By all means KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE before you sell it. Don't count on any dealer to take the time necessary to accurately appraise a large collection. They just don't have the time to search through many loose coins. They are in business to make money, so it is not to their benefit to spend a bunch of time searching for rare varieties. I bought a collection a few years ago and insisted on searching 500 silver dimes when I could have just paid silver value for them like most dealers. I found a 1942/41 that was worth $500 and told her to keep that one for her kids.
There are lots of websites that list values, but you still need to know what you have and the grade. The Redbook is a good book to learn and identify coins, especially the professional edition, but the values don't reflect the current market. Greysheet lists more up to date wholesale and retail prices. Completed listings on eBay will give you an even better idea of what someone is willing to pay for a coin.
If you have the time to sell to collectors instead of dealers you can maximize your profit. Dealers will only pay 50-70% of retail...they have to make money. Selling on eBay reaches the most potential buyers and realizes the best prices, but it does have risks. Scammers can say the item was "not as described" or the box was empty and eBay will often side with them. Then there is the unreliable shipping from USPS. I've sold a lot of coins on eBay, but wouldn't risk selling a really valuable one there. Instead, I would attend a big coin show and take the best offer from 100+ dealers or any interested collectors.
If you do sell on eBay, be sure the listing includes as many search words as possible. Many items aren't seen by buyers because the description isn't worded to maximize views.
Wherever you sell them be sure to KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE!! I bought a $3000 coin on eBay a while back that was not attributed correctly...for $17.
There are lots of websites that list values, but you still need to know what you have and the grade. The Redbook is a good book to learn and identify coins, especially the professional edition, but the values don't reflect the current market. Greysheet lists more up to date wholesale and retail prices. Completed listings on eBay will give you an even better idea of what someone is willing to pay for a coin.
If you have the time to sell to collectors instead of dealers you can maximize your profit. Dealers will only pay 50-70% of retail...they have to make money. Selling on eBay reaches the most potential buyers and realizes the best prices, but it does have risks. Scammers can say the item was "not as described" or the box was empty and eBay will often side with them. Then there is the unreliable shipping from USPS. I've sold a lot of coins on eBay, but wouldn't risk selling a really valuable one there. Instead, I would attend a big coin show and take the best offer from 100+ dealers or any interested collectors.
If you do sell on eBay, be sure the listing includes as many search words as possible. Many items aren't seen by buyers because the description isn't worded to maximize views.
Wherever you sell them be sure to KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE!! I bought a $3000 coin on eBay a while back that was not attributed correctly...for $17.
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