass. I too saw nothing in that pile of any real value. It is really an odd pile of STUFF.

I would offer $150 - $180 tops. Sure there are a lot silver coins there, but there is also a lot of miscelleous coins. The paper currency from other countries range from either an unknown to cents.

The pictures do look much to busy and ill organized to really determine what is there and what a truly fair price would be. If I was sucessful and got the coins it would be a task to determine if additional money should be due the seller. I a lcs would purchase such a lot from you, they wouldn't come back and say "Hey I need to pay you more!". That wouldn't happen so why would you do it for someone you really don't have a real interaction with.

Buy it for the agreed upon price and move on. That's what I'd do.

If you initially offered $500 and his immediate response was $650 I don't see much scope for reaching a compromise any lower than your initial bid. Tbh I'd just pass on the deal and wish them well with selling them.

Norm

Well said miket