Another inherited collection

[Guest JohnC]

I have recently been asked to sort out my late father-in-law's coin collection, which is huge but I suspect of little value.

It consists of:

Numerous 'proof' and uncirculated sets of coinage and commemorative coins from The Royal Mint. There is probably a set for every year from 1970 to nearly the present day.

Many, many decimal coins. This includes decimal coins that are currently in circulation as well as ones that are now obselete. There are also a lot of £1 and £2 coins in the various occasional designs that have been issued over the years. Also some £2 coins that I do not recognise - they are like big versions of £1 coins. Some years appear to have been particular favourites, for example 1973 50p pieces. All laid out and shiny, but I am struggling to see why they should have anything more than face value for many decades to come.

Several hundred pennies and half pennies, from 1896 onwards.

54 post 1947 half-crowns.

8 pre 47 half-crowns.

3 farthings.

118 post 47 sixpences.

37 1921-1946 sixpences.

99 1920-1946 shillings.

several hundred post 1947 shillings

1 1887 florin (I think) with a small hole drilled in it.

1 1937 florin in what appears to be nice condition, wrapped up in a sweet wrapper!

30 1920-1946 two-shilling / florins.

Hundreds of post 1947 two shilling / florins.

215 three-penny bits from 1941 onwards.

Please forgive me if a florin is not the same as a two shilling piece.

The condition of these coins are not particularly noteworthy, other than the one I have mentioned. Generally, the older, the worse the condition. The ones from the 1920s are worn very smooth. None of us are coin collectors. We are therefore looking to realise any value that may be contained in the above. So, does it have any value? If so, what is the best way of disposal? Is there any stuff worth putting into the loft and forgetting about as it seems a shame to get rid of it? Any advice would be appreciated. If there are any particular organisations worth visting, we live in Sheffield.

[Rob 3,152]

I have recently been asked to sort out my late father-in-law's coin collection, which is huge but I suspect of little value.

It consists of:

Numerous 'proof' and uncirculated sets of coinage and commemorative coins from The Royal Mint. There is probably a set for every year from 1970 to nearly the present day.

Many, many decimal coins. This includes decimal coins that are currently in circulation as well as ones that are now obselete. There are also a lot of £1 and £2 coins in the various occasional designs that have been issued over the years. Also some £2 coins that I do not recognise - they are like big versions of £1 coins. Some years appear to have been particular favourites, for example 1973 50p pieces. All laid out and shiny, but I am struggling to see why they should have anything more than face value for many decades to come.

Several hundred pennies and half pennies, from 1896 onwards.

54 post 1947 half-crowns.

8 pre 47 half-crowns.

3 farthings.

118 post 47 sixpences.

37 1921-1946 sixpences.

99 1920-1946 shillings.

several hundred post 1947 shillings

1 1887 florin (I think) with a small hole drilled in it.

1 1937 florin in what appears to be nice condition, wrapped up in a sweet wrapper!

30 1920-1946 two-shilling / florins.

Hundreds of post 1947 two shilling / florins.

215 three-penny bits from 1941 onwards.

Please forgive me if a florin is not the same as a two shilling piece.

The condition of these coins are not particularly noteworthy, other than the one I have mentioned. Generally, the older, the worse the condition. The ones from the 1920s are worn very smooth. None of us are coin collectors. We are therefore looking to realise any value that may be contained in the above. So, does it have any value? If so, what is the best way of disposal? Is there any stuff worth putting into the loft and forgetting about as it seems a shame to get rid of it? Any advice would be appreciated. If there are any particular organisations worth visting, we live in Sheffield.

There will be some value there, but not a huge amount. Most 20th century material is worth melt unless in mint state or close to. The post 1947 cupro-nickel, bronze and brass 3ds are almost certainly worth just scrap. The 1920-46 silver is .500 fine, so should realise about 9 or 10 times face value as bullion based on today's silver price. The later sets and proofs are impossible to quantify without a list, but common whatever they are with only the very odd exception.

Edited January 26, 2010 by Rob

[Peckris 579]

Sadly, this kind of accumulation tends to clog up the mid-range auction houses, and dealers who sift through them to bid on estimated weight, or estimated silver content, or both, rather than any numismatic consideration.

But if you want some local advice - arm yourself with a copy of Coin News which should be available from any larger branch of W H Smith. They have adverts and classifieds from most active dealers, plus news of any events countrywide, plus contact details for coin clubs.