Estate coin collection guide
Should I send inherited coins for professional grading?
Grading costs money; it only makes sense for some coins.
A quick reminder: This is educational information, not a formal valuation, financial advice, legal advice, or an offer to buy your coins.
First estimate the potential benefit
Compare likely authenticated resale prices against grading, shipping, insurance and time. Submitting inexpensive common coins can cost more than the coin is worth.
Prioritize candidates
Potentially scarce dates, mintmarks, varieties, highly preserved coins and high-value pieces may justify expert review.
Choose appropriate expertise
Consider established services such as PCGS or NGC, but do not assume a holder automatically means a given coin is valuable.
Further resources
American Numismatic Association FAQs · PCGS price guide · FBI coin scam warning