Old coins, how and where to sell them?

**winner** · 05-21-2009, 12:31 AM

Hi there,
I have lots of coins and would like to sell them. I was trying to search the net, but thougth to ask if anyone here at FV done this before. First hand experience is much better than internet.
I thank you all.

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-21-2009, 12:56 AM

Are they rare coins or just old? Look them up in a recent catalogue if you aren't sure about their value. Check the library, new ones come out every year. Coins shops will buy them from you, but well below the listed value. You need to go in knowing what they're worth though. You can also list on eBay if you have something that will generate a lot of interest, but it's not worth it for anything common, as the fees will negate any profit, and coins are heavy to ship in large quantities. If you have some items that you think will sell, search the current listings to see if anything similar was listed and if it sold or has bids and for how much. Catalogue prices are just a guide, they're really only worth what someone is willing to pay.

**Mckeekitty** · 05-21-2009, 11:40 AM

I agree with the previous post...you want to proceed with caution.

Coin shops will pay less, but you can easily "unload" your coins for quick $$. I, for one, am not familiar with the world of coins. It is very intimidating with issues of "grading" and "strike" and so forth.

If you do decide to go with a coin shop, get a few price quotes before making a deal. If a dealer feels your are naive, you may get a low-ball quote. There is nothing wrong with stating up-front that you are shopping for price quotes. You'll probably get a stronger offer.

If you are in no hurry, I would suggest holding on and asking around. My husband works at our local senior center, and plenty of those gentlemen have collected coins since the days of the Depression. Free knowledge!

**winner** · 05-22-2009, 12:49 AM

Hi,
Thank you for reply. No, I am not in hurry to sell them, and would like to get more information. If you don't mind ask you husband to find out what step should I take.
Thanks again

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-22-2009, 11:26 AM

This is the book you want to check:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/...7charlton%2527 assuming they are all Canadian coins.
If your collection includes paper money or American coins, there is another guide which includes some of those:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/...+Viewed+-+Main
If it is foreign coins, you'll need something else - I don't know what

I only collect Canadian currency.

Again, check with your library first as these guides are outdated quickly. It would be nice to not have to make the investment if this is a one time event. If you do buy, Chapters will likely be the best price. Coin shops carry them, but you will pay full cover price there.

I know the Charlton paper money catalogue gives fairly good instructions on grading bills, I would think their coin books would all do the same. You may need to find a collector in your area who can assist you with grading though, it can be pretty precise. You may even take some into a coin shop just for an opinion on grade, without selling them there. Usually the people working in the shops are avid collectors and enjoy talking about coins, even if it doesn't involve a transaction.