Where to Sell Coins in Ithaca & Get What They’re Worth
Hobbyists, collectors, and collection inheritors in Ithaca, NY, and the surrounding area do not have to go far to find a fair, ethical, professional, and skilled coin assessor. For over 40 years, Christopher Young has been recognized as an industry leader in consulting and providing expert appraisals and consultations to enthusiastic collectors, buyers, and sellers alike. If you are looking for where to sell coins in Ithaca, here is your guide to getting started.
Identify Your Coin
Start by finding the date, denomination, and mint mark. The date and denomination (face value) are usually easy to spot at a glance. The mint mark, a small letter indicating where the coin was produced, might be trickier to find. Note that not all coins have a mint mark. The table below provides the mint marks used by each of the U.S. Mint’s current and historic facilities, along with the dates during which these marks were in use.
Mint Branch | Mint Mark | Years Used |
Carson City (NV) | CC | 1870-1893 |
Charlotte (NC) | C | 1838-1861 |
Dahlonega (GA) | D | 1838-1861 |
Denver (CO) | D | 1906-Present |
New Orleans (LA) | O | 1838-1861, 1879-1909 |
Philadelphia (PA) | P | 1942-45, 1979-Present |
San Francisco (CA) | S | 1854-1955, 1968-Present |
West Point (NY) | W | 1984-Present |
Tips to Ensure Your Coin’s Value is Retained
Keep these important guidelines in mind as you handle your coins:
- Avoid handling your coin directly—wear gloves to protect its value. For safe handling, place your coin in a plastic holder to keep it clean.
- Never clean your coin, as doing so can reduce its value.
- If you believe your coin is valuable, don’t hesitate to seek multiple appraisals for a well-informed assessment.
Conduct Basic Research
Once you’ve identified the coin, begin researching its type. Several online resources can help you compare your coin to similar examples. For U.S. coins, the Guide Book of United States Coins (commonly known as the Red Book) is an excellent resource to determine if your coin is valuable. Other helpful books include the Official ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins and the Standard Catalog of World Coins for international coins.
Consult a Reputable Professional
To authenticate your coin, determine its bullion value (if it contains precious metals like gold or silver), and assess its condition, consult an experienced coin dealer. They can also guide you on the best way to sell your collection—whether through a dealer, a coin show, or an auction.
For trustworthy appraisals, look for dealers who are affiliated with reputable organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the Early American Coppers Club (EAC), Florida United Numismatists (FUN), and the Colonial Coin Collectors Club (C-4).
Contact Christopher Young Coins
Located in Ithaca, New York, Christopher Young Coins is your trusted partner for selling rare coins. Whether you’re ready to sell or just curious about your collection’s value, we offer expert guidance and fair evaluations. We serve collectors nationwide, so even if you’re not near Ithaca, reach out to discover how our expertise can benefit you!