Which coins are worth a premium? Do you have a batch of old coins? Stop! Do not take them to the bank. I wrote this article to help anyone identify the most common premium coins. I have looked through thousands of accumulations and coin collections and based on my experience, I have written this guide. Let’s get started!
If the collection or accumulation is part of an estate, many times just dividing up the coins will turn out to be inequitable simply because one coin of the same type may be worth multiples of a similar coin. As a general rule, never clean coins. Please do not attempt to wipe a coin, dip it in chemicals, brush off, or touch surfaces with your fingers.
If your goal is to eventually get the coins evaluated, do some research before handling and trying to organize. Keep coins and paper currency safe, which includes keeping away from moisture and environments with volatile temperatures.
Accumulation: Accumulation of coins (I will interchange the words coins and currency) are typically saved because they were different from the current circulating examples, brought back from military service, world change from a trip, or saved for silver content.
Accumulations can include coins, currency, tokens, medals, or anything that looks like a coin or paper money. Typically, the older the accumulation, the greater probability of rarities. Geographic regions can play a role in rarities, such as, early San Francisco minted or pioneer fractional coins from California dated during early America or Gold Rush era.
Collections: A common collection will be in blue Whitman folder albums. More
advanced collections will be in Dansco Albums or other albums that have slides and
pages that show both sides of the coin. Within the last 35 years, collections may include certified coins by PCGS or NGC.
This article will be continued in the next issue. Thoreson Numismatics is located at 118 West Main Street, in Turlock California. Please call Troy with any questions at 209-668-3682.
