How to handle old coin collection

I have a feeling that is what’s going to happen to my coin collection after I die. However, it sounds like your dad had some better coins than me.

I’d say, if you really want to maximize the value of these coins on the market, I would put them up for auction on eBay. Now here’s the trick: you need to put them as a $.99 starting bid. This will get everyone’s attention, and, there’s enough people out there that will bid it up to its fair market value.


If there’s zero sentimental value to you, that is probably the best way to go. Taking it to a coin shop will let you less in my opinion. However, you will need to factor in shipping costs and sellers fees on eBay.


Best of luck to you

Similar situation for me last year. There are a couple of coin apps where you can take a picture of the front and back of each coin and it'll give what it thinks is the fair market value. Took some to a coin show and the app pretty much matched up.

But if you want to maximize value, stay away from coin shows and shops. Ebay is probably the best to maximize value but you of course have to deal with all the BS that comes with it.

I decided to keep mine for now. Had fun doing the research.

We inherited a few containers of odd coins. I did a little research and saw that several were worth more than face value.

I contacted the president of the local coin club, and he recommended a shop that would give me a fair appraisal. They went through them and paid me about what my own research indicated was a reasonable price. No photos, no listings, minimum time invested.

I'm about to acquire another container of coins and bills from a family member, and I'm going to take them to the same place.

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I decided to keep mine for now. Had fun doing the research.

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Is there a good source for approximate value? My FIL left us a coin collection and I’ve spot checked through it to see if there were any hidden gems and didn’t see anything but want to do it again to make sure before selling them.

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Yes, I would have a fear that a coin shop and a club would look at a bunch of Morgan dollar and offer spot bullion for it while only one has a the bust’s hair out of place and it’s actually worth $20,000. I have about thirty and he’d just say “ i can offer you $85 for each of them.”

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Could happen that way. Some of the most valuable varieties can be very difficult to discern.

I’ve collected coins since the early ‘70s. I’ve done appraisals for folks in your situation. Bought some of the collections I appraised. Could I have screwed some of those folks? Yep but I didn’t. Actually over-paid because I had no overhead and wasn’t doing it as a business.

You end up just having to trust someone.

Avoid pawn shops (obviously).

Causeway Coin in Metairie is reputable. (In my experience and from other folks I’ve sent there)

I’m going to liquidate my personal coins soon to avoid putting my kids (none of whom care for collecting coins) in that situation.

Good luck.

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I’ve collected coins since the early ‘70s.

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So can I ask you as a novice if this is a good protocol?


Examine value of each coin before I go to coin shop by using a coin app....will that app tell me if I have some obscure piece due to an error?

There are hundreds of mercury dimes...all worn down like they lived on a belt sander for decades Im thinking melt value for that and . Numerous junk silver that might have some cool error that outcost the entire collection....i have no clue.

Call local coin shop and bring entire collection pictured in OP or sell in chunks?

Your 1878 Morgan is in decent shape. Great looking coin

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How do you do this? Do I need to weigh each combination of items/lots and predetermine postage based on USPS rates? Also in a similar situation with old coins passed down.

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Well the 99¢ starting bid does help to reduce the overall sellers fees as I remember it was tiered based on starting bid back when I did it. I had the buyer pay shipping so I looked at other auctions for estimated shipping costs.

For shipping, you will absolutely need to insure and track it. Typically weight is not an issue. My biggest thing was shopping domestically only. I didn’t want to be stuck paying for international shipping.

Also, I videotaped myself packaging the order (counting out coins, sealing the box on film). As extra insurance in case someone said I shortchanged them.

Lastly, I obviously made sure payment cleared before shipping. I gave buyers 24 hours after winning to pay or I cancelled the auction & relisted. Yes, there are people who claim they paid after winning but don’t (It’s not frequent). But I didn’t ship until I saw the funds in my account (not just an email stating the buyer paid).

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I had the buyer pay shipping so I looked at other auctions for estimated shipping costs.

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Does the built in shipping calculator take care of it?

I would sell that as one whole lot on Ebay. The coins are not in great shape(scratched, well worn, clipped) and the red seal bills are worn as well. The kennedy half dollars would be composed of 90% silver for 1964 dates and 40% silver from 1965-1970. Other than that there is no silver in them. The Morgan dollars are 90% silver and right above 3/4oz silver content in each coin. You will not get anywhere near bullion price as a previous poster stated as they are not bullion and not .9999 fine silver.

You have a mix of US coins, Canadian coins and privately minted tokens. For the red seal notes look at the serial numbers and see if there are any star notes or repeater notes and put those aside or make sure they are pointed out in your listing.

As far as figuring out pricing I would look at numismedia.com, PCGS or NGC. You can also look at The Official Red Book to get good info on rarity, mintage figures and grades/conditions of coins.

It has been a while since I sold on ebay but you can search the website and it will give you the listing and selling fees for coins. I believe the weight of the package plays into shipping costs as well. Request payment within 3 days of the listing ending and make sure it clears before shipping items. I would insure the package and require signature confirmation upon delivery.