Rating Coins

raplanners

I am very confused about how to properly evaluate the value of a coin. I am approaching 80 years old and been collecting coins for over 50 years. I have no one to leave this collection to so I am going to try to sell it off in peace's. I chose to use a 2005 mint set as an example due to the quality of the coins. I believe that every one of these coins are exceptional, none grading under MS 67. I then went to PCGS site to check on some of the values given for these coins. Based on their values I have a set worth about $25,000! Then I looked up what a 2005 mint set is worth in Coin World, they state that this set is worth about $10.00. Lastly, I went on USA Coin Book site, they have a value of $.36 for a coin Graded MS 65! What's going on? Can anyone out their explain to me what I'm doing wrong! - clear

MarkKelley

Best way to determine real world value is to check eBay SOLD listings. Make sure it is an EXACT match for what you have.

lcutler

First, the PCGS price guide only applies to PCGS graded coins, and then it is high. 2005 mint sets seem to be selling for $11-$15, chances are that's what yours are worth.

JBK

If you feel like paying some tuition you could submit your mint set to PCGS to have the coins graded. You'll find that you were off on your expected grades, and the value of your newly slabbed coins will be a tiny fraction of what you paid to slab them.

A few people have the skill to cherrypick things like mint sets and find the occassional gem, but that would be a losing game for most of us.

JWP

I've being a collector for over 50 years and never really learned much about grading until joining this forum. Thanks to all the members here that have helped me. The one thing I did that really helped at home was buying the ANA Grading standards book. There are pictures that really help to emphasize the fine points between the different grades. Good luck with your coin grading journey and welcome aboard.

giantsfan20

Post pictures and or list of coins?

every one of these coins are exceptional, none grading under MS 67 Really

WAYNEAS

@JWP said:
I've being a collector for over 50 years and never really learned much about grading until joining this forum. Thanks to all the members here that have helped me. The one thing I did that really helped at home was buying the ANA Grading standards book. There are pictures that really help to emphasize the fine points between the different grades. Good luck with your coin grading journey and welcome aboard.

@raplanners
Try PCGS's Photograde in conjunction with @JWP's shown guide book.
There are only pictures, but you can enlarge them, and they do show all grades.
The pictures are actual coins in the grade and in color.
Wayne

dsessom

@raplanners said:
I chose to use a 2005 mint set as an example due to the quality of the coins. I believe that every one of these coins are exceptional, none grading under MS 67.

Are your coins actually graded by PCGS? (Or any grading company?)

If the answer is NO, then the PCGS Price Guide is irrelevant since it only applies to PCGS graded coins. (Many people, especially on Ebay, are confused by this fact.)

If you are wanting to offload your collection, please post some of them for sale in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum, and you will get a fair price for your coins.

giantsfan20

# Signed up Jun 12, 2023