Selling Your Coin Collection Outright

Advantages:

• Immediate or next day payment – Ideal if you want quick liquidity, or if you have a lot of common items like Mint Products, or Bullion.

• No guessing as to what you will receive; once you accept the offer, the transaction is done and you get paid.

• Most transactions are done within the same day, or if the amount is large, via an overnight wire.

• Simple Process – Fewer steps compared to and without the certainty of how much you will receive and the months it can take for a consignment to complete. 

Considerations:

• Wholesale vs. Retail Pricing – Dealers have to pay less than full retail value since they need to resell the coins.  You can expect from 65% to 90% of the book value of the coins.

• Know Your Buyer – Reputable coin dealers, bullion shops, and auction houses are preferable to pawn shops or unknown online buyers.  You want someone who is really going to look at your coins for what they are, and not just pay you out based on the bullion value.

Consigning Your Collection

Advantages:

• Potential for Higher Returns – Coins can be marketed to a broader audience, sometimes achieving retail or above-market results.

• Professional Marketing – Consignment partners handle photography, cataloging, and promotion.

• Specialized Audience – Auction houses attract serious numismatists and competitive bidders.

Considerations:

• Timeframe – It may take weeks or months before coins sell and you receive payment.

• Really only makes sense if you have a higher-end certified collection

• Commission Fees – Typically 20%–30% depending on the venue and value of the coins and may negate the higher returns.

• Market Conditions – Final sale prices depend on current collector demand and that changes all the time.

• You may have to pay grading or other fees and take the risk of those fees not adding value

 

Appraising Your Collection

Advantages:

• Knowledge Without Commitment – Perfect for estate planning, insurance coverage, or deciding whether to sell.  You can now go anywhere with the collection and know if you are getting fair price

• Professional Insight – An experienced numismatist can identify rare varieties, grading nuances, market trends and advise you on when it makes sense to spend the money to grade/certify particular pieces. (Big plus).

• Peace of Mind – Prevents undervaluing coins when selling or dividing an estate.  Knowing everyone gets their fair share.    

Considerations:

• Appraisal Fees – Appraisers may charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage fee. Beware of Flat fees, as they are often rushed.  A good appraisal takes about a week to create, that is why they can be expensive.

• Choose Qualified Professionals – Look for members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or Referrals.

• Update Regularly – Coin values change over time; appraisals should be refreshed periodically.  Do not rely on appraisals that are more than a few years old.

Tips for Any Path You Choose

• Organize the Collection – Keep coins in holders, flips, or albums to avoid damage.  Move them around as little as possible.

• Keep them safe.  1 out of 3 collections are stolen.  Document Everything – Photos, inventory lists, and purchase receipts add value. Keep them in a sturdy safe and get them insured.  Your standard homeowners policy usually does not cover the collection.

• Go with some you can trust.  You do not want to lug $50,000 worth of coins to three different dealer locations.   That is way too much advertising and risk.  Do your research online or by phone.  Once you find someone you are comfortable with, take it there.  Many times, a reputable dealer will be willing to come to your home, office, or bank if the collection is too large to easily move around.   

• Beware of 'Too Good to Be True' Offers – Many times, people will give you high values over the phone or email to get you to bring the items in because they know once you are at their location, you are more apt to accept a lower offer rather than take it someplace else.    Work only with trusted professionals!

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