Expert: Brad Swain - 2/8/2010

Question
Good evening Mr. Swain,
One of my co-workers handed me a "Bag"  of approx. 400 coins from around the world that date between the 1700's and 1800's. Some are in Uncirculated condition. I'm a novice at coin collecting
(US COINS)and have no idea what these are worth. They were from a collector who collected these back in the 30's in small envelops, some with names and grades. I would hate to ask you about these one at a time, so my question is, Is there a reliable coin book for foriegn coins...or is there anyone I can trust to send them to for an appraisel. I've taken them to two local dealers so far that don't take the time to look at them all...but offer me $100 to $250 for the entire bag. Which makes me think they know something I don't. Also, is there a market for these?? I've looked a few up on e-bay but they are mostly random prices so I don't know what to believe.
Can you help?
Allen.
Clermont, Fl.

Answer
Hi Allen, Collector value of a coin depends on denomination (face value), date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
If you start by listing them by Country, Denomination, and Date that will make it easier to organize them.
If the coins were collected back in the 1930s then they are likely to have less wear than average and will be worth more. Dealers will offer the least possible amount for them. Collectors may offer more if they are offered in a competitive environment like Ebay.com.
U.S. coin prices for professionally graded coins: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/
and ungraded coins: http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
Ungraded coins (raw) are worth less depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
World coin pictures and some values may be found here: http://worldcoingallery.com/index.htm ,
http://www.coinarchives.com/ , and http://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis.jsp .
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad