As one of the original colonies, Connecticut has a long history of creating and dealing in antiques and collectibles, including rare and valuable coins. If you’re looking to sell your coins in CT, here’s a comprehensive guide to getting what your coin is worth.
Step 1: Determine what you have.
Find the date, denomination, and mint mark on your coin. The date and denomination (face value) of the coin are pretty easy to find at a glance. A mint mark is a small letter on a coin, which identifies where the coin was minted. Please note that not all coins have one.
Step 2: Do some basic research about your coin.
There are several websites for researching the type of coin you have and compare it to photos of like coins. If you live in the United States, the Guide Book of United States Coins, commonly called the Red Book, is a great option to learn if you have valuable coins. Other helpful books are Official ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins and Standard Catalog of World Coins, accordingly.
Step 3: Consult with a reputable professional.
An experienced coin dealer will help you authenticate your coin and currency and can find the bullion value if the coin is made of precious metal like gold and silver. They can also research comparative prices and grade the coin’s condition, as well as help you determine the best way to sell your collection to potential buyers, either through a dealer, coin show, or auction.
To ensure you are dealing with a reputable appraiser, search for their membership in the Professional Numismatics Guild (PNG). This prestigious organization requires its members to meet strict guidelines, including extensive training and a very high standard of ethics. Because some other Numismatics (coins) organizations only require a fee to be listed as an accredited member, there are no standards they must follow or experience they must possess. I highly recommend working with a PNG professional for the most expert and ethical outcome. There are only 5 members of the PNG in Connecticut, and I am proud to be one of them.
Here are a few additional tips for my Connecticut clients:
- Don’t touch your coin directly. Wear gloves to preserve your coin’s value. For best handling practices, insert your coin into a plastic holder to keep it clean.
- Don’t clean your coin, as it may lose some of its value.
- Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion from multiple appraisers if you suspect your coin has a high value. Find other appraisers through the Professional Numismatics Guild and double check them with the Better Business Bureau.
- Do contact me here and let me help you sell your coin for top dollar.
CT