Have a pile of old coins you’re dying to get rid of? If you’re not an experienced coin collector or appraiser, it can be incredibly difficult to determine the values of gold, silver, and other pieces. Fortunately, the experts are here to help.

Since 1973, Honolulu’s Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin has been the area’s go-to source for appraising, buying, and selling old coins, bank notes, stamps, and more. Their experienced staff will happily provide you with advice on how to appraise your old coins before selling them:

• Condition: Condition is a vital factor that refers to more than just grade—it also refers to aesthetics. If the coin isn’t appealing to the eye, others aren’t going to want it. This means old coins that are bent or dirty won’t be worth much. Things like bends are impossible to fix, so it’s best to separate your old coins into two piles: quality, appealing pieces, and coins with holes, scratches, bends, and other defects. 
• Rarity: Coin collecting and selling involves significant research. If you have rare coins in your collection, speaking with a professional is best to make sure they’re authenticated. Nowadays, counterfeits are common in all industries, and old coins are no exception. Search through your collection to find the rarest pieces of gold and silver, and before selling them, make sure they’re real. 
• Supply: For those damaged coins you placed in a separate pile, keep in mind selling them individually is going to prove a difficult task. Instead, sell them quicker and easier by grouping them together as one large lot. To improve their look, take the time to polish each coin individually.
• Make: This all circles back to doing your research. Know what kinds of old coins you have on your hands, as well as what they’re made of and the dates they were manufactured. Make makes a difference.

One final thing to remember: Although age is the main factor many people focus on, it’s not the only one that counts. Grade is a vital part of determining old coin values. Grade is the physical condition of your gold or silver, and it can range from “poor” to “perfect.” Most fall in the in-between range, but the higher the grade, the higher the value, no matter how old the coin is. 

If you’re looking to sell your old coins, head on over to Honolulu’s Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin. Learn more and view samples by visiting their website, or call (808) 531-6251 to speak with a staff member today.