Coin Values

[Markio 0]

I would like approximate values of the coins pictured below please. These coins were my grandfathers who was a coin collector/dealer some years ago, hence the tickets with prices on them. Are these likely to be genuine coins? Thanks in advance for any help given.

Edited March 2, 2013 by Markio

[Peckris 579]

I would like approximate values of the coins pictured below please. These coins were my grandfathers who was a coin collector/dealer some years ago, hence the tickets with prices on them. Are these likely to be genuine coins? Thanks in advance for any help given.

First, I have absolutely no reason to doubt the authenticity of these coins. They were obviously collected well before the current influx of Chinese forgeries. And you say he was also a dealer, which helps even more. So rest easy on that.

Second, provenance is everything with good quality coins. If those tickets give the correct story, then the provenance is impeccable : Seaby, Baldwins, and "ex-Lockett" are the tops. Did your grandafther keep any of the original coin tickets, or receipts, invoices, auction results, anything like that? However, even without that, the age of the purchases and the provenance claimed, will be in the favour of the collection.

Third, the values - are those the prices your g'father paid, and was it at the period stated, i.e. late 40s and early 50s? Or are those his selling prices at a much later date? You will need to research current values from a current leading dealer - I don't know where you live, but Spink, Baldwins, and the like, would give you a realistic estimate of what their current worth is. If you send them off, obey a few simple rules :

1. don't handle the coins more than necessary, and under no circumstances clean them
   
2. make an enquiry first, mentioning what the coins are, and if necessary reading off what it says on the tickets
   
3. send photocopies of the tickets with the coins
   
4. send them well insured, with a five-figure maximum just in case (it could be less, but it doesn't hurt to over-insure).
   

However, please bear in mind that ancient coins don't appreciate in value the way that modern (post-1666) do. I would estimate that they haven't kept up with inflation unfortunately. However, do get expert advice and help.

It looks a good collection with excellent provenance, and it's rare that we get a chance to say that when people come on here with their grandparent's collection. Is that the entire collection, or just a sample tray?

Edited March 2, 2013 by Peckris

[Accumulator 52]

Not my area, but very nice and, as Peckris says, a pleasant change from the usual "grandpaernt's collection".

In addition to Peckris's good advice, you might find this website useful for giving a very approximate idea of values. Just type in your grandfather's description (or part of it) into the search box.

[argentumandcoins 70]

I could value them for you but would have to have them in hand to do so.

Unfortunately the Chinese were beaten to the Ancients forgeries by the Eastern Europeans and forgeries are rife in this area.

Whereabouts are you in the country?

[pies 33]

Markio may I say that looks a great collection

I cant offer any advice as its way out of my league,but you have reached the best forum for advice, there are a few dealers on here who will be able to help im sure

[Peckris 579]

I could value them for you but would have to have them in hand to do so.

Unfortunately the Chinese were beaten to the Ancients forgeries by the Eastern Europeans and forgeries are rife in this area.

Whereabouts are you in the country?

As far back as the 1940s/50s, and with provenance like those have?

[Gary D 76]

Ever optimistic ebay grading.

link

[Rob 3,152]

Ever optimistic ebay grading.

link

Yes, but it is from Hartlepool. You should see some of the other things from there.

[argentumandcoins 70]

I could value them for you but would have to have them in hand to do so.

Unfortunately the Chinese were beaten to the Ancients forgeries by the Eastern Europeans and forgeries are rife in this area.

Whereabouts are you in the country?

As far back as the 1940s/50s, and with provenance like those have?

Sorry Peck but a printed piece of paper in a 1970's/80's Italian manufactured coin tray does not count as provenance that I would rely upon. I have seen lots of pieces of the cross of Christ with provenance from the Middle Ages that aren't worth the parchment that they are scrawled upon. I have no reason to doubt the inserts but nor is there any reason to assume that they are correct?