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Recently Inherited a Coin Collection? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you’ve recently inherited a coin collection and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Discovering a coin collection can be both exciting and overwhelming, and we’re here to guide you through your next steps.

Important Tip: Do Not Clean Your Coins!

One of the most crucial pieces of advice we can offer is to avoid cleaning your coins. When you first inherit or find coins, you might be tempted to clean them to make them look shiny and new. However, cleaning coins can dramatically reduce their value. Collectors and experts prize coins in their original condition because any cleaning can remove tiny details or alter the surface, significantly decreasing their worth in the collector market.

Coins naturally develop a patina or tarnish over time, which can actually enhance their historical authenticity and desirability among collectors. Removing this natural layer damages the coin’s integrity and can make it appear artificially altered. If you think your coins need cleaning, it’s always best to consult with a coin expert or numismatic professional before attempting anything yourself.

Collection vs. Accumulation: Know the Difference

When evaluating coins, it helps to understand the distinction between a true “coin collection” and an “accumulation”:

Coin Accumulations are generally less organized, often found in jars, bags, boxes, or even old pill bottles. However, these can still hold significant value, particularly if they contain coins minted before 1965, which may include silver.

Coin Collections typically include coins meticulously organized in protective albums, books, or third-party graded holders. A genuine collection often includes rare dates and mintmarks.

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Coins You Should Definitely Keep

If your inherited collection or accumulation includes these coins, hold onto them:

  • Gold Coins: Always hold onto gold coins and seek expert advice before selling, as many have value significantly above their metal content alone
    • Key dates:
      • 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief,
      • 1929 Indian Head $2.50,
      • 1933 $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
  • Cents minted before 1959
    • Key dates:
      • 1909-S VDB,
      • 1914-D,
      • 1931-S)
  • Nickels minted before 1955
    • Key dates:
      • 1913-S Type 2,
      • 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo
  • Dimes and Quarters minted before 1965 (contain silver)
    • Key dates:
      • 1916-D Mercury Dime,
      • 1932-D and
      • 1932-S Washington Quarters
  • Half Dollars minted before 1971 (silver content)
    • Key dates:
      • 1921 and
      • 1938-D Walking Liberty,
      • 1948 Franklin Half Dollar
  • Silver Dollars minted before 1936 (valuable and collectible)
    • Key dates:
      • 1889-CC Morgan Dollar,
      • 1893-S Morgan Dollar,
      • 1928 Peace Dollar

If you have a large amount of unsorted coins, start by separating the coin types, then put all the pre-1964 coins together. These are all likely 90% silver, if the are American coins. Then start putting together years and mints. You can search online for the rare coins to match yours.

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How to Accurately Evaluate Your Coins

While the internet offers quick answers, coin valuations online can often be misleading or inaccurate. The safest approach is to consult with a reputable coin dealer or numismatist. Look for professionals with strong reviews and memberships in reputable organizations such as:

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)

American Numismatic Association (ANA)

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)

We are members of all of these organizations as well as the Tidewater Coin Club located in Norfolk, Virginia.

Drop us a line, we’ll get right back to you and we are friendly!

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Recommended Coin Guides


Want to learn more? Consider these excellent coin collecting references:

“Cherry Pickers Guide” – Use this guide to quickly identify the valuable mint errors and coin varieties.

“A Handbook of United States Coins” – essential for identifying and evaluating U.S. coins.

We’re happy to lend you a copy of either of these if you’re local to Williamsburg, Virginia. Email us here: uncirculated@proton.me

The 2026 Redbook:

A Guide Book of United States Coins is your essential resource for accurate coin values, identification, and market insights. Perfect for beginners and seasoned collectors alike, this comprehensive guide covers rare dates, mintmarks, grading standards, and historical information. Trusted by numismatists nationwide, the 2026 Redbook helps you confidently evaluate and maximize your coin collection’s worth.

Cherry Pickers Guides Come for All US Coin Types

Unlock hidden treasures in your coin collection with The Cherrypickers’ Guide! Essential for collectors and investors alike, this authoritative guidebook reveals valuable coin varieties and rare minting errors you might overlook. Boost your collecting expertise and profitability by learning to spot key dates, die varieties, and unique coin anomalies. Perfect for both beginners and advanced numismatists seeking an edge in coin collecting.

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