Just inherited coins? Do these seven things before cleaning, sorting or selling anything.
Estate coin guide

Common Coin Estate Scams and Pressure Tactics

Protect heirs from fake rarities, switching, lowballing, overgrading and fee traps.

Inherited collections are often mixtures: ordinary circulation coins, bullion, collector pieces, old holders, world coins, tokens and paperwork. The goal is not to assign a perfect price immediately. The goal is to avoid losing information or selling a valuable subgroup as anonymous bulk.

1. Document custody

Document custody should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.

2. Verify certified holders

Verify certified holders should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.

3. Use insured shipping

Use insured shipping should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.

4. Avoid destructive tests

Avoid destructive tests should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.

5. Read consignment terms

Read consignment terms should be handled in a way that preserves evidence and keeps the family’s options open. Record what you know, identify uncertainty and avoid turning a preliminary estimate into a rushed sale decision.

Anti-ripoff rule: A confident buyer is not automatically a correct buyer. Ask how the offer was calculated, keep an inventory and compare at least one independent alternative for better material.

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