Inherited a coin collection? Start here.
Most of what comes through our door arrived the same way: a box from a parent or grandparent, and no idea what's in it. Here's what to do first, what to bring, and what to expect, from a family that has sorted collections like yours since 1963.
What to do first
Four steps. The first one matters most.
Leave it exactly as you found it
Albums, tubes, flips, envelopes, the old cigar box — don't reorganize, and never clean a coin. Polishing can cut a coin's value in half; tarnish and dirt never do.
Gather the paper
Receipts, inventories, grading certificates, old appraisals, and any notes in the collector's handwriting. A list of what they cared about is often the best map to what's valuable.
Bring it in, or send photos
Walk in any weekday — large collections before 2 PM, or call ahead and we'll set aside time. Can't get here? Send a few photos through Get an Offer and we'll tell you what we see.
We sort it with you, then make an offer
Every coin is looked at, in front of you, with the reasoning explained as we go. Accept and you're paid the same day — cash, check, or to the estate. Decline and you leave with a better understanding of what you have, no charge.
What to bring
Everything on this list is also on the printable one-page checklist.
The collection, as found
Everything in whatever it's in — albums, folders, tubes, 2×2s, loose coins, paper money, tokens, and anything that came with it (jewelry, watches, sterling).
Slabs and certificates
PCGS, NGC, or ANACS holders and their paperwork. Don't crack any holder open; graded coins are worth more intact.
Receipts, inventories, notes
Anything the collector wrote down. Old appraisals too, even if they're decades out of date.
ID — and for estates, the paperwork
We record photo ID for every purchase. If you're selling for an estate rather than as the owner, bring letters testamentary or a copy of the will.
A straight answer, coin by coin.
An inherited collection is usually three things mixed together: a few pieces with real collector value, a larger group worth its weight in silver or gold, and a pile that is simply face value. The work is telling them apart, and we do it at the counter, in front of you, explaining as we go.
Three generations of Mobile families have trusted us with exactly this. We'd like to earn yours.
- Free evaluation, no appointment needed
- Sorted and explained in front of you
- One offer for the whole collection, or keep what you like
- Paid the same day, cash or check, to you or the estate
- Itemized receipt for probate records
Questions families ask
Should I get it appraised somewhere else first?
You're welcome to, and for probate or insurance you may need a written appraisal, which we also do. But for a sale, our evaluation is free and happens in front of you, so most families find a second opinion costs more than it saves. If you want one anyway, we'll tell you exactly what we'd look for.
Is any of it actually worth anything?
Almost always, yes. Most inherited collections are mostly common-date coins, and that's fine: pre-1965 dimes, quarters, and halves are 90% silver and worth many times face value on their own. The real question is whether there are a handful of better pieces mixed in, and that's what we check for, coin by coin.
Do you buy the whole thing, or just the good coins?
The whole thing, if you want. We'll separate it into what has collector value, what has metal value, and what is simply face value, show you each pile, and make one offer for all of it. You can also keep anything with sentimental value; just tell us.
What if it's mostly pennies and nickels?
Bring them anyway. Wheat cents, Indian Heads, Buffalo nickels, and wartime silver nickels all carry a premium, and a few dates are worth real money. We'll sort them with you; it takes less time than you'd think.
How are we paid, and can it go to the estate?
Cash or check on the spot. Checks can be written to the estate, and we provide an itemized receipt for the executor's records.
We're not in Mobile. Can we still work with you?
Yes. Send photos through Get an Offer and we'll give you an honest read on what you have and what we'd pay. For a collection worth shipping, we'll walk you through insured shipping and pay on receipt.
The one-page checklist
What to bring and what not to do, on a single sheet you can print or keep on your phone. Download the checklist (PDF) →
Free to share with anyone else in the family who's helping.
Bring it in. We'll take it from here.
Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00 · 3972 Government Blvd, Mobile · Large collections before 2 PM, or call ahead.
