Verbal appraisals are if you just want a ballpark value of your collection or coins.  This is if you intend on keeping or dividing your collection.  Nothing will be written for insurance or estate purposes and we will not purchase the coins based on a verbal retail appraisal.

Please keep in mind:

Value can change: The value of an item is dependent upon many things, including the condition, trends in the market, and the location where the item will be sold. This is why the answer to the question "What's it worth?" is so often "It depends."

Note the day: Values change over time according to market forces, so the current value of the item could be higher, lower, or the same as when our expert evaluates it.

Context is key: We will give an evaluation value in context. Retail prices are different from wholesale prices and though there are no hard and fast rules, a price can often be half its retail value; yet an auction price could be higher than retail. However, retail and insurance/replacement values are about the same.

Verbal approximations: Technically, an "appraisal" is a legal document, generally for insurance or court purposes, written by a qualified expert and paid for by the owner of the item. An appraisal usually involves an extensive amount of research to establish authenticity, composition, and other important attributes such as grading.

The opinion of value: The verbal approximations of value given are an opinion formed from years of knowledge, market trends, and other factors such as condition. Although our valuations are based on experience, opinions can, and sometimes do, vary among experts.

Affiliations: Our numismatists, Ed Fritz, affiliations include: Approved Appraiser in Probate Court for the State of Ohio; Appointed Expert Witness in Federal Court for the State of Ohio; Appointed Expert Witness in Federal Court for the State of Florida; Treasurer and Member of the Board, Industry Council for Tangible Assets; Governor, Member of the Board and Chairman of the Board of Ethics Committee for the National Silver Dollar Roundtable; Past President and Chairman of the Board, Blue Ridge Numismatic Association.

Rarity = Value

Old and rare coins are generally higher than newer coin values or those that were manufactured in huge quantities. But not always.

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Condition Matters

A coin in pristine condition is more valuable than a damaged one. Hold your coins by the rim, keep them dry and never clean.

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Ugly Coins

Even a really beat-up coin may have a high coin value because of the precious metal it contains. This is called its "bullion value."

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Our verbal appraisal will include:

• work to inspect, grade and discuss the coins
• retail or replacement cost of the collection (nothing in writing) 
• guidance on keeping, disposing or dividing collection

Hourly rate is $50 on-site. Total hours will depend on the complexity of the collection. 

All appraisals are a minimum of one hour.  To help expedite your appointment, the best way to organize your coins are by type.  Please NEVER clean you coins before talking to our numismatist.