anyone know anything about selling coin collections?

[LDS Jock]

My friend is looking to sell the coin collection he inherited. They are old German and Austrian coins, many dating back into the 1700s. He knows absolutely nothing about coins (I know even less) but wants to sell them but not be screwed over in the process. Does anyone know where the best place to sell them would be? He thought of Ebay, but doesn't want to let it go for one amount and find out later it could have been ten times as much. Where would you find out an estimate of worth? Thanks for any help.

[SoCalDem]

1. First thing.. It will cost him, but it's worth it..

He needs to take them to a reputable coin dealer, and ask for an appraisal..

****VERY IMPORTANT****

He should NOT tell the dealer he plans to sell them.. ..he should say e wants to INSURE them.. That will keep the dealer from low-balling them in hopes of buiyng them later..and re-selling them..

[elehhhhna]

2. Yep. The list on ebay with reserve prices.

[elehhhhna]

3. also google the coins + auction sales for ballpark sales prices.

[sportndandy]

8. Silly talk

A coin dealer's offer IS what the material is worth. If you want a written appraisal for insurance purposes expect to pay for it. I charge $125.00 per hour minimum two hours for appraisal, but I will gladly tell you what I would pay for no charge.
Coin dealers make money by reselling coins. If you want to open a store you have to pay rent and utilities and buy cases and safes and alarms and advertising and work your ass off. If they don't don't deserve to make money by paying for your coins and figuring out a way to seperate the crap from the good stuff and turn it into money, well then I suggest you go the Ebay route and deal with buying the computer and camera and scanner and internet service and packing equipment and bank accounts and handle the shipping and customer complaints and insurance forms that go along with it.

[sportndandy]

4. I am a coin dealer

And the stuff you are describing is esoteric, i.e. the material may be rare but it might be harder to find a collector.
Don't worry about a dealer low-balling you, they have to make money too, and if you don't let them then they won't buy the material from you at all.
Try taking A SAMPLE of stuff around to different dealers to gauge their level of interest and knowledge of your coins. Figure out which dealer actually knows the material and has access to the market. That dealer will give you the highest price.
As far as Ebay is concerned, it is a great way to get the most from your collection, but be aware of the usual hidden business expenses, returns, shipping problems etc. I wouldn't do it if I didn't have to, and I only make money at it because I am very organized and I have been doing it for years.

[Aiptasia]

5. I'll buy them right now for $30.00

See? You see, this old one is worthless... and that one.. and this one. Oh my god, this whole pile is worthless.

The best I could do is... umm.. $25.00 for the lot.. Final offer. I'm walking away.....

The evil horse trader in me rears it's ugly head.

[cruadin]

6. He should absolutely get them appraised, both as a collection...

and select individual pieces to have appraised elsewhere. That will give him a good idea of whether he is getting an accurate price, rather than a low estimate from someone looking to acquire the collection for resale. Coins of that age have the potential to be quite valuable.
I am an "on-again, off-again" collector of U.S. coins, so I have no specific knowledge about foreign coins of that vintage, or where specifically to look for appraisal, but it shouldn't be too hard to find reputable dealers in your area.

[The Sushi Bandit]

7. Give it to his kids.. dont sell!

[LDS Jock]

9. an evil homosexual.. will never have kids n/t

[Skittles]

10. good timing thread

my brother passed away last week and left a big coin collection; we have no idea what to do with it

[LDS Jock]

11. sorry

:hug: