Where to begin....

As always...when in question, start with Google. Only this time it's
not a simple search.

Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother. Because I'm retired, my Brothers
and Sisters asked me to look into it.

When I discovered that she had over 6 shoe boxes completely filled
with old coins (in the late 1800's) and many Mercury head dimes, I
headed for the bank. Had to rent 2 big safe-deposit boxes at the bank.

I have no idea what she has or where do I really even begin. My
biggest fear was going to a commercial coin shop and being hood-winked
into selling well below the value. So...somehow I need to be educated
in this endeavor.

Strange in how it brought back memories of my Father bring home rolls
of dimes and pennies from the bank and we would sit at the kitchen
table checking for certain ones, then re-rolling the coins and taking
them back to the bank. Seems like yesterday, except I got no help but
you all in getting me headed in the right direction.

Hope this is a good start Google

RJ

RJ Polock wrote:

As always...when in question, start with Google. Only this time it's
not a simple search.

Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother. Because I'm retired, my Brothers
and Sisters asked me to look into it.

When I discovered that she had over 6 shoe boxes completely filled
with old coins (in the late 1800's) and many Mercury head dimes, I
headed for the bank. Had to rent 2 big safe-deposit boxes at the bank.

I have no idea what she has or where do I really even begin. My
biggest fear was going to a commercial coin shop and being hood-winked
into selling well below the value. So...somehow I need to be educated
in this endeavor.


Your first step needs to be a book purchase. ;-) The 'Redbook' guide to
US Coins is your first order of business. Identify the coins by type,
date and mm. The book will show you where to look and give a rough idea
of the retail values of the coins in various grades. That way you are
likely to learn if you have any 'Keydate' coins. Each series of coins
also has a myriad of varieties, like double-died minting errors, or
3-legged buffalo or RePunched Mintmarks which require a lot more reading
and a good strong lens to positively identify.

Even the 'junk' coins (and that's not really as insulting a term as you
might think!) are likely to have value, if only for the silver content.

If all that sounds too lengthy a process, call your local coin dealers
and arrange for an appraisal. Get more than one opinion about the value
of the hoard. Be in no hurry to sell, but do not be surprised if the
dealer's offer is well below retail value, they do live on margin you
know. Paying for an appraisal is better than letting a prospective
buyer tell you what you've got. ;-)

Strange in how it brought back memories of my Father bring home rolls
of dimes and pennies from the bank and we would sit at the kitchen
table checking for certain ones, then re-rolling the coins and taking
them back to the bank. Seems like yesterday, except I got no help but
you all in getting me headed in the right direction.

Based on the above, I'd say you should go the book route and discover
what the joy was for your Dad in all those trips to the bank. ;-)

Alan
'Roll Searchers Anonymous'

(RJ Polock) wrote:

Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother. Because I'm retired, my Brothers
and Sisters asked me to look into it.

snip

I have no idea what she has or where do I really even begin. My
biggest fear was going to a commercial coin shop and being hood-winked
into selling well below the value. So...somehow I need to be educated
in this endeavor.

It seems from the above that you may be willing to put in a little time doing
some research yourself. The best way to start would be to go to any decent
sized book-seller or coin dealer and purchase "A Guide Book of United States
Coins" by RS Yeoman (also called the Redbook).

This little book can be purchased for $10-$12 in hardcover, a little less in
softcover. Don't let it's size fool you, it contains a wealth of information.

At the beginning of each section on the different coins you will find
information as to where to find mintmarks on the coins and simple grading
criteria. Both of these are important in determining the values of the coins.

The book also lists retail values for the coins in various conditions. It is
unlikely you will ever be able to sell the coins for these prices, but the
values will help you to identify the better dates and mintmarks (the most
expenisve of course).

You may also try to find a coin club in your area. I'm sure the members can be
quite helpful.

And, of course, you've already found us.








++++++++++
Phil DeMayo - always here for my fellow Stooge
When bidding online always sit on your helmet
Just say NO to counterfeits

In article ,
says...
As always...when in question, start with Google. Only this time it's
not a simple search.

Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother. Because I'm retired, my Brothers
and Sisters asked me to look into it.

When I discovered that she had over 6 shoe boxes completely filled
with old coins (in the late 1800's) and many Mercury head dimes, I
headed for the bank. Had to rent 2 big safe-deposit boxes at the bank.

I have no idea what she has or where do I really even begin. My
biggest fear was going to a commercial coin shop and being hood-winked
into selling well below the value. So...somehow I need to be educated
in this endeavor.

Strange in how it brought back memories of my Father bring home rolls
of dimes and pennies from the bank and we would sit at the kitchen
table checking for certain ones, then re-rolling the coins and taking
them back to the bank. Seems like yesterday, except I got no help but
you all in getting me headed in the right direction.

Oh boy...I see others have already given you the Red Book advice, but I
can't help thinking...You aren't *really* considering selling all that
neat family history, are you?? Think about it! )
--
Chrysta Wilson

My Collection:
http://www.chrystawilson.com

RJ wrote:
snipStrange in how it brought back memories of my Father bring home
rolls of dimes and pennies from the bank and we would sit at the kitchen
table checking for certain ones, then re-rolling the coins and taking
them back to the bank. Seems like yesterday, snip
Think of how many more wonderful memories it will bring back when you
are sitting touching them? Rubbing your finger and thumb softly over the
coin, daydreaming of things long ago. Sounds wonderful to me.
Doris

Australian Milk Producers Association
http://www.geocities.com/ampa_ltd/

Calling ALL farmers, rural businesses, australians! See
http://home.iprimus.com.au/wpbalcombe/ Please leave feedback re OZ Dairy
Crisis at http://geocities.yahoo.com/gb/sign?member=BAlcs9 Welcome to
"Balcowa"!
http://www.geocities.com/balcs9/index.htm

(RJ Polock) wrote:
Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother.

You got good advice already. Get The Red Book. Think hard about not
selling them at all: they are family history.

Furthermore, I recommend that you _do_ contact your area coin dealers.

(1) Make sure that the ones you work with are members of at least the
ANA (American Numismatic Association). The other professional
societies a
PNG -- Professional Numismatists Guild.
IAPN -- International Association of Professional Numismatists
ANS -- American Numismatic Society.

You have to make sure. Some dealers will claim to be members of the
ANA when they are not. Ask to see their current issue of the
Numismatist, or membership card. ("I keep it at home." is not an
answer.)

The ANA, IAPN, etc., all have a code of ethics. It does not make the
coin dealer your friend, but it does limit the worst of all possible
cases.

(2) Once you begin hacking away at this, and once you have found truly
professional dealers to work with, then consider PAYING for an
appraisal. Rates of $35 to $50 per hour are common and you should
offer to include drive time in that, if you are serious. Several
visits should be necessary. Limit the hands-on time to 40 minutes.
Get a first estimate and then later make a second appointment for
whatever amount of time is convenient. Get more than one appraisal,
at least to start. Not all dealers know everything. Paper money,
ancients, and tokens are specialty areas.

(2a) One thing you could do is to work with the Red Book, find a half
dozen really nice coins and then VISIT the coin dealers. You will get
a much better understanding from that.

This is not a trivial undertaking. You should consider joining the
ANA yourself. ... And I think that the rule is called "Sturgeon's Law"
that 99% of everything is junk, so be prepared for that.

Finally, consider contacting people here via email. It is hard to
know us through our handles and addresses. If you spend some time
reading the newsgroup, you might find yourself more comfortable
relying on the opinions of opinionated strangers.

Good luck.

Michael E. Marotta
ANA R-162953

Michael E. Marotta wrote:

[snip]

Excellent post, Michael.


--

-Sam

"Michael E. Marotta" wrote in message
m...
(RJ Polock) wrote:
Unknown until 2 days ago, my Mother had been storing 2 coin
collections in her closet for almost 15 years. These were coins
collected by one of my Great Grandfathers, both Grandfathers and my
Father and handed down to my Mother.

You got good advice already. Get The Red Book. Think hard about not
selling them at all: they are family history.

Furthermore, I recommend that you _do_ contact your area coin dealers.

(1) Make sure that the ones you work with are members of at least the
ANA (American Numismatic Association). The other professional
societies a
PNG -- Professional Numismatists Guild.
IAPN -- International Association of Professional Numismatists
ANS -- American Numismatic Society.

I would not worry too much about what brand of coin dealer you frequent.
Get yourself educated first, and you will be far better off than relying on
a coin delaer belonging to some club he can join for $40/year.



You have to make sure. Some dealers will claim to be members of the
ANA when they are not. Ask to see their current issue of the
Numismatist, or membership card. ("I keep it at home." is not an
answer.)

The ANA, IAPN, etc., all have a code of ethics. It does not make the
coin dealer your friend, but it does limit the worst of all possible
cases.

(2) Once you begin hacking away at this, and once you have found truly
professional dealers to work with, then consider PAYING for an
appraisal. Rates of $35 to $50 per hour are common and you should
offer to include drive time in that, if you are serious. Several
visits should be necessary. Limit the hands-on time to 40 minutes.
Get a first estimate and then later make a second appointment for
whatever amount of time is convenient. Get more than one appraisal,
at least to start. Not all dealers know everything. Paper money,
ancients, and tokens are specialty areas.

(2a) One thing you could do is to work with the Red Book, find a half
dozen really nice coins and then VISIT the coin dealers. You will get
a much better understanding from that.

This is not a trivial undertaking. You should consider joining the
ANA yourself. ... And I think that the rule is called "Sturgeon's Law"
that 99% of everything is junk, so be prepared for that.

Finally, consider contacting people here via email. It is hard to
know us through our handles and addresses. If you spend some time
reading the newsgroup, you might find yourself more comfortable
relying on the opinions of opinionated strangers.

Good luck.

Michael E. Marotta
ANA R-162953

Rubbing your finger and thumb softly over the coin, daydreaming of
things long ago.

Perhaps: Holding the coin by the edge, daydreaming of things long ago.
Old coins, like old memories, need to be treated kindly.

Paul
"butch 1" wrote in message
...
RJ wrote:
snipStrange in how it brought back memories of my Father bring home
rolls of dimes and pennies from the bank and we would sit at the kitchen
table checking for certain ones, then re-rolling the coins and taking
them back to the bank. Seems like yesterday, snip
Think of how many more wonderful memories it will bring back when you
are sitting touching them? Rubbing your finger and thumb softly over the
coin, daydreaming of things long ago. Sounds wonderful to me.
Doris

Australian Milk Producers Association
http://www.geocities.com/ampa_ltd/

Calling ALL farmers, rural businesses, australians! See
http://home.iprimus.com.au/wpbalcombe/ Please leave feedback re OZ Dairy
Crisis at http://geocities.yahoo.com/gb/sign?memberºlcs9 Welcome to
"Balcowa"!
http://www.geocities.com/balcs9/index.htm

"Bob Peterson" adds...

Get yourself educated first, and you will be far better off than relying on a
coin delaer belonging to some club he can join for $40/year.

Agreed. This idea that someone gains instant credibility, ethics, etc. vis a
vis knocking off a check to an organization once a year, is getting annoying.
And please stop telling me about the Code of Ethics associated with writing
said check.

Window dressing impresses some, but at a point, can be a signal to run the
other way.

Ever see one of those "really successful" humans that belong to every related
business and professional organization known to man and then ask yourself, just
where do they find time to sleep, much less when they're awake, to GAS about
anything (or anyone) but racing to the next function?

Like anything else, it's a matter of degree.

Edjumacate yourself first, then take the next step. Or be prepared to take it
on the chin or worse. Simple math (and unlike rounding, that equation hasn't
changed since the dawn of time).

Always here for my fellow syngraphist or oenophile.
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