If you have amassed an impression collection of coins, congratulations! We know how much time and effort it takes to research and discover different types of currency until you find the perfect items. You will eventually need an appraisal of your collection either for insurance or liquidation.  By asking your coin dealer the right questions, you can ensure the process goes smoothly and your interests are protected. Check out our top five questions to ask during a coin appraisal to pick up some useful tips:

1. What is your dealer’s experience? Anyone can hold themselves out as a numismatic expert, but few dealers go to the trouble of becoming an expert.  One very important affiliation your dealer should have is the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG).  This is a vetted organization of professional numismatists that has rigorous membership requirements.  You can go to www.pngdealers.org for more information.  Coins+ is the ONLY turnkey dealer in the Tri-State area.
2. Is the coin authentic? It’s crucial to know if your coin is authentic. A trained appraisal expert can help determine your coin’s authenticity either through personal knowledge or third party grading/authentication.  Coins+ is a submission dealer for PGCS, NGC, and ANACS the 3 largest authentication services.
3. What is the market price? No two coins are exactly the same.  Individual specimens in the same grade can be valued significantly differently.  You need a trained eye to determine the subtle differences.  Make sure your appraiser has the experience to find “hidden value” in your collection.
4. What is the dealer’s experience? In order to determine if you are in good hands, it’s important to find out your appraiser’s credentials, experience, and skillset. Before the coin appraisal gets underway, feel free to ask about their numismatic experience and professional affiliations. 
5. Documentation of reference material.  Do not be afraid to ask your appraiser about what reference material was used to determine their appraisal.  Rare and difficult coins cannot be evaluated only using the most standard references.  Even with the internet references a numismatic library is a must for professional appraisals.  Ask to see your appraiser’s library and reference material if you have exceptional items.

If you are interested in a coin appraisal and would like to learn more about what the process entails, visit us online today, or call (513) 621-1996 to speak to one of our rare coin experts. Find out why Coins+ was named the “Coin Dealer of the Year” in 2013 by the American Numismatic Association, our national collectors organization.  (www.money.org).