Coin or stamp collections

Is anyone here into coin or stamp collecting?

My mom collected some things and we would like to get rid of them as we aren't into this hobby. I would just like to ask a few questions about them.

If you would like to stay anonymous, please email me.

I will be away from the house today, but will return this evening.

Thanks,
Donna

I used to collect coins. I'm not interested in buying but if I can answer any questions I will.

Hi Donna,

I collected coins growing up, and have renewed my interest in the last year or so. If you have any questions, just let me know, or send an email.

Chris

Donna, You could always just send them to me. :) Oh, wait, that's not what you asked for is it? :)

I'd recommend that you take it to a coin dealer and see if you can get it appraised...especially if you think it has much value.

DW collects American coins, "V" nickels and silver dollars. I collect dead bugs. (Long dead, 300 mil. years?) and crinoids.

Just got home a little while ago.

This is kind of what our problem is and we don't know how to go about doing it.

My mom had an extensive collection of coins of all types and we just don't know enough about them to go to a coin dealer and believe what they have to say. For instance, say she has a 19?? silver dollar. How do we know that it's not a rare coin and the coin dealer says it's not worth more than a few dollars.

I guess what I'm asking is "how" do you find a reputable dealer that won't try to scam us. Do you understand what I mean? Since we are clueless, nothing is being done and my dad doesn't want the burden of this collection any more. He is 84 yrs. old and wants it taken care of soon.

The stamp books were found by them several years ago in a trash bin. There are stamps from all over the world. Many of them have postmarks on them, so I don't know if that makes them any good or not.

Thanks for any help or for just listening. lol

Donna

If I were you I would go to the book store. They put a book out every year with the value of coins acording to there condition. Here is a link to one like it. They have several books. They are not always exactly right because it depends on the market. You will at least know if someone is trying to take you.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?userid=37VO0CQC78&sourceid=00303280297231375458&bfdate=02%2D05%2D2004+02%3A31%3A51&pwb=1&ean=9781582382012

hope this links help u:
http://www.telesphere.com/ts/coins/faq.html
http://www.pcgs.com/lingo.chtml
http://www.coin-newbies.com/

If you want real prices for them, the best way is Ebay. Do some searches through items sold, and see what they're going for. Compare the pictures of what you have versus what you sold. If they're close in condition, the high bid will be very accurate to what it's worth. If there's any difference in condition, either better or worse, look for one in the condition closest to you.

The other nice thing about selling them on Ebay is that you can start them at a very low price with no reserve to keep your costs down. They will get bid on, up to and over book value, with good pictures. I listed a coin collection for a friend last year that included a 1938 Buffalo Nickel. I started it at a penny, even though it was worth well over $150.00. It sold for $240.00. There are enough buyers on Ebay, that no one will be able to "steal it".

You will not get full value from a dealer, ever. That's the price they sell it for, and needless to say, they wouldn't be in business very long, if they sold coins for the same price they paid for it.

Chris

Thank you all so much for all the links and information. I am going to look into them today.

Donna

I collect stamps and I will trade seeds and/or plants for stamps.

Kelli, you have mail.

Donna

I have 3 stamp albums, but I don´t touch them since I was 10 (I was crazy for stamps when I was a kid, and my dad passed down all his collection to me). Maybe someday I will stop to study about stamps and re-start my collection again.

SoCal- you've got mail.

SoCal,

Chris is absolutely right, don't go to a coin dealer, list them on eBay. It is VERY important to post a good picture of every coin, both front (obverse) and back (reverse), describe it as accurately as you can, including all 'dings', scratches, etc., be honest. I have sold many coins on eBay and have done very well with them. It's fairly simple to register and set up an account on eBay and it will definitely will be worth your time if you have any coins of value.

Also, it helps to point out that these coins are 'new' to the collecting world and these are coins passed down in your family, you may have some 'jems' here. Also, go to a coin supplier and purchase what is called a "Blue Book" of coin prices, this will give you a good idea of your coins worth.

Please let us know how you make out.