Coin Appraisals
Appraisals Expert
Coin Appraisal Services
Coin appraisal services are provided by professional appraisers who evaluate and determine the value of a coin or a coin collection. Coin appraisals can be done for various reasons, such as insurance, estate planning, estate and trust, family distribution, charitable donation, market value, and legal matters, such as bankruptcy and divorce. During an appraisal, the appraiser will examine the coins. They will then provide a written report with an estimated value for the piece. It is important to note that the value provided in an appraisal is an estimate and may not reflect the exact price the coin could be sold for. It is also important to note that in many instances, we recommend having your coins graded by PGCS Or NGC prior to obtaining an appraisal request. In many instances, the grade of a coin can substantially alter its value. In some instances, coin grading is not necessary, and we are happy to advise you prior to making the decision to have a coin submitted for grading.
coin appraisals online
Online coin appraisals are a type of appraisal conducted online rather than in person. These appraisals are typically used to determine the value of a coin or coins for a variety of purposes insurance, estate and trust, family distribution, charitable donation, market value, and legal matters such as bankruptcy and divorce. To conduct an online appraisal, the appraiser will typically request photographs and descriptions of the coins being appraised, as well as any relevant documentation, such as receipts or sales records. The appraiser will then use this information to determine the value of the items, using methods such as comparing the items to similar ones that have recently sold or reviewing market trends. One advantage of an online coin appraisal is that it can be more convenient and cost-effective than in-person appraisals, as they do not require the appraiser to visit the property physically. An online appraisal is not a coin grading report, and in many instances, we recommend getting a coin graded through PGCS or NGC prior to obtaining an appraisal.
coin appraisers near me
An in-person coin appraisal is a type of appraisal that is conducted by an appraiser who physically visits the property and inspects the items being appraised. These appraisals are typically used to determine the value of coins for insurance, estate and trust, family distribution, charitable donation, and legal matters such as bankruptcy and divorce. During an in-person coin appraisal, the appraiser will typically inspect each item being appraised, taking into account factors such as age, rarity, and market demand for the item. The appraiser may also gather additional information about the items, such as sales data or market trends, to help determine their value. The benefit of an in-person coin appraisal is that the appraiser takes pictures and describes the items valued, which can cost the client additional time. Similar to online coin appraisals, we recommend getting your coins graded through PGCS or NGC prior to obtaining an appraisal.
appraisal on coins
Appraisal on US coins, world coins, and ancient coins all involve different processes and considerations.
For US coins, the appraiser will consider the year, coin grade, condition, material (gold or silver), denomination, mint marks, and strike errors. Coins that are in good condition and have low mintage numbers will typically be valued more highly, as will coins that have a higher coin grade.
For world coins, the appraiser will also consider rarity and condition but will also take into account the coin’s country of origin, as well as any historical or cultural significance. They will also need to be familiar with the coinage of different countries and their relative values.
Ancient coins present a different set of challenges, as they often have historical and cultural significance, but their condition may be poor. The appraiser will need to take into account the coin’s age, rarity, and historical significance, as well as the coin’s condition and preservation.
Coin Authentication
A coin appraisal and coin authentication are two different things. A coin appraisal is a process of determining the value of a coin based on value. It is typically done by a professional coin appraiser, and the result is a written report that provides an estimated value of the coin.
Coin authentication, on the other hand, is the process of determining whether a coin is genuine or not. It is typically done by an expert in the field who is familiar with the coin’s specific details, such as its weight, size, design, and minting characteristics. Many clients use services such as PGCS for this type of assessment. This process may involve the use of tools such as magnifying glasses, microscopes, or chemical testing.
A coin appraisal does not guarantee that a coin is genuine, and coin authentication does not determine the value of a coin. Both processes are important.
Coin Appraisals For Insurance
Coin insurance appraisals refer to the process of determining the value of a coin collection for the purpose of insuring it. Appraisals are done by professional appraisal companies that offer coin appraisals. The value of a coin collection can be influenced by factors such as year, coin grade, condition, material (gold or silver), mint marks, and strike errors. It is important to have accurate appraisals in order to ensure that a coin collection is properly insured.
To get coins insured, you will need to first have them appraised by a coin appraiser. The appraiser will determine the value of your coin collection and provide you with an appraisal report. This report can be used to establish the value of your collection for insurance purposes.
Next, you will need to find an insurance provider that offers coverage for coin collections. Many standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies do not cover collections, so you may need to purchase a special rider or a separate policy.
When shopping for insurance, be sure to inquire about the specific coverage provided for coin collections. Some policies may have limits on the amount of coverage available or may only cover certain types of coins. You will also need to provide the insurer with a copy of the appraisal report for your coin collection. It is important to regularly update the appraisal and insurance coverage as the value of the collection changes over time, especially when adding new coins to the collection.
Ungraded Coins
Ungraded coins, also known as “raw” coins, typically sell for less than coins that have been graded by a professional grading service. Graded coins have been evaluated and authenticated by experts and have been assigned a grade based on their condition.
This grade is usually represented by a numerical score and a descriptor, such as “Extremely Fine” or “Mint State-63”.
Graded coins have a higher degree of certainty of authenticity and condition than ungraded coins. A professional grading service will use a set of strict standards and guidelines to determine a coin’s grade.
Ungraded coins, on the other hand, have not undergone this process, and as such, regardless of how a coin looks, the coin’s authenticity or condition remains speculation. As a result, ungraded coins are typically worth less than graded coins.
It’s important to note that not all coins need to be graded. Some coins are so common that the cost of grading is more than the coin’s value. In those cases, grading is not necessary. It is also important to note that in those cases, getting a coin appraised is also not needed.
It’s important to be aware of the potential savings that can be made by not having ungraded coins, but also the risks involved in attempting to appraise raw coins. In general, it is recommended that coin owners have a good understanding of coin grading and consult with an expert before making any decisions.
What Is A Coin Appraisal
A coin appraisal is the process of determining the value of a coin. It is typically done by a professional coin appraiser who has the knowledge and expertise to assess the coin’s condition, rarity, and market demand. The appraised value of a coin can be used for insurance, selling, or buying purposes. A coin appraisal can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Insurance: A coin appraisal can be used to determine the value of a coin collection for insurance purposes. This ensures that the collection is properly insured in case of loss or damage.
- Market value: A coin appraisal can be used to determine the current market value of a coin. This can be helpful for those who are looking to buy or sell a coin.
- Estate and trust: A coin appraisal can be used in the distribution of assets from an estate or trust. The appraisal will help determine the value of the coin collection for distribution to beneficiaries.
- Family distribution: A coin appraisal can also be used in the distribution of assets within a family. It can be used to determine the value of a coin collection that is being passed down to heirs or other family members.
- Divorce: In case of a divorce, a coin appraisal may be used to determine the value of a coin collection and how it should be divided between the parties.
- Charitable distribution: For charitable donations, a coin appraisal may be used to determine the value of the coin collection for tax purposes.
In all of these cases, it is important to have a reputable and experienced coin appraiser to ensure an accurate and fair appraisal.
What Is The Best Way To Get Coins Appraised
The best way to get coins appraised is to have them appraised by a coin appraiser or an appraisal firm that appraises coins. Coin dealers or pawn shops that buy and sell coins, in addition to appraising them, normally have a conflict of interest in the valuation and advice concerning their appraised value and the method of sale in the event such a request is made. As an alternative asking an auction house to appraise coins can also present a conflict of interest and a skewed scene of valuation, as most auction houses present auction estimates in place of a market value. While claiming to present free appraisals, as many do, or even stating they are presenting insurance value, they rarely do.
How do I find the value of my coins
There are several ways to find the value of your coins. Using a coin pricing guide can be a great start: Coin pricing guides, such as the “Red Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins) or the “Black Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins Deluxe Edition), can give you an idea of the value of your coins based on their date, mint mark, and condition. Doing some basic online research can also be useful, checking forums or online marketplaces. Getting your coins graded is also a very important step in this process and involves sending your coin(s) to a third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The grading service will physically inspect the coin, assigning it a grade based on its condition. This can be an important step in determining the true value of your coin. Unless your coin is graded, you are speculating on its condition. It’s important to remember that the value of a coin can be affected by many factors, such as rarity, condition, demand, historical significance, and more. So, it’s a good idea to get an appraisal from multiple professionals to get a sense of the coin’s value range. Once you have moved through these steps, a coin appraisal from a professional coin appraisal service can give you a more accurate assessment of the value of your coins.
why We Recommed Having Coins Graded
There are many reasons clients look to have property appraised, and in some instances, the value of the property is immaterial to the need for the service. Coin appraisals seek to place a financial value on a coin; however, a great deal of potential value in a coin resides in its coin grade (reflective of its condition). Unless a coin has an extremely rare mint mark from an extremely rare year or retains a very rare error, its value resides in the material that the coin was made from, such as gold or silver, and its condition. Unless a coin is graded, its condition is speculative, that of a guess. Many coin dealers buy coins hoping that the condition of the coin is substantially better than the customer is aware, and the intent is to pay the client for the material value of the coin by scrap weight, and then they submit the coin for grading and then seek to obtain the true value of the coin through sale. Many auction houses that specialize in coins also will not sell ungraded coins and may even refuse to look at your coins if they are not graded. They may also look at ungraded coins and suggest simply selling them for scrap weight to one of their “approved member dealers,” who will, in turn, invest in having the coins graded through PGCS or NGC and then resubmit them to the very same auction house and sell them for a substantial premium. This happens all the time. Therefore without knowing the grade of a coin, anyone is guessing about its true value, even professional coin appraisers and coin dealers. Therefore to take the guesswork out of the value equation, we advise having coins graded. Having coins graded is not always a net positive, but it is an insurance hedge against the event that the coins are worth substantially more based on their potential grade.
Coin Appraisals Vs. Coin Grading
Coin appraisals and coin grading are two different things. Coin appraisals involve determining the value of a coin. A professional appraiser will look at factors such as the coin’s rarity, including the coin’s year, mint marks, any potential errors, and the condition of the coin to assess its value.
Coin grading, on the other hand, involves determining the condition of a coin alone and, in some instances, will also determine if a coin is a counterfeit. Coin grading is done by third-party grading services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These services will physically inspect the coin, assigning it a grade based on its condition. A coin’s grade can have a significant impact on its value, with higher grades commanding higher prices.
Therefore, a coin appraisal is the process of determining the value of a coin, while coin grading is the process of determining the physical condition of a coin. In many instances, it is advised to have coins graded prior to having them appraised, and it is further recommended that clients spend some time doing some basic research on their own to ensure that spending time and money on grading and apprising a coin is a worthwhile investment.
Getting Coins Graded
Getting coins graded involves sending them to a third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The grading service will physically inspect the coin, assigning it a grade based on its condition.
To get your coins graded, you will need to follow these steps:
- Research the different grading services available and choose one that is reputable and has a good track record.
- Contact the grading service and request their submission instructions. This will typically include information on how to package and ship your coins, as well as any fees associated with the grading process.
- Carefully package and ship your coins to the grading service, following their instructions closely.
- Once your coins have been graded, the grading service will return them to you, along with a certificate of authenticity and the coin’s grade.
It’s important to note that grading services can be expensive, and there may be additional costs for special handling, insurance, and express delivery. Also, grading services may not grade all types of coins, so you should check their policies and procedures before you submit your coins. It’s also important to keep in mind that grading is subjective, and different grading services may assign slightly different grades to the same coin. It’s a good idea to compare the grades assigned by different services.
Coin Grades
Coin grading is the process of determining the condition and quality of a coin. Coins are typically graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with “Good” condition coins falling at the lower end of the scale and “Mint” or “Perfect” condition coins at the higher end. Coins that are graded as “Uncirculated” have never been used in circulation and are in pristine condition. A coin’s grade can have a significant impact on its value, with higher-grade coins commanding higher prices. Professional coin grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), can provide official grades for coins.
There are several different grading systems used to determine the condition of a coin. Some of the most common grading systems include:
- Sheldon Scale: This is a numerical scale that ranges from 1 to 70, with 1 being the lowest grade (poor) and 70 being the highest (perfect).
- American Numismatic Association (ANA) Grading Standards: This system uses the following terms to describe the condition of a coin: Poor, Fair, About Good, Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, and Uncirculated.
- Photograde: This system uses photographs of coins to help determine their condition. The coins are grouped into different grades based on their overall appearance, such as “Fine” or “Extremely Fine.”
- Universal Grading System: This system uses numerical grades, with 1 being the lowest grade and 70 being the highest. It also uses Plus (+) and Minus (-) to indicate the slight difference in the grades; the Plus (+) indicates the coin is slightly better than the grade, and Minus (-) indicates the coin is slightly worse than the grade.
- Abbreviated Grading: This system uses abbreviations to indicate the condition of a coin. For example, “AU” for “Almost Uncirculated,” “XF” for “Extremely Fine,” and “MS” for “Mint State.”
In the end, the most widely accepted grading system is the Sheldon Scale, and it is used by most of the major coin grading companies, such as PCGS, NGC, and ANACS.
PGCS
The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a leading third-party coin grading service. Founded in 1985, PCGS has established itself as one of the most reputable and respected coin-grading services in the world. PCGS uses the Sheldon Scale to grade coins and assigns a numerical grade to each coin it certifies, with 1 being the lowest grade and 70 being the highest. PCGS also uses a special label to indicate that the coin is genuine. The company encapsulates coins in a tamper-evident holder to protect them and to provide a permanent record of their authenticity and grade. Additionally, the company maintains a database of all the coins it has graded which is accessible online to members and collectors.
PCGS also offers a variety of services for coin collectors, including coin authentication and restoration detection, as well as educational resources and research tools. The company’s reputation for accurate and consistent grading has made PCGS-graded coins highly sought after by collectors and investors.
NGC
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is another leading third-party coin grading service, similar to PCGS. Founded in 1987, NGC uses the Sheldon Scale to grade coins, and assigns a numerical grade to each coin it certifies, with 1 being the lowest grade and 70 being the highest.
NGC also uses a special label to indicate that the coin is genuine and encapsulates the coins in a tamper-evident holder that provides a permanent record of authenticity and grade. NGC has a searchable online database of all the coins it has graded; this database is accessible to members and collectors.
NGC also offers a variety of services for coin collectors, including coin authentication, grading, and encapsulation. NGC also has a special designation for coins that are verified to be authentic and of the highest quality, called “Early Releases” or “First Strikes” for recently minted coins. NGC’s reputation for accurate grading and strict standards has made NGC-graded coins highly sought after by collectors and investors.
NGC and PCGS are considered the two most reputable grading services and are widely recognized by collectors and dealers; many collectors prefer to have their coins graded by one of these two companies.
Coin Appraisal Cost
The cost of a coin appraisal can vary widely and often depends on the complexity of the appraisal, the method in which the property is being appraised (online or in person), and the number of items included in the appraisal document. Typically a coin appraisal can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars or more, with larger, in-person appraisals requiring the greatest investment.
How Long Does A Coin Appraisal Take To Complete
The complexity of the coins being assessed and the method of coin assessment performed (online or in-person) can both affect how long it takes to complete a coin appraisal. The following variables may impact how quickly a coin appraisal is completed:
- Scope of the appraisal: If the appraisal covers a large number of coins or is particularly complex, it may take longer to complete the appraisal.
- Access to the coins: The appraiser will need to physically inspect the coins being appraised in the event of an in-person appraisal, which can take time depending on the appraiser’s schedule and the availability of the coins. Online appraisals can shorten this time, depending on the availability of the executor or executor assistant.Â
- Information gathering: The appraiser may need to gather additional information about the appraised coins, such as sales data or market trends, which can add time to the appraisal process.
- Review and evaluation: The appraiser will need to carefully review and evaluate all of the information gathered during the appraisal process, which can take time.
Generally, a coin appraisal can take a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the abovementioned factors.Â