I Inherited a Coin Collection: How Do I Know What It's Worth?

Inheriting a coin collection can be overwhelming.
You may have boxes, albums, tubes, envelopes and individual coins with labels you do not understand.
Some may be valuable because of their gold or silver content.
Others may be collectible because of rarity, date, mint mark or condition.
And some may have relatively little value.
The most important thing is not to make decisions too quickly.
Do Not Clean the CoinsThis is the first rule.
Do not polish, wash, scrub or chemically clean inherited coins.
Cleaning can permanently alter the surface and dramatically reduce numismatic value.
A coin that looks dirty may actually be worth more in its untouched condition.
Leave everything exactly as you found it.
Keep Coins in Their Original HoldersIf the collector placed coins in:

• Albums
• Flips
• Holders
• Capsules
• Envelopes
• Tubes
• Certified slabs

leave them there.
Handwritten notes can also be useful.
A collector may have recorded where a coin came from, what they paid or why it was significant.
Gold Coins Can Have Two Types of ValueGold coins can be valuable because of their precious-metal content.
But some also carry a premium because of rarity and collector demand.
Examples include:

• U.S. gold coins
• Foreign gold coins
• American Eagles
• Krugerrands
• Canadian Maple Leafs
• Sovereigns
• Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins

Before selling a gold coin strictly by weight, determine whether it has numismatic value.
Silver Coins Can Also Be Worth More Than MeltMany older U.S. coins contain silver.
Examples include certain:

• Dimes
• Quarters
• Half dollars
• Dollars

Some are primarily valued for their silver content.
Others can be worth much more because of date, mint mark, grade or rarity.
A professional should sort collectible coins from common bullion-value coins.
Mint Marks MatterA tiny letter on a coin can sometimes have a major effect on value.
Mint marks indicate where a coin was produced.
Common U.S. mint marks include:
D
S
P
O
CC
A coin from a lower-mintage mint may be worth far more than a common version of the same year.
Condition MattersCollectors often use the term "grade" to describe a coin's condition.
Small differences in grade can sometimes produce large differences in price.
A coin that looks nearly identical to another may be worth substantially more if it has less wear or stronger original surfaces.
This is another reason not to clean coins.
Certified CoinsSome coins are professionally graded and sealed in holders.
Common grading companies include:

• PCGS
• NGC

The holder typically displays:

• Date
• Mint mark
• Denomination
• Grade
• Certification number

Do not remove certified coins from their holders.
What About Old Paper Money?Inherited collections may also contain:

• U.S. currency
• Silver certificates
• Gold certificates
• National bank notes
• Foreign currency
• Obsolete bank notes

Certain pieces can have collector value.
Do not assume old paper money is only worth its printed denomination.
Coin Collections Don't Need to Be Organized FirstYou do not have to become a coin expert before seeking an evaluation.
If you inherited a large collection, you can bring the material in as it was stored.
A knowledgeable evaluator can separate:

• Bullion
• Common coins
• Collectible coins
• Gold coins
• Silver coins
• Certified coins
• Currency

Should You Sell the Collection All at Once?That depends upon what is in it.
For a mixed collection, it may make sense to identify the most valuable items separately.
A professional can help explain which items are worth special attention.
Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I clean inherited coins before selling them?No. Cleaning can permanently reduce collector value.
Are old coins always valuable?No. Age alone does not determine value. Rarity, condition, mint mark, metal content and demand all matter.
Are gold coins worth more than the gold inside them?Some are. Rare or collectible gold coins can carry significant numismatic premiums.
Can old paper money be valuable?Yes. Certain notes can be worth more than face value depending upon rarity and condition.
Should I remove coins from albums?No. Keep them in their existing holders until they have been evaluated.
Have Your Coin Collection EvaluatedIf you inherited coins and do not know where to begin, Cash for Old Jewelry can help.
We evaluate gold coins, silver coins, collectible coins, bullion and currency along with jewelry, watches and precious metals.
Cash for Old Jewelry
31 E Butler Ave, Floor 2
Ambler, PA 19002
215-792-3434

What Should I Bring When Selling Gold, Jewelry, Coins or Watches?If you are planning to sell jewelry, gold, coins or watches, you may wonder what you should bring to the appointment.
The simple answer is:
Bring the item itself, along with anything you have that might provide information about it.
You do not need every box or receipt in order to sell something, but documentation can sometimes help.
Bring the JewelryStart with the obvious.
Bring anything you would like evaluated, including items you are unsure about.
That may include:

• Gold jewelry
• Platinum jewelry
• Silver jewelry
• Diamond rings
• Loose diamonds
• Gemstones
• Broken jewelry
• Single earrings
• Watches
• Coins
• Sterling silver
• Antique pieces
• Designer jewelry

If you have a mixed box from an estate, bring the whole box.
Do not worry about sorting everything perfectly in advance.
Bring Original BoxesOriginal boxes can sometimes be useful, particularly for:

• Designer jewelry
• Luxury watches
• Collectible items

A box alone does not prove authenticity, but it can add completeness and help with resale.
Bring ReceiptsOriginal purchase receipts can provide useful information about:

• Where the item was purchased
• Purchase date
• Original description
• Model or reference number
• Original retail price

This is especially helpful for luxury jewelry and watches.
Bring Diamond Grading ReportsIf you have a GIA, IGI or other laboratory report, bring it.
A grading report can provide useful details about a diamond's characteristics.
The report may include:

• Carat weight
• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Measurements
• Fluorescence
• Certification number

Even if you have lost the report, the diamond can still be evaluated.
Bring Old AppraisalsOld appraisals can contain useful descriptive information.
However, remember that an insurance appraisal is not the same as current resale value.
The appraisal may still help identify the item, gemstones, dimensions, maker or original replacement estimate.
Bring Watch Boxes and PapersIf you are selling a watch, bring anything associated with it.
That can include:

• Original box
• Warranty card
• Service records
• Instruction books
• Purchase receipt
• Extra bracelet links
• Original strap
• Original buckle

These materials can sometimes increase buyer confidence and desirability.
Bring Extra Watch LinksThis is easy to overlook.
If a watch bracelet was sized and links were removed, bring those extra links.
A complete bracelet is often more desirable.
Bring Coin Holders and NotesIf you inherited a coin collection, bring it exactly as you found it.
Keep:

• Albums
• Certified holders
• Flips
• Tubes
• Envelopes
• Collector notes
• Purchase receipts

Do not clean the coins or remove them from holders.
Bring Estate Documentation When RelevantIf you are acting as an executor, administrator or representative of an estate, bring whatever documentation is appropriate for your situation.
If you are unsure what you legally need in order to sell estate property, check with the estate's attorney.
Do You Need an Appointment?Our Ambler office is private and appointment-focused.
Scheduling in advance allows us to give you the time needed to properly review your items.
Large collections may require more time than one or two individual pieces.
Do You Need to Sell Everything?No.
An evaluation does not require you to sell every item.
You may decide to:

• Sell everything
• Sell only certain pieces
• Keep sentimental items
• Take time to think about an offer

The decision is yours.
Should You Clean Jewelry First?Usually, no special preparation is necessary.
You do not need to polish everything before bringing it in.
Avoid aggressive cleaning of:

• Antique jewelry
• Pearls
• Emeralds
• Opals
• Enamel
• Old watches
• Coins

A professional can evaluate these pieces safely.
Should You Sort Gold by Karat?You can if you want, but it is not necessary.
We can test and sort items during the evaluation.
If you are unsure whether something is 10K, 14K, 18K, plated or costume jewelry, bring it anyway.
Should You Bring Broken Jewelry?Absolutely.
Broken chains, bent rings, single earrings and damaged bracelets can still have value.
Do not throw away a piece simply because it cannot be worn.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need receipts to sell jewelry?No. Receipts can be helpful, but they are not always required.
Do I need a diamond certificate?No. A diamond can still be evaluated without a grading report.
Should I bring the original jewelry box?Yes, if you have it, particularly for designer or luxury pieces.
Should I bring broken jewelry?Yes. Broken gold, platinum and silver items can still have value.
Can I bring a large estate collection?Yes. Larger collections are welcome, and scheduling ahead allows appropriate time for review.
Schedule a Private EvaluationIf you are ready to sell gold, jewelry, diamonds, watches, coins or sterling silver, bring your items to Cash for Old Jewelry in Ambler.
Our private evaluations are designed to help you understand what you have and what it may be worth.
Cash for Old Jewelry
31 E Butler Ave, Floor 2
Ambler, PA 19002
215-792-3434