Coin appraisals can be quite valuable, especially if you have recently inherited a coin collection, or are simply in need of some accurate information on the value of the coins you own.
In this blog post we wanted to share a few tips on how to get your coins appraised easily and effortlessly.
- If your coins are in coin albums, leave the coins in place and do not try and remove them. Some coin collections may be in 3 ring binders that are filled with plastic pages. Leave the coins in these pages; simply organize the pages by type, using the guidelines we are going to share below. If some of the coins look dirty, and you get the urge to clean them before your coin appraisal, DON”T DO IT!!! See our blog post on 5 Reasons NOT to Clean Old Coins by clicking here.
- If any coins are in hard plastic or boxed holders, leave them intact in those containers.
- If the coins are in rolls, that are labeled, leave them intact.
Next organize loose coins by each type of coin and place each type into plastic baggies. Label the baggie with the number of coins inside. DO NOT MIX coin types within bags. Follow the list below for specific directions on how to organize and sort each coin type.
Sort as follows:
Cents
Lincoln, Memorial Reverse
Lincoln, Wheat Reverse
Indian Cents 1880 to 1909
Indian Cents prior to 1880
Flying Eagle Cents
Large Cents 1793-1857
Nickels
Jefferson Head
Buffalo or Indian Head (Full Date)
Buffalo or Indian Head (Partial Date)
Buffalo or Indian Head (No Date)
Liberty Head or V Type
Shield Type
Dimes
Roosevelt Head Prior to 1965
Mercury or Liberty Head Dimes
Barber Head Dimes
Liberty Seated Dimes
Bust Dimes
Quarters
Washington Head Quarters prior to 1965
Standing Liberty Quarters
Barber Head Quarters
Liberty Seated Quarters
Bust Quarters
Half Dollars
Kennedy Head Half Dollars prior to 1965
Franklin Head Half Dollars
Walking Liberty Half Dollars
Barber Head Half Dollars
Seated Liberty Half Dollars
Silver Dollars
Eisenhower Dollars
Liberty Head or Peace Dollars
Morgan Dollars
Seated Liberty Dollars
Early Flowing Hair and Bust Dollars
Gold Coins
If any World Coins are in hard plastic, cardboard or boxed holders, leave them intact.
Next, organize loose World Coins into the following groups by placing each type listed below into plastic baggies with the number count on a label or masking tape on each bag. Sort World Coins as follows:
World Coins
Copper, Aluminum and Nickel coins after 1965
Copper, Aluminum and Nickel coins after 1900, but before 1965
Copper, Aluminum and Nickel coins after 1800, but before 1900
Silver coins after 1965
Silver coins after 1900, but before 1965
Silver coins after 1800, but before 1900
All coins dated between 1700 and 1800
All coins dated before 1700
Gold Coins
- World Coin Proof sets and boxes should be left in their original holders.
- On all United States Proof, Mint and Commemorative Sets, envelopes and boxes should be left in their original holders, unopened and organized by year.
- Tokens and Miscellaneous materials should be sorted separately by type.
Just a few more tips, and you are ready to have your coin appraisal run smoothly.
- Paper money should be unfolded and placed flat in an envelope. The key is to ensure as few bends as possible to the note and its corners. If the paper money is very, very old, be very, very careful!
- If you run across some items that are unknown, or not listed above, place separately in a container.
- If you have an appraiser coming to your home to do your coin appraisal, make certain that the area where the appraiser will be working is well-lit, with a flat workspace. Typically a kitchen or dining room table would work best. Make sure that you remain present during the appraisal.
Once the appraisal is completed, it would be wise to keep the collection organized until you make your decision on what you will be doing with your coin collection.
One last note, some long term storage containers can damage coins, check with the appraiser to see if you are using the proper containers to store some of your coins in.
If you are looking to have your coin collection appraised, we would be honored to assist you with the project. For more information on having PGS Gold & Coin, visit our web site at www.pgsgoldandcoin.com or give us a call at 847-348-6447.
PGS Gold & Coin’s mission is to provide our customers with “Fair Market Value” in exchange for any unwanted Rare Coins, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Diamond, Jewelry and Collectables! We strive to deliver the highest quality of customer service each and every day. PGS Gold & Coin is locally owned & family operated since 2008. PGS has become one of the most professional and trusted Rare Coin, and Precious Metals Dealers in the area. We are a Certified Coin Dealer by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), and PMG (Paper Money Grading). We are a proud sponsor of the ANA (American Numismatic Association) and have a BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ rating.
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