Getting a Coin Appraisal: Where to Begin
A coin appraisal tells you what your coins are and what they are worth. Whether you have one old coin, a jar of silver, a box of proof sets or a lifetime collection, an appraisal from an experienced professional is the most reliable way to know which coins are worth only their metal and which are worth much more to collectors. It also protects you from selling too cheaply.
Founded in 1990, American Rarities has purchased over $400 million in rare coins, paper currency and collectibles, and we appraise coins for collectors, families, executors and CPAs every day. This guide explains the kinds of coin appraisals, what an appraiser looks for, how to prepare and what to expect. If you need a value for an estate or a tax return, see our page on coin appraisals for CPAs and estates. At the end, you will find how to get a free appraisal.
What Kind of Coin Appraisal Do You Need?
The right appraisal depends on why you need it. Most people want to know what a buyer will pay, but estates, donations and insurance policies call for a different kind of value.
| Purpose | What you need |
|---|---|
| Selling coins | A free appraisal and written offer that lists each coin or group with a price. |
| An estate, trust or tax return | A written appraisal of fair market value as of the date of death or another valuation date, with each item listed. |
| A charitable donation | A written appraisal from a qualified appraiser, which the IRS generally requires for donated property valued over $5,000. |
| Insurance | A written appraisal of the value to replace the coins, which is usually higher than the value to sell them. |
| Dividing coins among heirs | An itemized appraisal, so each heir can see the value of each coin or group. |
We provide free, no-obligation appraisals for anyone thinking about selling. When an estate, trust or CPA needs a formal, itemized report, we can also prepare an IRS-approved written appraisal as a separate, fee-based engagement. Learn more on our pages for IRS-compliant numismatic appraisals for CPAs and estate appraisals and liquidation, and in our coin appraisal for estate tax checklist for CPAs.
What a Coin Appraiser Looks For
A professional appraiser examines each coin or group in the same order:
- Identification. The country, denomination, date and mintmark. Mintmarks such as the CC on this 1878-CC Morgan dollar can change a coin’s value.
- Authenticity. Valuable coins are often counterfeited or altered, so the appraiser checks the weight, details and surfaces.
- Grade. Condition is graded on the 70-point Sheldon scale. For certified coins, the appraiser also reviews the grade on the holder.
- Problems. Cleaning, scratches, rim damage and repairs lower the value.
- Metal content. For gold and silver coins, the weight and purity set a floor under the value.
- The market. Finally, the appraiser looks at recent sales of the same coin in the same grade to set a current value.
Price guides and online listings give only a rough idea of value, because asking prices are not selling prices. Our guide on how to determine the value of your rare coins explains more, and our article on PCGS, NGC and ANACS explains how the grading services work.
How to Prepare for a Coin Appraisal
A little preparation makes an appraisal faster and more accurate:
- Do not clean your coins. Cleaning almost always lowers a coin’s value. Leave every coin exactly as it is.
- Keep coins in their holders. Leave coins in their albums, envelopes, rolls, certified holders and original Mint packaging.
- Make a simple list. Note the country, denomination, date and quantity of each coin or group. For certified coins, copy the grading service, grade and certification number.
- Take clear photos. Photograph both sides of the better coins in good, even light. For a large collection, photos of the best pieces and a list are enough to start.
- Gather paperwork. Receipts, old appraisals, certificates and notes left by the collector can all help.
For more help, see our pages on coin collection appraisal and free online coin appraisal. If you plan to mail your coins, read our guide on how to safely ship a coin collection for appraisal.
What to Expect From Your Appraisal
When you send your coins to American Rarities for a free appraisal, you can expect:
- A fast answer. Appraisals are usually done within 24 hours.
- A written, itemized offer. We list each coin or group with our price, so you can see what each part of your collection is worth and compare our offer with others.
- Honest advice. We tell you which coins are worth their metal, which are worth more to collectors and whether any are worth grading.
- No obligation. There is never a fee for our free appraisal and offer, and you never have to sell. If you decline after shipping your coins, we return your items fully insured.
- A choice of how to meet. You can ship your coins to us fully insured at our expense, or for larger collections we can meet you at your bank.
If you decide to sell, see our guides on how to sell a coin collection, how to sell rare coins and how to sell inherited coins, or browse all of our how-to-sell guides.
Ready for Your Free Coin Appraisal?
Whether you have a single coin or a large collection, the steps are the same: leave the coins as they are, make a list, take a few photos and send them to an experienced appraiser. We have appraised and bought coins for collectors, families and estates since 1990, and we would be glad to help you.
How Our Free Appraisals Work
Send Photos and/or a List
Send us your inventory list, photos of the coins, or both. We review them and send you a free, no-obligation written appraisal and offer, usually within 24 hours. Text them to 720-600-4740, email staff@americanrarities.com or use the form further down this page.
Ship or Meet
If you would like us to examine the coins in hand, ship them to us fully insured at our expense, or for larger collections we can meet you at your bank. If you decline our offer, we return your items fully insured.
Get Paid
If you decide to sell, we pay you immediately by cash, check, ACH or wire, whichever you prefer.
American Rarities holds a 4.7-star Google rating and an A+ rating with the BBB, we are ANA Life Members, and we are an authorized PCGS, NGC and ANACS dealer. Learn more on our pages for coin collection appraisal and coin appraisals for CPAs and estates.
You can also call 800-622-5680. Calls go to our answering service, so leave a message and we will call you back. Or visit our contact a rare coin buyer page.
How to Get a Coin Appraisal: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my coins appraised?
Make a simple list of your coins, take clear photos of the better pieces and send them to an experienced, reputable coin dealer or appraiser. For a free appraisal from American Rarities, text 720-600-4740, email staff@americanrarities.com or use the form on this page.
Is a coin appraisal free?
Our appraisal and written offer for anyone thinking about selling is free, with no obligation to sell. A formal, itemized written appraisal for an estate, trust or tax return is a separate, fee-based engagement.
How long does a coin appraisal take?
Appraisals are usually done within 24 hours.
Can coins be appraised from photos?
Yes. Clear photos of both sides of each coin, along with a list, are often enough for an accurate appraisal. For some valuable coins, we may need to examine them in hand to confirm the grade and authenticity.
Should I clean my coins before an appraisal?
No. Cleaning almost always lowers a coin’s value. Leave your coins exactly as they are, in their original holders.
Do you provide written appraisals for estates and CPAs?
Yes. We can prepare an IRS-approved written appraisal of fair market value as of the date of death or another valuation date. See our page on coin appraisals for CPAs and estates for details.
What is the difference between appraised value and an offer?
An appraised value for an estate or insurance is an estimate of fair market value or replacement value. An offer is the price a buyer will pay today. Our free appraisals come with a written offer, so you know both what your coins are and what you can sell them for.
Free Coin Appraisal and Offer
Email, Text, or Use This Form To Send Us Your Inventory List or Pictures
Email: staff@americanrarities.com | Text: 720-600-4740
