Damsel in Distress!

[Toshgirl 0]

Hello Gentlemen (sorry if any ladies are reading this)

I seem to have inherited a bit of a nightmare from my late Father, who was very interested in all types of coins, albeit just on a hobby/future investment basis.

Could you please give me some little pointers as to what my best course of action would be?

There are numerous proof Silver Coins, things like New Zealand 1978 Silver Dollar, Western Samoa 1978 1 Tala Commonwealth Games, Isle of Man 1977 1 Crown Silver Jubilee, Jamaica Proof 5 Dollar 1972 Mintage 4,332 etc etc, too many to list and send you all off to sleep. Would I be better off trying to sell on the dreaded Ebay or just sell for scrap value???

Also there are tins/bags of the old 1d, halfpenny, 3d, 2 shillings, half crowns etc. Not to mention loads of foreign coins dating from around 1850 and a coin dated 17?? I just look at all this array of coins and want to scream! I just dont know where to start sorting them out.......or is it even worth it? The reason I say that is because I have just been informed by a company of stamp auctioners that his whole collection costing him hundreds and hundreds of pounds is virtually worthless, and I fear the same route for the coins!

There are also a few Kruggerands, Long Gold Set and 1/2 Rand sets which I suspect are just for selling direct to a Dealer or scrap??

I hope you don't think I have got a cheek joining your forum to ask for advice, but I just don't know who to ask for an unbiased opinion.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Toshgirl

[Peckris 579]

Hello Gentlemen (sorry if any ladies are reading this)

I seem to have inherited a bit of a nightmare from my late Father, who was very interested in all types of coins, albeit just on a hobby/future investment basis.

Could you please give me some little pointers as to what my best course of action would be?

There are numerous proof Silver Coins, things like New Zealand 1978 Silver Dollar, Western Samoa 1978 1 Tala Commonwealth Games, Isle of Man 1977 1 Crown Silver Jubilee, Jamaica Proof 5 Dollar 1972 Mintage 4,332 etc etc, too many to list and send you all off to sleep. Would I be better off trying to sell on the dreaded Ebay or just sell for scrap value???

Also there are tins/bags of the old 1d, halfpenny, 3d, 2 shillings, half crowns etc. Not to mention loads of foreign coins dating from around 1850 and a coin dated 17?? I just look at all this array of coins and want to scream! I just dont know where to start sorting them out.......or is it even worth it? The reason I say that is because I have just been informed by a company of stamp auctioners that his whole collection costing him hundreds and hundreds of pounds is virtually worthless, and I fear the same route for the coins!

There are also a few Kruggerands, Long Gold Set and 1/2 Rand sets which I suspect are just for selling direct to a Dealer or scrap??

I hope you don't think I have got a cheek joining your forum to ask for advice, but I just don't know who to ask for an unbiased opinion.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Toshgirl

First of all, don't worry, we're a friendly lot around here and won't bite!

Second, do look up bullion price of gold and silver, as that should be a guide as to what the metal value is of your dad's coins. A dealer won't pay you full whack of course (needs his profit), but if you work on a "Can you pay me 66% of bullion value?" that would be reasonable.

Any Englsih silver coin dated 1946 or earlier has actual silver in - 50% to be precise. Before 1920, it's sterling silver, i.e. 92.5%. So any of those old halfcrowns, florins, etc, are worth their bullion value according to date. If it's any consolation, coins have steadily increased in popularity compared to stamps, which have fallen dramatically out of favour (hence the auctioneers' comment). Coins however always have an intrinsic metal value, but you need to know what the metal is.

Most of the proof commemoratives are not worth a great deal, often just bullion value. As for the older predecimal coins, and foreign, it depends on condition and rarity. It doesn't sound like there's much there, but you could try sounding out a dealer (depends where you live, but there are coin fairs in York, the Midlands and London are the biggest). Selling individual low value items on eBay would take more of your time than would prove worth it, unless there is an item of great rarity.

There are a few dealers on this forum. They might be willing to help out. Good luck.

[HistoricCoinage 147]

Toshgirl,

Sorry to learn of your loss.

Peckris has given you some very good advice. Whereabouts are you based? I'm sure one of us might be able to lend you a pair of eyes if it really is making you scream.

Kindest regards,

Clive.

[Toshgirl 0]

Hello Gentlemen (sorry if any ladies are reading this)

I seem to have inherited a bit of a nightmare from my late Father, who was very interested in all types of coins, albeit just on a hobby/future investment basis.

Could you please give me some little pointers as to what my best course of action would be?

There are numerous proof Silver Coins, things like New Zealand 1978 Silver Dollar, Western Samoa 1978 1 Tala Commonwealth Games, Isle of Man 1977 1 Crown Silver Jubilee, Jamaica Proof 5 Dollar 1972 Mintage 4,332 etc etc, too many to list and send you all off to sleep. Would I be better off trying to sell on the dreaded Ebay or just sell for scrap value???

Also there are tins/bags of the old 1d, halfpenny, 3d, 2 shillings, half crowns etc. Not to mention loads of foreign coins dating from around 1850 and a coin dated 17?? I just look at all this array of coins and want to scream! I just dont know where to start sorting them out.......or is it even worth it? The reason I say that is because I have just been informed by a company of stamp auctioners that his whole collection costing him hundreds and hundreds of pounds is virtually worthless, and I fear the same route for the coins!

There are also a few Kruggerands, Long Gold Set and 1/2 Rand sets which I suspect are just for selling direct to a Dealer or scrap??

I hope you don't think I have got a cheek joining your forum to ask for advice, but I just don't know who to ask for an unbiased opinion.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Toshgirl

First of all, don't worry, we're a friendly lot around here and won't bite!

Second, do look up bullion price of gold and silver, as that should be a guide as to what the metal value is of your dad's coins. A dealer won't pay you full whack of course (needs his profit), but if you work on a "Can you pay me 66% of bullion value?" that would be reasonable.

Any Englsih silver coin dated 1946 or earlier has actual silver in - 50% to be precise. Before 1920, it's sterling silver, i.e. 92.5%. So any of those old halfcrowns, florins, etc, are worth their bullion value according to date. If it's any consolation, coins have steadily increased in popularity compared to stamps, which have fallen dramatically out of favour (hence the auctioneers' comment). Coins however always have an intrinsic metal value, but you need to know what the metal is.

Most of the proof commemoratives are not worth a great deal, often just bullion value. As for the older predecimal coins, and foreign, it depends on condition and rarity. It doesn't sound like there's much there, but you could try sounding out a dealer (depends where you live, but there are coin fairs in York, the Midlands and London are the biggest). Selling individual low value items on eBay would take more of your time than would prove worth it, unless there is an item of great rarity.

There are a few dealers on this forum. They might be willing to help out. Good luck.

Hi......and thanks for your prompt and helpful reply. I think I have got to "fast track" myself into the coin world haven't I?

I know this is probably an emotional female type of approach, but my Dad loved his collection so much and spent hours sorting and writing all the grades down etc; I feel I owe it to him to try and do his collection some justice. (Unlike the disasterous stamp collection)Its just knowing where to start really.

After the stamp nightmare I can see totally where you are coming from regarding the Proof Commemoratives. I have got boxes and boxes of the dam things, but I suppose the saving grace is that they are genuine 1oz Silver....well I hope so! When I see adverts now for commemorative stuff for the Olympic Games it just makes me cringe. I feel really upset for my Dad, I suppose he was just gullable like a lot of us.

I just find it so difficult having no idea of values, as to where to start. I have had a quick look on Ebay, but I am sorry to say I don't particularly trust the site after buying my one and only thing off there, which turned out to be fake! So knowing my luck I would probably only get bid 99p for something worth loads more!

Ah well, the headache continues! Thank you so much for your reply. It is much appreciated.

Toshgirl

[Toshgirl 0]

Toshgirl,

Sorry to learn of your loss.

Peckris has given you some very good advice. Whereabouts are you based? I'm sure one of us might be able to lend you a pair of eyes if it really is making you scream.

Kindest regards,

Clive.

Hello Clive.......Thank you also for your reply, much appreciated.

I am in silly old Suffolk, also fairly near the Essex Border, ie Colchester.

I do feel like screaming, as I just feel so helpless and clueless. I did sit on the floor the other day and try to sort out 1 Tin of coins. I tried putting them into countries for starters, but gave up totally frustrated as I just dont know what I am supposed to be looking for......if anything! I have got a bag of around 50 maybe more of Halfpennies.......but???? what do I look for/do with them? Arrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh

Just to give you an example, I am looking at a silver coloured coin(about the size of a old half crown) with CC CP OANH Py6n6? on the front and 1870-1970 and a mans head on the back. Er??? Another brown metal coin that looks a bit like Britannia on the front (very worn) say Britan NIA on one side and what looks like GEORGIVS III REX. The date is badly worn but could be 1775??? I need some Anadin quick! I could still be sitting here this time next year trying to figure some of these out!

Thanks again ~ Toshgirl

[argentumandcoins 70]

Unfortunately I am in North Cumbria, if I was closer I could have given you a current market valuation.

Your gold is worth more in the coin market than the scrap market. The silver averages about £15 per item in auction, although some could well be lower mintage and worth considerably more (even some 2000 dated coins are worth over £100 each due to low take-up), so again worth selling as coins rather than scrap.

Somebody closer may be able to help you, if not book yourself a weekend in the Lakes and give me a call!

John.

[Gary 7]

hello Toshgirl,

first off, welcome to the forum.

You say your father "spent hours sorting and writing all the grades down etc" is there a list handwritten or on a computer?

You have had some good advice regarding the silver and gold coins but for the base metal coins value depends on the condition.

Pop out to the local book shop or Amazon and obtain a copy of "Collectors Coins GB" only costs a few pounds and maybe worth your while.

Who knows maybe you too will get hooked and start your own collection

[azda 979]

CCCP is'nt that the old soviet union? Unless its english of course

[Gary 7]

Well spotted Azda, found this.CC CP OANH Py6n6near enough if you dont have a russian keyboard

Edited July 20, 2012 by Gary

[Toshgirl 0]

hello Toshgirl,

first off, welcome to the forum.

You say your father "spent hours sorting and writing all the grades down etc" is there a list handwritten or on a computer?

You have had some good advice regarding the silver and gold coins but for the base metal coins value depends on the condition.

Pop out to the local book shop or Amazon and obtain a copy of "Collectors Coins GB" only costs a few pounds and maybe worth your while.

Who knows maybe you too will get hooked and start your own collection

Thanks to all of you for your replies xx. I will look on Amazon for that book, at least its a starting point!

I think that coin is possibly Russian.

Regarding my dear Dad's lists, bless him.....they go something like this: 1875 A EF Y37 1930 A EF+1 Y2 1974 Good. He knew what he meant, but to me it means nothing. I had hoped the lists related to the respective tins, but sadly not! Like I said, headache headache. Think I could do with a break in the Lakes! lol.

Kind Regards Toshgirl

[Gary 7]

Regarding my dear Dad's lists, bless him.....they go something like this: 1875 A EF Y37 1930 A EF+1 Y2 1974 Good. He knew what he meant, but to me it means nothing. I had hoped the lists related to the respective tins, but sadly not! Like I said, headache headache. Think I could do with a break in the Lakes! lol.

Kind Regards Toshgirl

The references Y37, Y2 probably refer to Yeoman which is a an american coin catalogue so I am presuming the coins refered to here are american. The letter A may refer to the mintmark although I dont know of a mint with the latter A in america!

[Toshgirl 0]

CCCP is'nt that the old soviet union? Unless its english of course

Ha ha....what a clever old sausage you are......thats exactly the coin I've got!!! Now tell me its worth nothing!! lol

[azda 979]

CCCP is'nt that the old soviet union? Unless its english of course

Ha ha....what a clever old sausage you are......thats exactly the coin I've got!!! Now tell me its worth nothing!! lol

Every coin is worth something to someone

[Generic Lad 25]

If you've got any American coins, post them on here, I don't know everything about them but I've got a copy of the red book (basic retail price guide for US coins) and would be happy to provide valuations.

[1949threepence 3,367]

Toshgirl,

Sorry to learn of your loss.

Peckris has given you some very good advice. Whereabouts are you based? I'm sure one of us might be able to lend you a pair of eyes if it really is making you scream.

Kindest regards,

Clive.

Hello Clive.......Thank you also for your reply, much appreciated.

I am in silly old Suffolk, also fairly near the Essex Border, ie Colchester.

I do feel like screaming, as I just feel so helpless and clueless. I did sit on the floor the other day and try to sort out 1 Tin of coins. I tried putting them into countries for starters, but gave up totally frustrated as I just dont know what I am supposed to be looking for......if anything! I have got a bag of around 50 maybe more of Halfpennies.......but???? what do I look for/do with them? Arrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh

Just to give you an example, I am looking at a silver coloured coin(about the size of a old half crown) with CC CP OANH Py6n6? on the front and 1870-1970 and a mans head on the back. Er??? Another brown metal coin that looks a bit like Britannia on the front (very worn) say Britan NIA on one side and what looks like GEORGIVS III REX. The date is badly worn but could be 1775??? I need some Anadin quick! I could still be sitting here this time next year trying to figure some of these out!

Thanks again ~ Toshgirl

You're not too far from my hometown of Chelmsford ~ and I do believe one of our other FM's lives in Suffolk. Might be Peter ~ not sure.

But anyway, I agree with what the others have said on here. Also, it could be worth sorting the British from the foreign coins, learning a bit about grading, and getting a basic valuation book to see what sort of values attach to the coins you have. That won't be too difficult for the UK coins, but the foreign coins are more tricky.

From what you've said, I think your Dad was putting the grade against the coin anyway ~ terms like EF (extremely fine) are very familiar to us all here.

If you want to take pics of any of the coins and post them on here, I'm sure we'd be only too happy to try and grade/value it for you. Mind, photographing coins is an art form in itself !!!

Good luck, Toshgirl

[Rob 3,152]

Without someone else seeing them, you should be tempted to treat the grades assigned a little circumspectly. Many people who collect casually do not appreciate what a coin looks like in a particular grade, especially those who tend to accumulate. To acquire high grade coins in bulk other than recent issues will invariably cost quite a bit of money (usually far more than most casual collectors are prepared to pay in total) and so the expenditure will go hand in hand with a need to ensure that what you have bought is what is claimed. A few pictures would help. I am always being offered collections for purchase graded Fine to EF with some uncirculated which in reality are Poor to Fair or Fine. The price of the latter depends on the spot metal price for the day i.e scrap. The bullion coins should be sold through a dealer rather than a scrap gold merchant. Even ebay with an opening price at full bullion value would give a better return than a scrap gold dealer.

Edited July 21, 2012 by Rob

[Mongo 1]

Hi Toshgirl,

Being a newb myslef, I can offer no help, other than give you this link: http://www.coins-of-the-uk.co.uk/values/

It will give you the approx value of many British coins

[Peckris 579]

Toshgirl,

Sorry to learn of your loss.

Peckris has given you some very good advice. Whereabouts are you based? I'm sure one of us might be able to lend you a pair of eyes if it really is making you scream.

Kindest regards,

Clive.

Hello Clive.......Thank you also for your reply, much appreciated.

I am in silly old Suffolk, also fairly near the Essex Border, ie Colchester.

I do feel like screaming, as I just feel so helpless and clueless. I did sit on the floor the other day and try to sort out 1 Tin of coins. I tried putting them into countries for starters, but gave up totally frustrated as I just dont know what I am supposed to be looking for......if anything! I have got a bag of around 50 maybe more of Halfpennies.......but???? what do I look for/do with them? Arrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh

Just to give you an example, I am looking at a silver coloured coin(about the size of a old half crown) with CC CP OANH Py6n6? on the front and 1870-1970 and a mans head on the back. Er??? Another brown metal coin that looks a bit like Britannia on the front (very worn) say Britan NIA on one side and what looks like GEORGIVS III REX. The date is badly worn but could be 1775??? I need some Anadin quick! I could still be sitting here this time next year trying to figure some of these out!

Thanks again ~ Toshgirl

My dad was a Camulodunian (Colchester!) and we used to go there as kids to see the grandparents. But I spent most of my childhood on the edges of Liverpool so I'm a kind of Scouser

Your copper coin is either a halfpenny (approximately the size of a 50p) or a farthing (smaller than a 10p) of George III. The "back" - reverse - is of Britannia. 1775 is quite a common date for copper, but condition is everything - in worn condition but with all details readable, a halfpenny would be worth between £5 and £10. But in EF condition it would be worth between £200 and £250. If you could post a picture of both sides, we could advise on condition. If the date is as worn as you say, it's probably Fair, and worth about £5.

[Debbie 58]

Hi Toshgirl, sorry to hear about your father. Do you have any children or younger members of your family who might like to help you with your task? Unless you are quickly hoping to release some potential funds from the collection I wouldn’t rush, take your time and just sort a few coins when you feel in the mood. Perhaps you will come to enjoy sorting through his collection and even keep a few coins yourself – (more lady collectors are always welcome here ).

If you do decide to dispose of your fathers coins perhaps you could consider having one or two of the silver commemorative ones blanked and engraved on one side as a memorial token to him and to pass down your family?

Good luck.

[Toshgirl 0]

If you've got any American coins, post them on here, I don't know everything about them but I've got a copy of the red book (basic retail price guide for US coins) and would be happy to provide valuations.

Thanks for the offer. I will sit down and see what American one's there are. I think I have got to stop screaming about these coins, and just calmly sift through them.

I will be back! Thanks again.

[Toshgirl 0]

Hi Toshgirl, sorry to hear about your father. Do you have any children or younger members of your family who might like to help you with your task? Unless you are quickly hoping to release some potential funds from the collection I wouldn’t rush, take your time and just sort a few coins when you feel in the mood. Perhaps you will come to enjoy sorting through his collection and even keep a few coins yourself – (more lady collectors are always welcome here ).

If you do decide to dispose of your fathers coins perhaps you could consider having one or two of the silver commemorative ones blanked and engraved on one side as a memorial token to him and to pass down your family?

Good luck.

Hello Debbie and thanks for your kind reply.

Sadly I have no one to pass anything onto, which is one reason why I thought I had better sell them. The other reason being that I could do with a cash injection due to loosing my job a few years back, not being able to get another job, and funds running out! (61 now, so no one wants me!)

I just feel so upset for my dear Dads memory. He spent so much time pouring over stamps and coins, with the belief what he had would be a good investment for the future. I have about 50 of the those dam commemorative silver coins! I know there is bullion value in them, but all the hype about limited mintage and future worth just makes me sad that he believed in it all. I will probably try putting them on eBay at bullion value and see what happens. (As suggested on here)

Upon reflection I am just going to sit calmly with all the bags of 1d, 3d, two sillings, half crowns and a multitude of foreign coins and sort them into some sort of order. I will also buy the book suggested on this forum.....but won't embarrass myself with trying to grade them. I will judge them all just as well used. Safest way probably.

With all the disasterous commemorative commonwealth stamps, even though I need the money, I am going to buy something in his memory rather than just use it for an electric bill or whatever. At least all his efforts will mean something then.

I think my Dad was a bit of a magpie lol. I have heaven knows how many "first day of print" national newspapers,(all worthless I am told) a gold printed edition of the Daily Mail 1945,(also worthless) match box lids, cigarette cards and even a "gun sight" from the old German Warship the Hippa.(What do I do with that????) Bless him, he has left me with a bit of a headache.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS TAKEN THE TIME AND EFFORT TO POST SUGGESTIONS TO ME. I HAVE APPRECIATED ALL OF YOUR IMPUT, AND SORRY IF I HAVE RAMBLED ON A BIT......BUT THEN I AM A WOMAN, SO I AM ALLOWED LOL. THANK YOU X.

[azda 979]

Toshgirl, the German sight might be worth a few bob (only a guesstimate) but things from WWI and II do generally attract people. So an ebay listing night go down well and if you list, also check the box that you'd ship abroad but weigh it and ask the PO for a calculation of shipping say to the USA that way you'll get a braod idea of shipping price. Maybe a listing something like.

Estate sale, left to me by my late father...........and so on, you'd be surprised what people collect, and who knows, you might have some fun listing these things and i HOPE you might be surprised at what the prices bring.

The 1 and 3ds you have, may have bullion value depending on the grade, sort them into pre 1920 and pre 1947 groups, pre 1920 being 925 silver and pre 47 500 silver, my advcie is because you are a novice don't add any grades if listing on ebay, just say what it is and let bidders determine for themselves. A good picture of each side is a must, nothing fuzzy as it can put some people off. You say you've lost your job, well you can make this your new job for the time being and look upon it as such until you've cleared out what you want to clear out.

Remember, 9-5, coffee break at 11, lunnch at 12-1 and back to work Be committed and you'll make a few quid here and there, and if you have questions on a coin you cannot determine, then post a picture here and we can try and help.

P.s, i'm much younger than you (the clever OLD sausage comment from previous )

Edited July 22, 2012 by azda

[Toshgirl 0]

Toshgirl, the German sight might be worth a few bob (only a guesstimate) but things from WWI and II do generally attract people. So an ebay listing night go down well and if you list, also check the box that you'd ship abroad but weigh it and ask the PO for a calculation of shipping say to the USA that way you'll get a braod idea of shipping price. Maybe a listing something like.

Estate sale, left to me by my late father...........and so on, you'd be surprised what people collect, and who knows, you might have some fun listing these things and i HOPE you might be surprised at what the prices bring.

The 1 and 3ds you have, may have bullion value depending on the grade, sort them into pre 1920 and pre 1947 groups, pre 1920 being 925 silver and pre 47 500 silver, my advcie is because you are a novice don't add any grades if listing on ebay, just say what it is and let bidders determine for themselves. A good picture of each side is a must, nothing fuzzy as it can put some people off. You say you've lost your job, well you can make this your new job for the time being and look upon it as such until you've cleared out what you want to clear out.

Remember, 9-5, coffee break at 11, lunnch at 12-1 and back to work Be committed and you'll make a few quid here and there, and if you have questions on a coin you cannot determine, then post a picture here and we can try and help.

P.s, i'm much younger than you (the clever OLD sausage comment from previous )

Lol, thank you so much for your structured advice Azda, you clever young sausage

I know what you mean about working from home, discipline is the key word. Something that I am not too good with! I always tell people that the Marshians take me away for their amusement for at least a couple of hours in the morning

every time I look at the clock, I think......nooooooo it can't be that time already!

The German gun sight weighs an absolute ton, but like you say if someone on eBay is genuinely interested, especially abroad, they probably won't mind paying postage. I have an old photo of the ship to go with it.

Ebay does worry me a bit though, because if you have no idea of somethings worth you could end up selling it for say 99p, and if you put a value in, then no one seems too bid for it. I must confess I don't understand this whole eBay thing at times. I put a virtually brand new Panasonic Laser Fax Copier on eBay a while back. It cost me £400 so I thought £100 selling price was a bargain, but not one single bid. Unyet others on there the same thing are for sale for much more

I will be reporting for work Tuesday morning by the way. Thanks again

[azda 979]

Ebay is always hit and miss, it depends on who wants what and if they are there at time of listing. Do you have a picture of this gun sight, maybe give it a weighing on some kitchen scales (if they can cope with the weight)

[Toshgirl 0]

Hi.....the mad woman is back already!

I have just found a coin on a pendant chain. I have tried to look it up myself, but feel slightly confused by what I have read. Its a 1972 Cayman Islands Elizabeth II Gold looking coin. On the reverse it says Silver Wedding Anniversary 1947 ~ 1972. 25 Dollars.

I keep reading things like, Silver Gold coin! Does it mean its a Silver coin with just a gold coating? As I am trying to separate gold from silver at the moment, I am not sure what category this coin falls into.

Any ideas please? Thanks Toshgirl x