If you have old coins that you think might be valuable, an appraisal will allow you to sell them for what they’re worth. You’ll get a documented professional assessment of their value, which will help appeal to potential buyers. Before scheduling your appraisal, you should take the following steps to ensure a smooth experience.

What Should You Do Before a Coin Appraisal?

1. Identify Your Coins

While it isn’t the same as getting an expert opinion, a coin price guide can help you figure out what’s in your collection. It will include baseline values for many pieces so that you can receive a ballpark estimate of the cost of your items. This way, you know what to expect and have a rough idea of how much this project is worth from the start.

2. Sort by Condition and Composition

Coins with wear, damage, or holes are worth significantly less than ones in top shape. Sorting your pieces into two groups—good and poor condition—will help the examination go faster. You can also separate the items by material, such as silver and gold, which can also determine their value. 

By organizing your coins, the appraiser won’t have to hunt through the collection for quality pieces, saving time for both of you.

3. Authenticate the Collection

Counterfeit coins are unfortunately common. They may look like rare and valuable items but are worth much less. Your appraiser may or may not be able to tell, especially if a forgery is well made. Having the coins authenticated by a third party before the assessment ensures you and the professional both know for sure what you’re looking at, allowing for an accurate valuation.

4. Protect Your Pieces

Valuable coins are often displayed in sleeves with front and back openings or clear plastic blocks. These items keep the pieces from getting lost or damaged while also leaving them visible from all sides. The more valuable your coins are, the more you should protect them from damage that could lower their value.

When having valuable coins assessed, you need to trust the expertise and integrity of your provider. For a well-established appraiser on Oahu, visit Hawaiian Islands Stamp and Coin. Serving Honolulu, HI, for almost 50 years, Don Medcalf and his team accept a range of silver and gold coins and other rare collectibles. You can count on their experience, as Medcalf is the chairman of the Expertising Committee of the Hawaiian Philatelic Society and was elected president of the Stamp and Coin Dealers Association of Hawaii. Call (808) 531-6251 to schedule your appraisal, and visit the website to view their current inventory.