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

Coin Value Guides Versus Real Cash Offers

Why retail guides, auction results, dealer bids and net proceeds are different numbers.

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. Retail is not cash value

Retail is not cash value 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. Wholesale offers pay for risk and inventory

Wholesale offers pay for risk and inventory 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. Fees reduce auction proceeds

Fees reduce auction proceeds 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. Condition assumptions matter

Condition assumptions matter 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. One buyer is not the market

One buyer is not the market 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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