One of the most common questions we hear from those who have inherited a coin collection is, “Should I sell it, or should I hold onto it as an investment?”
It’s a thoughtful question, and the answer can be surprising.
Many people assume that because a collection was a lifelong passion for a loved one, it must be a great long-term financial investment. The reality is often more complex. Below, we share the same honest advice we provide to our clients, drawing from over 30 years of experience in the numismatic market. This is the expert perspective that can help you make the best decision for your family.
## A Hobby of Passion, Not Always Profit
Serious coin collecting is a wonderful hobby, often born from a deep interest in history. The vast majority of dedicated collectors are driven by this passion, not by financial speculation. They love the thrill of the hunt and the joy of holding a piece of the past.
However, a passion-driven hobby does not always translate into a sound financial investment for the next generation.
## The Reality of the Modern Coin Market
As experts who live and breathe this industry every day, we believe in being transparent about market trends. For the past two decades, the market for many numismatic (rare) coins has been steadily declining.
There are two primary reasons for this trend:
- Changing Demographics: Younger generations have not developed the same interest in collecting as their parents and grandparents did.
- Supply and Demand: As older collectors pass away, their collections enter the market. With fewer young collectors to buy them, the supply of rare coins is growing while demand is weakening. This combination consistently pushes values down.
Simply put, holding onto most rare coin collections with the expectation of future profit is a risky strategy. Passive investments in equities or real estate have historically offered better and less risky returns.
## Our Honest Recommendation for Heirs
With very few exceptions, we recommend the same approach to nearly every heir we work with:
- Keep a Few Mementos: Select a few items from the collection that were particularly meaningful to your loved one. These pieces hold sentimental value that is far more important than their market price. For example, a set of historical reproductions may have little monetary worth but can be a wonderful family keepsake.
- Sell the Remainder: Convert the bulk of the collection into cash. This honors the collector’s hard work and passion by transforming it into a tangible financial benefit for their family.
It’s very likely that the original collector, knowing the state of the industry, fully expected their heirs to sell the collection. Doing so is often the most logical and beneficial decision.
## Get Expert Guidance You Can Trust
Navigating the sale of an inherited collection can feel emotional and complex. Our nationwide team of reputable appraisers is here to provide sensitive, expert guidance to help you through the process.
We offer a free, no-obligation appraisal of your collection. We will identify which pieces are valuable, which are best kept as mementos, and provide you with a fair, written offer for the items you wish to sell.
Contact us today by email, text, or the form below to get the clarity you need.
