Inherited collections are often mixtures: ordinary circulation coins, bullion, collector pieces, old holders, world coins, tokens and paperwork. The goal is not to assign a perfect price immediately. The goal is to avoid losing information or selling a valuable subgroup as anonymous bulk.
1. Find the mint-mark location
Find the mint-mark location should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.
2. Record exactly what is visible
Record exactly what is visible should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.
3. Do not add or remove marks
Do not add or remove marks should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.
4. Compare the correct design subtype
Compare the correct design subtype should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.
5. Use specialist references
Use specialist references should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.