Author Topic: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?  (Read 4543 times)

NestEggChick (formerly PFgal)

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How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« on: December 01, 2013, 08:42:18 AM »
I've been cleaning out my apartment just to reduce clutter and simultaneously helping my parents clean out their house as they prepare to downsize. We have no problem throwing away junk, donating clothes, and selling useful items on Craigslist. We're stuck on what to do about valuable things, though. We've inherited quite a bit from my grandparents in recent years. We're keeping some sentimental items but we want to sell the rest and we don't know what they're worth or how to sell them. How can I find someone to evaluate things like a coin collection, fine dishes, gold and silver jewelry, vases, candlesticks, etc.? I'd love any advice, but recommendations for experts in the Boston area would be extra-appreciated. Thanks!!

Sparafusile

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2013, 09:12:42 AM »
Although I'm not an expert, I'd be happy to tell you roughly what your coin collection is worth. I've been collecting for about 16 years. PM me if you're interested. Otherwise, I'd search for a local coin shop in your area and ask the owner to evaluate your collection. Then do the same with all the others in your area - don't go with the first offer. You could probably take the gold and silver jewelry  and candlesticks along with you there. The rest I don't know anything about.

geekette

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2013, 09:52:10 AM »
Replacements will buy (some) china and flatware - at least you can get a free ballpark quote from them.

BZB

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2013, 01:01:17 PM »
I recently had my dad's stamp collection appraised. I did a lot of research online to find local stamp dealers who do appraisals, and found one who is a member of the national philatelic societies and also an officer in the city philatelic club. I met with him for a free consult beforehand, and he made it clear to me he was not interested in buying (because of course you don't want to sell to the person who does the appraisal). It all worked well for getting the appraisal, but now it's up to me to go to the stamp shows and sell the collection. Maybe you can try something similar with the coin collection?

rubybeth

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2013, 01:10:46 PM »
For jewelry, here's a list of appraisers in Mass: http://www.pricescope.com/appraisers/massachusetts If it's mostly costume jewelry, or silver, a local jeweler could probably give you a ballpark. If it's out-of-fashion gold, you might just want to sell it as scrap. If there are any gemstones or diamonds, though, it could be worth something to someone, or good to keep as heirlooms. One benefit of jewelry as heirlooms is how small it is. :)

Nords

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2013, 02:48:28 PM »
How can I find someone to evaluate things like a coin collection, fine dishes, gold and silver jewelry, vases, candlesticks, etc.?
We went to a local jeweler and paid his (expensive) hourly rate to appraise my mother's diamond engagement/wedding rings.  We received full documentation as well as both "wholesale" and "retail" estimates.  The former is what you'd get on a sale, the latter is what you'd want to insure it for replacement value.

We tried to give my mother's diamond eternity ring to our 20-year-old daughter.  She totally freaked out at the responsibility and politely declined, so my spouse is "taking care of it for her" pending another attempt in a few more years.  And if our daughter notifies us of her impending engagement/wedding then we'll make the same offer with Grandma's other rings.

As for the fine dishes, vases, & candlesticks:  eBay.  Search for the brands/models under "completed auctions". 

NestEggChick (formerly PFgal)

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2013, 01:38:37 PM »
Thanks everyone! What do you do for things that are unrealistic to do on ebay because of size? Like really heavy vases and full sets of dishes.

Mega

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2013, 01:58:33 PM »
Look for individual plates, of course :)

Seriously though, big stuff does sell on ebay. A good way to check the value is type in the makers mark and then browse pictures. This can give you a ballpark feel for the value (e.g. Everything is big bucks or worthless)

okashira

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Re: How to get potentially valuable items evaluated?
« Reply #8 on: December 03, 2013, 09:39:36 AM »
Antique roadshow?