Hey everyone! I recently came into possession of a bulk submission of coins from an estate sale, and I’m a bit overwhelmed with how to accurately determine their value. I’ve gone through them, and there are a mix of vintage silver dollars and some foreign coins, but honestly, I’m not sure where to start.
I’ve done some preliminary research on the silver dollars, and I’ve noticed that the condition plays such a crucial role in their market value. For example, I found a 1922 Peace Dollar that’s in decent shape, but there are some dings and scratches. I’ve heard that grading can be subjective, so I’m curious about the best methods for evaluating these coins. Additionally, the foreign coins seem like they could be interesting, but I’m in the dark about their worth.
What are your go-to resources for determining value? Do you often enlist the help of numismatic professionals or rely on online guides? I’d love to hear your strategies and any tips for a more systematic approach to grading and valuing coins from a bulk submission!
Evaluating a bulk submission can be daunting, but it’s also fascinating! Here’s a systematic way I’ve approached this, especially with the silver dollars you mentioned.
- Start with grading: Using the Sheldon Scale is essential—most vintage coins fall between grades 1 (poor) and 70 (perfect).
- Check for market trends: Sites like PCGS and NGC offer insights into current values based on condition.
- Consider the mint mark: Many dollars have a mint mark on the back that significantly influences value.
Personal experience tells me that even minor dings can drastically reduce value, like you noted about your 1922 Peace Dollar. I had a similar situation with a 1885 Morgan that, despite its initial appearance, dropped in value due to a couple of scratches. It’s also helpful to categorize foreign coins based on country and era, as some can be quite valuable. Good luck with your collection!
5 Likes
Thanks for the detailed breakdown, Mike! I appreciate the links to PCGS and NGC, they’ll be great resources. I’ll definitely check out the Sheldon Scale more closely. It’s crazy how even a small scratch can affect value so much. Have you ever sent any coins for professional grading?
3 Likes
Great question, CoinCollector92! I always recommend considering the historical significance of coins when determining value. For example, coins minted during certain eras, such as the Great Depression or WWII, often hold more value. My personal tip is to join forums or local numismatic clubs where members often share prices and grading experiences. It’s an excellent way to compare your coins. Also, if you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional; it may save you time in the long run.
4 Likes
I agree, SilverSeeker! The historical context can add a lot of value! Additionally, always be careful of cleaning coins as it can lower their grading—it’s an unfortunate mistake I made with an otherwise beautiful circulated coin. Good luck with those foreign coins, they can surprise you with their value!
2 Likes
Thanks for the heads up about cleaning! I almost did that with one of my coins, thinking I was preserving it. So what about foreign coins? Any tips on finding their value?
1 Like
For foreign coins, I usually use websites like Numisbids, or even eBay to compare prices. You’d be surprised how much a rare foreign coin can go for! Just make sure you double-check condition before assuming its value, as the market can be tricky.
3 Likes
Great advice, FlippingCoins! I’ve found many foreign coins to be more valuable than expected. In my bulk collection, a single 50 Pfennig from 1965 turned out to be a nice find worth over $100 due to its rarity. Always research the specific country and year, and combine that with condition.
4 Likes
Interesting story, OldCoinGuy! I didn’t think foreign coins could be worth that much! I’ll make sure to dig deeper into their history as well. What resources do you recommend for learning more about foreign coins?
2 Likes
Coin books are typically a great resource! I’d recommend The Standard Catalog of World Coins which covers a vast range and often provides insights into the historical significance and current market trends of foreign currency. Remember to also check online databases and forums—community feedback can be invaluable.
1 Like
Definitely check out books and resources! I’ve read that The World Coin Price Guide is also a reliable reference. It’s essential to keep yourself educated as the market can fluctuate quite a bit. Plus, you can never have too much information!
3 Likes