Inherited A Lot Of Old Coins

OK, I'll try this one first to see if it works. This is one of my favorites so far. I just like the reverse side of this coin



http://s393.photobucket.com/albums/...?action=view¤t=1827obverse_0001.jpg

& the reverse



http://s393.photobucket.com/albums/...?action=view¤t=1827reverse.jpg

If this works, I'll upload some good ones

Thanks. Now, just for my knowledge, how much does the grime on the coin affect its grade & how (if at all) do you clean them up a bit? As a baseball card collector, I have a hard time with the dirtiness of them. I want to put a Brillo pad on it!

By the way ,I inserted the IMG links into your post for you so the pictures show in the post instead of the link to your photobucket page .

to do that copy the bottom link into your post and you get the picture !

yes, never clean a coin (except when it comes to ancient coins that were excavated). So your US coins should just stay dirty, or "toned" as numismatists refer to it.

Not bad on the pictures for a scanner!

Listen to Metalman, if you clean a coin, it will KILL it's value to collectors. We like 'em grimy and nasty! We run away from any coins that show wear and are bright and shiny.....far, far away.

I would add that many collectors come back to the hobby or get into it from inheriting a collection or pieces from a collection. A few of my coins are inherited although it really was just a jumping off point. My advice, in addition to all the good things that have already been stated, is to spend a few good months absorbing information. Go to the bookstore and buy a few books and read them. I would suggest anything by Bowers or by Travers. Spend time on this website and others learning. Understanding the dynamics of this hobby is essential to avoid making costly errors. I would not buy or sell anything while in this period. The hobby unfortunately has a number of opportunists who are looking for novices who are likely to make costly mistakes at their entry point into the hobby. This is particularly true for someone who has come into a substantial number of coins. If you are looking to add to your collection, be very careful about buying raw coins, particularly off E-Bay. If you are looking to sell, unless you need the money immediately, wait until you know a lot more and have a solid feel for what your collection is worth.

Good luck. You have a lot of fun ahead of you.

Try a layer of glass (like from a picture frame) between it and the scanner surface. That might help. Have to ask someone else for that attribution, though - ain't in my scope of practice.