The most expensive mistakes happen before anyone checks a date or mint mark. Slow the room down first. Your job is to preserve the collection and create a record of what arrived.
Four things not to do
- Do not clean anything. Original surfaces matter. Polishing can permanently erase collector premium.
- Do not spend old coins at face value. Silver often hides in ordinary-looking dimes, quarters, halves, and nickels.
- Do not sell before you know the floor. A first offer is only useful after you understand melt value and the obviously collectible pieces.
- Do not let the collection scatter. Keep albums, envelopes, notes, and receipts with the coins.
What to do instead
- Move the collection indoors and secure it.
- Photograph boxes, albums, labels, and envelopes exactly as found.
- Sort only by obvious categories: spendable, silver/bullion, and possibly collectible.
- Get multiple opinions before a sale.
The cleaning ruleThe dirt is not the problem. Removing it can be.
Educational guide only. For legal or tax questions about inherited property, keep records and speak with a qualified professional.