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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,080 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
As mentioned in my intro post, I'm new. Don't know anything about coins, other than I've found a few neat ones here and there. I am trying to sort an inherited "collection" with the help of my kids, but I'm finding that 1. my eyes are older than I thought and 2. I don't know the best way to organize them into smaller groups just to check them out. Are there collector books, sleeves, bins....? I was given 1/5th of what used to be two organized collections, dumped together and ravaged by people who wanted money upon the death of their loved ones. They were a little miffed (needless to say) that I wanted my portion in the actual coins. I have a box of unwrapped, unorganized and unsorted coins, mostly silver from what I can tell. I've spent the past couple of hours just going through Washington quarters....377 of them from 1934-1964. This hasn't even made a dent in the box. Now I know why I put them in the closet 6 yrs ago when I got them. This task seems overwhelming... Does anyone have any simple organization ideas? I want to be able to enjoy these with my kids. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Ok, you will get a lot of replies, and they will probably all be good. But you will certainly have information overload. First things first, enjoying them with your children in a great idea. But know that if you by chance have some rareties in the bunch, handling and fondling with un-gloved hands and coins banging into each other can have a huge impact on value. That being said, that is just a common place warning up front. Check out our Coin facts section to help you identify first. I would sort by denomination first, and then you can sort by date/type. We also have a publication section here to help with books and supplies. If this collection is going to stay in the family and you are going to start collecting, start off with the RedBook at a minimum. This is long enough for now. Take some pictures and post them, and we can start helping as well. Oh, one more thing from a value standpoint. those 377 quarters that are pre 1964 have a silver melt value of about $10-$12 for every face value dollar you have. In essence, 400 of those quarters is worth at least $1000 in todays market just with their silver content....  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
1. Take a deep breath. It's not going to be that bad, we're here to help you. 2. About your eyes: make sure you have had plenty of water to drink. Dehydration can lead to pressure changes that make your eyes have a harder time focusing. Adequate lighting is another key; don't try to do this job without a good, steady, bright, but not glaring light source. 3. There are lots of ways to organize a collection, it all depends on how much you want to spend. 4. I am sorry for the loss of your loved ones--but you should be very happy that you left the collection in the closet for six years and didn't rush off to sell them. The silver alone is worth three+ times what it was worth back then. 5. You'll get lots of different replies regarding specifics, but basically I have bins for different denominations. I keep the 'nicer-looking' and better date coins in separate holders (either stapled in cardboard 2x2s [2-5 cents each] or no-pvc plastic holders [10-16 cents each]). 6. Alternatively, you could box them up and send them to me.  Hope you'll at least share some pictures with us as you look and learn! Edited by halfabustisbetter
01/08/2008 8:22 pm
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Valued Member
United States
60 Posts |
I'm just getting back into the coin collection from my youth after abot 15-20 yrs., and my favorite part back then and now is searching through a bunch of coins. I don't have any logistical advice, but I can say to have fun sorting through them, especially with your kids.
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
Thanks for the quick response. I intend on keeping the coins and dividing them to "seed" collections for my kids.
" you should be very happy that you left the collection in the closet for six years and didn't rush off to sell them. "
Unfortunately that's what my other family members did...rush off to sell them. I figured that if Grandma took the time and interest in them, there must be something to it. She wasn't one to waste time or money on anything. I must admit, I'm hooked already. I'm already curious enough to want to know all the differences, similarities, rarities, etc. I guess I just planned out my spare time for the rest of my life. Now to find a reputable dealer....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
764 Posts |
organize them into piles for each denomination, then by type. if you want to go further, get 10 cups, label them 0 through 9, and start going through the coins placing them in the cup corresponding to the last number in the date. then separate by decade; this will save you a lot of time when you try to inventory or evaluate them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1934 Posts |
If you're going to get serious about collecting coins, I suggest a full wheat organizer. Here's a picture of mine. Each drawer holds about four rolls of pennies. Jim Image:  mycentorganizer.jpg82.35 KB |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
Why not start off with a reference, buy a copy of The Guide Book to US coins by Ken Bressett. It will give you an easy reference to work with to determine whether or not there are any scarcer dates. Take your time and don't overdo it, that will take the fun out of it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
I told you that you would get feedback. Everyone here loves the scenario of a new collector getting an inheritance, and that's actually how I started myself. The only thing I can't stress enough if separating them by denomination and at least sending us some close ups of some of the collection you can't identify. This will help us determine if you have any diamonds in the rough and help preserve them. Although some may not agree with me, as there are quite a few "modern" coins that hold a premium, I would pick a date range and keep those separate as well, regardless of the denomination. Say anything 1930 or earlier. Put those aside and take some photos for us. Especially anything pre 1900 or any kind of gold. I just think it's fantastic that you saved these and have now been bitten. I also think it's great you are getting your children involved. Again, check out our supplies section for help on books and materials. As for the "reputable dealer" comment, we are right here!  We can most likely give you market value numbers via decent pictures better than an unknown dealer to you. That's not to say there aren't any in your area. I just wish I would have found this place before I went to my first one. Jim also showed you a pretty nice storage box. I use a fishing tackle box that has adjustable dividers, 4 drawers, and can be carried easily. Sorry, I don't have a photo handy... |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
WELCOME TO THE FORUM. I suggest you attempt to purchase what is called the Red Book. Although the lastest is the 2008 Edition, any edition would suffice for basic information and that is exactly what you need right now. As already noted start with sorting all coins by denominations. Then by dates. Now when you find out where the Mint marks are, sort by that also. DO NOT bang coins together. DO NOT clean any of the coins. Be carefull with all of them. You may be damaging a valueable coin. Just as noted on the Antique Road Show on TV, condition of anything is a large amount of their value. You may want to consider purchasing what is called 2x2's. Those are cardboard pieces with plastic inside that fold over the coin. If you find some that you suspect are valuable, it would be wise to put them in those. Take your time. Try to get your kids interested in the possibilities of having a great hobby that the entire family can participate in together. Eventually you may want to acquire some Albums to put the coins in. many manufacturers of those. Dansco and Whitman are the most popular. DO NOT go to a coin store and ask what your coins are worth. Sort of like going to a used car dealer and relying on them to give you a great deal. Check the internet for coin shows in your area. Go to a few if possible. Great education. HAVE FUN WITH THIS HOBBY. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
About the 'dealer' comment: I read it to mean you are talking about finding a dealer who can give advice and sell you accessories for collecting, rather than someone to sell your collection to?
Dealers with actual stores (brick and mortar) are getting harder to find these days. A lot have gone the cell phone/internet route. If you post the general area in which you live or shop (they can be different, especially for people like me who live in the remote north woods), other members can offer their experiences with various dealers in your area.
As you venture further, you'll realize more specifically what you need, and we'll be glad to provide our insights.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,080 |
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Posted 01/08/2008 8:16 pm
mycentorganizer.jpg
