Expert: Brad Swain - 1/21/2010

Question
Brad, I've inherited a collection of Canadian coins all direct from the mint and have no idea what it's worth.
I'll probably sell it, but of course I need some idea what it's worth, where to sell it, and am I better off selling piece by piece, as a collection, or perhaps a bit of both.
Any help you can offer is much appreciated.
The majority of the collection consists of...
Specimen Sets, from 1971 to 1991. I believe the early sets at least have an extra penny. I'm not sure about sets after 1981.
Proof Sets, from 1971 to 1991. I believe each of these sets include an extra Dollar coin, one Silver, one Nickel.
Brilliant Uncirculated Certified coins from the mint in sealed flexible plastic packages, from 1965 to 1991.
I also have other coins from the mint from the same era.
Most of this collection is still in the unopened packages that they were mailed from the mint in. I assume any collector will want to open these packages, but I hesitate to do so in case there is some value to them being sealed as they are.
I realize that is a lot of items to estimate values for. Perhaps you could suggest the best way for me to get the set evaluated.
Here in Canada there do not seem to be the numbers of shops that Americans enjoy, although there are some.

Again, thank you for any help Brad. Volunteers like you help make the Internet the fantastic place it is.

Vince

Answer
Hi Vince, value depends on date, number made and amount of collector demand.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison and as a place to offer them for sale.
Some of the less valuable ones might be offered together as one lot.
The protective packaging preserves their value.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Estimates follow:
Specimen Sets, from 1971 to 1991. I believe the early sets at least have an extra penny. I'm not sure about sets after 1981: 1971-80 about $10-$20, 1981-90 about $5-$10.
Proof Sets, from 1971 to 1991. I believe each of these sets include an extra Dollar coin, one Silver, one Nickel: 1971-88 $3-$6, 1989-90 $8, 1991 $25.
Brilliant Uncirculated coins from the mint in sealed flexible plastic packages, from 1965 to 1991:
http://worldcoingallery.com/countries/Canada.php
Brad