Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Do your research
• Method 2 of 2: Work with an appraiser

Collecting coins is a fun hobby, but collectors naturally want to know the value of their coins. This may be purely out of curiosity or they may be interested in coins as an investment. Whatever your reason, start by figuring out exactly what type of coin you have and what its condition is. You then use this information as a reference for online and published price lists. If you want to find out a more accurate value of a specific coin (s), work with a numismatic organization and a professional appraiser.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Do your research

1. Determine the origin and age of the coin. You need to know exactly which currency you are holding in order to capture the specific value. New coins have a date of issue on the front or back of the coin. You will probably also find the name of the country of origin there.
   • If the information on the coin is in a language you don't know, consult a book on world currencies or a website. These have images that can help you identify the currency.
   • You can also consult these sources to determine the age of a coin when a date of issue is missing.
2. Check the coin to determine its condition. The value of a coin is highly dependent on its condition. Higher quality coins are usually worth more than coins that are defective or dirty.
   • Unused coins are known as "not put into circulation".
   • Coins are rated from "excellent condition" (perfect) to - downward - "poor" (dirty or damaged).
   • If you think you have a coin that is rare or valuable, don't try to clean it yourself. Take it to an expert for cleaning without risk of damage and depreciation.
   • If a coin is badly damaged, it may still have value in terms of metal.
3. Check coin price lists online. Some websites release the selling prices for some coins. You can also find professional organizations at MUNTkoerier - Numismatic Circles in the Netherlands and Belgium. Look up your coin with the date of issue and origin and you may find the current value.
   • There are several factors (including condition and current demand for the coin) that affect the price at which a coin is ultimately sold, so use the value you find online as a guide only.
4. Consult a coin catalog. If you cannot find the value of a coin online, you can also consult a catalog such as the NVMH Coin Almanac. These and similar expenses can be interesting in that they may recommend different prices for a specific currency:
   • The "catalog value" (a general price for the coin).
   • The "purchase value" (what a merchant pays you to buy the coin from you).
   • The "retail value" (the price at which a merchant sells the coin to a customer).
   • The "wholesale value" (the price at which a merchant resells to another merchant, especially when selling multiple coins at once).
5. Be aware of special factors. The value of coins fluctuates as the price is driven by different interests. If the demand for a specific currency is high, the price will go up. Rare or exceptionally beautiful coins are more often worth more than the usual ones. Finally, commemorative coins (special issues) can also bring in more money.
   • Consider all of these factors if you want to determine the value of your coin. For example, you can hold a coin that is not very rare. However, if it is in excellent condition and most coins of this type are not, the value may be higher than the normal "catalog value".

Method 2 of 2: Work with an appraiser

1. Apply to a numismatic organization. Numismatics is the study of coins and banknotes. If you have a lot of coins in your possession that you want to be valued, or if you work with coins often, consider joining a professional group that specializes in this. These organizations can share price lists and specific information with you which can help you determine the value of your coins.
   • Look for a recognized professional group in your area such as the Royal Netherlands Society for Mint and Medal Science.
   • There you will also find information about any websites where you can register for specific information.
2. Have your coin officially valued. Professional coin appraisers give you the most accurate, most current value of your coin. They base their appraisal on their expert experience of the condition of the coin. They also include the price for which similar coins were last sold.
   • Membership with a numismatic organization will also give you a list of dealers near you.
3. Go to a numismatic fair. Numismatic organizations often host trade shows where sellers can offer their coins to potential buyers. Traders there are also interested in buying from private visitors. Whether or not you are interested in actually selling your coin, this is your chance to determine the "purchase value".
   • Talk to the traders. Show your coin (s) and ask if they are interested.