Need advice on selling a coin collection

[Turdus]

Got a small collection, handed down from my Grandfather, that I'd like to have looked at. He died in the early 60's, so what I have are a few boxes, with 150+ coins in individual cardboard holders.

May be run of the mill stuff. I have no idea. How do you select an appraiser, then get these sold? I don't think I'd want to sell via Ebay.. would rather do face to face. Do I seek an appraisal, then try to sell at a coin show?

I'm pretty clueless on this one.

Thanks.

[specialk]

I'm in the same boat. My first advice would be, don't take it to a coin dealer. It'll be worth $20 when you sell it to him, then it'll be worth $300 when he sells it.

There are a couple of good books out there.

My brother is a big seller on ebay. He put some of his coins/bills on ebay, and in the ad came right out and said he didn't know much about their worth. The final selling prices were way over what he was expecting.

Take good pics and be real about their condition.

[Joe G]

Unless you already have a price in mind before you go, take these precautions:

If you have the time - take full inventory beforehand, go to a reputable dealer, don't let the coins out of your sight and make sure they take out only enough coins at a time that you are comfortable with them looking at and have them put back before taking out more. If possible, your collection should be the only one on the table when they appraise.

- I had a bad experience a few years ago at a show with a card collection that I was selling.

[BlueRedWhite]

small but free idea:

got to pbs site, go to the antiques roadshow videos

looks for coins appraisals, that could help at least to give you a general idea

[BadgerDave]

Do some research to find the most reputable dealer nearby. Call and ask if they will do an insurance appraisal - make it clear that you are not selling and want them to appraise for grading only - not price.

I'm not an expert, but I understand that accurate grading is the most important factor when selling coins. Value varies geometrically with slight increases or decreases in grade.

If you can get the coins accurately graded with documentation, you can maximize the selling price. If you have each coin identified and graded, you can get an accurate indication of value on ebay. As with anything that's potentially valuable, a buyer has a huge incentive to under-assess grade. Even if they are honest, they'll always default to the lowest reasonable grade if it is in their interest.

[Hbom]

If you want to put in the time, here are a few sites that can help you get an idea of what you have B4 you go to the "How much will you give me for these?"

You should be able to tell;

What you have.

Whether or not it is rare or collectable.

Aprox. what it's condition and value is.

If you know some of these answers before you start selling you should have a better chance of getting fair market value of your collection.

These sites should give you most of that imfo. FREE.

http://www.bestcoin.com/

http://www.coingrading.com/

http://www.coinsite.com/default.htm

D

[hamerhead]

[tomteriffic]

+1 on getting them individually identified and graded by an expert, disinterested third party. Keep in mind that with metals prices being what they are, the metal value may exceed the numismatic value. Not likely since the two generally mirror each other on anything but the most collectible highest grade items, but possible.

[Turdus]

Haha... part of the collection I did not mention is about 2000 + circulated coins... including Liberty Dollars, Mercury dimes, Buffalo Nickles, and Zinc pennies. That thing would probably gladly eat them up, and give me face value.

Thanks all for the info... I think getting an appraisal, yet not letting on that I am looking to sell, is a good first step.

[Carl.B]

Contact your insurance company for a list of recommended appraisers in your area.