How to find real value of old money?

Question

how can i find the real value of old coins and bills? I'd prefer a website, or is there a book that all collector's use? thanks

Answer 1

1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.

2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp

3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.

Good luck!

P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.

When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.

Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.

If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!

I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.

Answer 2

There is really no sites for they are usually dealers trying to sell something. Most go sites are pay ones or you must get their coin magazine. For U.S. coins get a Red Book a Guide to U.S. coins and learn about them. It shows where the mint marks are, as well as a little on grading coins. It comes out each year and the prices are so-called retail but are at best only a guide. I collect a lot of numismatic items, so have at least 5 or 6 large shelves of books and a few on the floor. You need to find out what you are interested in and go from there, learn one type at a time. There is a difference between a collection and an accumulation. Having a nice collection in the end usually makes you money the other does not. Unless you are wealthy collecting currency is out of the question. You may pick up an interesting piece here and there when it comes to U.S. currency. World paper money on the other hand is colorful and inexpensive to collect most of the time. A note per modern country is a nice collection, but don't expect to make money on it or grand kids may. Hope this helps some, for I am kind of limited for time and space here on Yahoo answers.

Answer 3

Well I could tell you the value of your old coins if they are from the United States. There really isn't a website that could tell you the values. Most collectors including myself have a current copy of Red book Guide to U.S. coins 2008, this book gives information, mintage figures and values of U.S. coins, If you have a bookstore in your area you should be able to find this book.I hope this helps answer your question

Answer 4

Not really. There were literally millions upon millions of front page headlines printed all over the world when these papers you have were printed. Millions still remain. That and the fact that the print is on newsprint pulp paper? Well the stability of those prints are not archival to say the least. They are worth something but only to a dedicated collector of these prints. It is a niche that is quite small so there isn't a large market for the newspapers. If I were you I would keep the inheritance in a safe place where mold, and mildew nor sunlight and critters can get at them. One day your great grandchildren may be able to enjoy them when they themselves are old with great grandchildren. I suppose then, they would be worth a lot, but only in pristine condition.

Answer 5

1] ask a numismatist 8-)

Definition of numismatist.one who collects or studies money
nu·mis·mat·ics n. The study or collection of money,...

also
Numismatist -- is a monthly publication by the American Numismatic Association. ... The Numismatist contains articles written on such topics as coins, tokens, ...

2] you can also find the current value of money from a certain date

3] take your old coins and bills to a trusted dealer or museum for appraisal