Just started coin collecting?

Question

I was wondering if there is a web site I can go to and see if what I have is worth anything? I am not wanting to resell just curious on what stuff is worth and how do you know what to look for.

Answer 1

There is no free site that can really help a beginner. Most sites are people trying to sell coins. You need to learn about grading coins for without some knowledge there pricing is impossible. Numismatics is like some of the coins "still in the dark ages". We still use those strange things call books. It cost a lot of money to make a world coin prices guide of just say 1901-2000. They are copyrighted and a web site would have to be huge and kept up to date for prices can change quickly. So they would charge for it's use. U.S. coins can change within a week. To learn about U.S. coins get a Red Book A Guide to U.S. coins. The come out every year but since the pricing in them is only a guide and not what coins sell for or dealers pay for one every few years is good enough. It will help in grading coins and let you know by its price gude part what coins are scarcer than others. It is a good place to start. I can help on pricing but do not have the time for large lists.

Answer 2

The "red book", A Guide Book of United States Coins, by R.S. Yeoman, has been the trusted authority on US coin prices since 1947. It has its limitations: First, it is an annual publication, so it is not as current as you may want. Second, it refers to retail prices, not what you would actually receive if selling to a coin dealer. Its best use is as an index of relative value, i.e., you can tell which of your US coins have the most value.

There is likewise a "blue book", A Handbook of United States Coins", also by R.S. Yeoman, that lists wholesale coin values. Again, it's compiled annually.

For current retail prices check the PCGS website. Here's the link: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/  This site reports the value of coins that have been certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), which will be somewhat higher than for an uncertified example of the same coin.

Which brings up another point you should consider. Coin values depend a great deal on the condition of the coin. So... learn a bit about how to grade a coin. Start here: http://www.valuable-coin-stories.com/coi...