My dad just brought down a huge coin collection and gave it to me. It has coins ranging from a worn 210 year old english coin, to 1988 mint liberty coins and everything else. Should I try to sell them? Should I sort them out and how? How can I identify lose coins that are in different languages? thanks.
2007-03-02 09:53:04 · 6 answers · asked by david 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
There is loads of information about numismatics (coin collecting and the study of coins) on coin collector websites. The US Mint has it's own, with links for "Getting Started", "Collecting Approaches" and "What to Look For".
Many collectors use the Professional Coin Grading Service (pcgs) website to find out what their coins might be worth, but there are other grading services as well. It is often suggested that one buy a guidebook to help them learn the ropes. Coin values depend on the rarity of the series and uniqueness to any errors in minting that may have occurred. Grading can be difficult to determine so reputable coin dealers can help with that.
You can jump into collecting by researching individual coins you already own, or you can choose to let someone else do the work and accept their determination. One suggestion -- don't try to clean the coins yourself. You could hurt the value of the coin in the process. Leave that to the experts.
I've included a link to the Wikipedia entry for numismatics. Have fun!
2007-03-02 10:37:25 · answer #1 · answered by Chris C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Looking them up on the Internet would take a real long time. The books to look up the world coins are not cheap. To cover from 1600-2007 you are talking over $250.00, I know. For U.S. coins you could buy a Red book (about $14.95), the prices in it are not right, for it is printed once a year and things change, it can act as a guide though. Besides they are retail prices. The book does have a wealth of info, such as explaining grades of each series, and where the mint marks are. just the grading info will be helpful. You may have to see if your local library has the world coin books and use them. See if there is a coin club in your area and a member may have the books to help you and be willing to assist you. I can do a few coins at a time here, but large lots are out of the question. Hope I have helped some.
2007-03-02 20:30:40 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First it would probably be a good idea to see what you have. Sort the coins by country as best you can. Then sort each country by denomination and date. Set mint sets and proof coins should go in a separate pile.
You could go to a library to see if they have any reference books on world coins. These books will have tables and descriptions that can help you identify countries of origin.
You might find somebody from a local coin club that would be willing to help you with sorting, organizing and looking for value in the collection. Maybe allow them to keep a few coins for their efforts.
In the mean time enjoy it and have fun.
2007-03-02 18:52:32 · answer #3 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do not even think of selling them and to identify coins in different languages you need to read about them and a little research on the internet will give you that knowledge..
http://www.americancointreasures.com/Coin_Collections_Gifts_s/222.htm
2014-01-17 07:08:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a coin collector, if you want to sell, send me good detailed photos, and a list and I will make an offer.
2007-03-02 17:57:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt sell them....yet, anyways. hold on to them for awhile, or pass them on to your kids.
i would sort them all out by country, date, and worth.
theres lots of sites online to identify them too.
have fun!!
2007-03-02 17:57:02 · answer #6 · answered by buff23_7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋