Just inherited coins? Do these seven things before cleaning, sorting or selling anything.
Estate coin guide

Silver, Gold and Bullion in an Estate Collection

Separate metal value from collector value and compare dealer spreads and fees.

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. Identify exact specifications

Identify exact specifications 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. Use current metal prices

Use current metal prices 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. Preserve numismatic pieces

Preserve numismatic pieces 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. Avoid destructive tests

Avoid destructive tests 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. Compare net proceeds

Compare net proceeds 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.

Anti-ripoff rule: A confident buyer is not automatically a correct buyer. Ask how the offer was calculated, keep an inventory and compare at least one independent alternative for better material.

Related tools