Whether it was your grandfather or your great aunt's, receiving a loved one’s coin collection can be a blessing. Not only do you get a window into their passions, but you might also earn a valuable asset. That is why some beneficiaries end up selling the collections they inherit. But the success of the sale can be greatly affected by the actions you take to prepare for it. Make the most of it with these three tips before heading to a coin dealer.

3 Tips for Those Who Have Just Inherited a Coin Collection

1. Skip the Cleaning

With furniture and clothing, you might assume getting your used items as clean as possible is necessary before putting them up for sale. However, for coin collectors, cleaning only reduces value. They are looking for an authentically aged coin with a visible patina that has accumulated over the years. Cleaning will not only eliminate this residue but may also leave scratches in soft metals, like gold and silver.

2. Pick a Small Sample Group

Next, assess the coins in your inherited collection. Look them up in A Guide Book of United States Coins or the Redbook for a rough estimate of their value. Set aside those that seem most promising, but do not allow them to touch one another. As a temporary solution, you can slip the coins in plastic pockets inside a binder. You can then take this small sample group to visit coin dealers in your area instead of carrying around the entire collection and risking permanent damage.

3. Get Them Appraised

While you can jump straight to the selling phase and ask coin dealers to make an offer, these sums will be highly subjective. To find out how much your collection is truly worth, have it appraised. A professional appraiser will have extensive knowledge in how to calculate coin values, from the design and mint date to the level of wear and tear. While it costs money to have a collection appraised, this expert opinion will drastically increase your profits if you decide to sell.

To have your collection accurately appraised by a reputable coin dealer, head to Coins Plus. This Cincinnati, OH, store is home to an enthusiastic team of numismatists who help everyone from beginner to veteran coin collectors. With their honest appraisal services, you no longer have to wonder how much your loved one’s collection is worth. Learn more about this PNG Dealer online, or call (513) 621-1996 to speak with a staff member.