Inherited Collections: What to Do When You Find Boxes of Old Coins

Written By Alyssa Anderson

It happens more often than people realize: a family member passes down a box, a drawer, or even an entire closet full of old coins. Maybe it’s coffee cans filled with loose change, old envelopes from the bank, or carefully arranged albums someone spent years building.

The moment you open it, you may feel overwhelmed.

Is any of this valuable?
Where do you even start?
Should you clean them? Sell them? Sort them?

If you’ve just inherited a coin collection, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you avoid mistakes and get the most out of what you’ve been left.

1. Don’t Clean the Coins — Ever

This is the #1 rule in numismatics.

Cleaning coins can:

  • Scratch the surface

  • Remove original mint luster

  • Permanently lower the value

  • Turn a valuable coin into a damaged one

Even coins that look “dirty” or “tarnished” are often worth more when left exactly as they are.

If you think the coins look old or dusty, leave them untouched and let an expert like Sean Summerlin evaluate them first.

2. Keep the Collection Together

Don’t separate coins, don’t throw anything away, and don’t spend anything that “looks normal.”

Why?

  • A roll of dimes might be full of pre-1964 silver.

  • The value of the collection may depend on having a complete set.

The best thing you can do is bring the entire group as it was found.

3. Make a Quick Visual Sort (No Expertise Needed)

If you want a basic overview before bringing the collection in, you can do a simple sort using these categories:

A. Pre-1964 U.S. Silver Coins

These include:

  • Dimes

  • Quarters

  • Half dollars

  • Silver dollars

Anything dated 1964 or earlier may contain 90% silver, giving it guaranteed value.

B. Old Paper Money

Older bills (especially 1950s and earlier) may have value for collectors, including:

  • Red seal and blue seal notes

  • Star notes

  • Large-size currency

  • Old $2 bills

C. Foreign Coins

Foreign silver coins, commemoratives, and gold pieces may be hidden in the mix.

D. Albums, Proof Sets & Mint Sets

These often contain collectible items or silver coins that look “new” but are actually valuable.

4. Look for Signs of Higher Value

You don’t need to grade the coins — just look for clues like:

  • Uncirculated coins (bright, sharp details)

  • Key dates (certain years are rare)

  • Old U.S. coins (especially 1800s or early 1900s)

  • Gold coins (always valuable)

  • Error or mis-struck coins

  • Mint-marked pieces (like "CC" for Carson City)

But remember: even common-looking coins can surprise you.

This is where an expert appraisal makes a difference.

5. Be Cautious With Online “Prices”

When people Google a coin, they often find:

  • eBay listings

  • Auction prices

  • Unrealistic appraisal claims

  • Misleading clickbait articles

Most of these numbers do not reflect actual selling value.

The true value of a coin depends on:

  • Condition

  • Market demand

  • Authenticity

  • Silver or gold content

  • Rarity

  • Grade

That’s why working with a knowledgeable dealer like Sean Summerlin is essential.

6. Get a Professional Appraisal (Free With Houston TX Coin Dealer)

A proper appraisal tells you:

  • What is valuable

  • What is silver or gold

  • What can be sold for premium collector value

  • What pieces should be kept together

  • The overall worth of the entire collection

At Houston TX Coin Dealer, Sean Summerlin offers:
✔ Free, no-pressure appraisals
✔ Mobile appraisals at your home
✔ In-office appointments (Kingwood & Porter)
✔ Phone or email evaluations for quick questions

Whether it’s one box or an entire estate, Sean evaluates everything with honesty and transparency.

7. Decide Whether to Sell or Keep Certain Pieces

Once the collection is appraised, you can make informed decisions.

You may choose to:

  • Sell everything

  • Keep the sentimental pieces

  • Keep the rarest pieces as an investment

  • Sell only the silver and gold

  • Pass the collection on to your own children

There’s no right or wrong answer — it depends on your goals.

A dealer should never pressure you.
A trusted appraiser will simply give you the facts.

8. When You’re Ready to Sell, Choose a Reputable Local Buyer

Selling locally means:

  • Face-to-face transparency

  • Immediate payment

  • No shipping risk

  • No online scams

  • No lost packages

Houston TX Coin Dealer is known across the Houston area for:

  • Fair pricing

  • Honest assessments

  • Expertise in rare coins, silver, gold, and paper money

  • Respect for inherited collections

Appraiser Sean Summerlin has evaluated everything from decades-old family coin jars to rare U.S. Mint collections.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Know Anything — That’s Why Experts Exist

Inheriting a coin collection can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to sort it alone.

Whether your collection includes:

  • Silver coins

  • Gold coins

  • Rare U.S. coins

  • Old paper money

  • Mint sets and proof sets

  • Silverware or jewelry mixed in

You can trust Houston TX Coin Dealer to help you understand exactly what you have.

📍 Expert Appraiser: Sean Summerlin
📍 Serving: Houston, Kingwood, Conroe, Porter, Spring, Cypress, Tomball & all surrounding areas
📞 Free Appraisal Available — In-Office or At Home

Alyssa Anderson
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Modern vs. Pre-1964 Silver & Gold Coins: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters