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 Replies: 85 / Views: 7,107 |
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Valued Member
United States
122 Posts |
Never collected coins before, always a baseball card collector. However, my Grandfather passed away in Jan (RIP) & left me his coin collection. I really have so much, I don't know where to start. For example, I opened a couple of half dollar rolls last night (thinking they would be JFKs) & ended up being enough to build several Franklin complete sets. Almost everything is silver & there are several books filled with everything from Flying Eagle cents to Morgan dollars. I've been doing some research online but am a complete novice. How do you decide what to grade, whether or not to complete sets (just a 1916 D from a complete Mercury set or 12 LOL), etc.? Any advice would be appreciated Thanks |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
954 Posts |
You start slow, one bite at a time....just like eating an elephant.  Pick your favorite series and start there. Start taking pictures and learn how to put them online here for us to see. There are a lot of good people here that will help you. Don't get overwelmed, it's supposed to be fun!  Edited by Becky
11/30/2008 3:15 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
You might want to re-post this on the Main Coin Forum. First thing is take your time. Don't be in a hurry to grade, price, sell, or anything! You're off to a good start with CCF. Much can be learned here. I'd look into a local coin club for first hand information. It might be worth your while to buy a couple good coin books now. Whitman has many good offerings and "The Official Red Book" is a must. Q. David Bowers has authored many good books as well. Ask lots of questions on the forums, read, enjoy the coins! It's a great hobby. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
MrRick, Just give me a call and I'll stop by to help out.  I would love to be in your predicament. All of my collection came from my hands. Dad fell on hard times and sold his years ago. He passed just this past August. Welcome to our little family (actually it's getting pretty big). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
Welcome Rick. I agree to take it slow. Just a couple of basic suggestions. Don't clean any of the coins in any way, even if they look like they need it. Cleaning always destroys value. You don't say how they were all packaged, except for the rolls, but I wouldn't handle them with bare hands, particularly if uncirculated. Okay, three basic suggestions. Keep them secure, in a safe or bank box until you know what you have. Start cataloging and send us the list with pictures and many here will help with practical and honest information. I got started collecting again after receiving a nice collection from my Mother.
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Valued Member
 United States
122 Posts |
Thanks for the advice. I'm currently most interested in his nearly complete Walking Liberty half dollar set. I'd love to complete it for him, but looks like there's a couple of pricy ones out there. I guess it'll have to wait until after Christmas :( Apparently, he LOVED the Mercury's. I just counted the $5 rolls in the bottom of his storage box & there's 37 of them. He wouldn't have accidently put a 1916-D in there would he? LOL |
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Great advice so far. I will add make sure to inventory the collection. You will see that this hobby has tremendous rewards as your collection builds. The " Red Book" is an excellent resource for any one starting out. It helps mainly with identification guide. If you want a general guide for prices, you can use https://www.numismedia.com to help you there. Grading will come with time. A great book for anyone starting out that will help you understand grading is "photograde". Hope this was not too overwhelming and welcome to the forum!  swcoin.ecrater.com
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Quote:
He wouldn't have accidently put a 1916-D in there would he? Most likely not but you never know. Always hold coins by there edge also. If you do find a 16-D Mercury, we would love to see pictures! swcoin.ecrater.com
Edited by vermontensium
11/30/2008 3:53 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3184 Posts |
lucky! Why not take some pictures? Hope you find some great stuff among the collection.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
Welcome to the forums, MrRick!  |
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
 the Community! A lot of good advice posted here. Take your time and enjoy! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
The prior posts are full of first hand wisdom , these folks have paid their dues . I just want to welcome you and tell what a breath of fresh air your post is . so many come here with inherited collections who's only desire is to sell them to the highest bidder . while I send my condolences for the loss of your GrandFather ,He left you a legacy which Is an insight into him like very few other things could be . I applaud your decision to continue the collection ,its a great sign of respect that you give your Grandfather in that decision ! its a pleasure to have you here with us , just spend the time and savor the flavor of the collection , get to know it , ask questions and post pictures (we love pictures !) post a coin or two in the grading practice forum when your ready to start working on the grades . everyone here will help and enjoy the collection right along with you ! |
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Valued Member
United States
122 Posts |
I'll post some pics. How do you put them up?
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
I personally use https://www.photobucket.com to upload my digital photos then copy and paste to the forum thread. I'm sure there are other ways but this is all I know  . It works!  swcoin.ecrater.com
Edited by vermontensium
11/30/2008 7:29 pm
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Valued Member
United States
245 Posts |
Actually I too have inherited my departed grandparents, great uncle and grandfather in-laws collection the past couple of years. The last thing I would do is sell and not be able to give my son a chance, like they gave me. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19943 Posts |
Sorry for you loss. I inherited my Grandfather's collection as well....well, half of it, my brother and I split it. The first thing you need to do listen to the advice given here. Then begin cataloging all the coins. I put them into an Excel spreadsheet. Get yourself a Red Book so you can assign an approximate grade and value to each coin. What you do from there is up to you. I chose to sell a lot of the duplicate stuff and use the money to invest in my true interest....the Lincoln Cent series. I'm also intent on leaving a vast majority of his collection to pass on to my kids, a sort of "family treasure", for the future generations. Good luck and ask a LOT of questions! |
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Replies: 85 / Views: 7,107 |
Posted 11/30/2008 3:15 pm
