Coin appraisals

First, the honest part

"Appraisal" means two very different things, and plenty of shops are happy to let you confuse them. What happens at our counter is a free verbal market opinion — expert, specific, and useful for deciding what to do. It is not a signed written appraisal document.

If you need paper for insurance, probate or a divorce, you need a written appraisal from a certified appraiser, and that's a different service with a fee attached. We'll tell you which one you actually need — and if it isn't us, we'll point you the right way.

Why the read is any good

Coins have been the core of this business since Steve Sr. opened in 1982. We're an authorized dealer for PCGS and NGC, and Steve Foster Jr. sits on the board of the Fresno Numismatic Society. Walt Ankerman, a professional dealer, drives hundreds of miles to work this counter twelve times a year — which is its own kind of appraisal.

What to bring, and what not to do

• Bring all of it. Don't pre-sort — people bin the good stuff and carefully carry in the worthless stuff.
• Don't clean anything. This is the most expensive mistake in the hobby. A polish can cost more value in four seconds than the rest of the box is worth.
• Leave holders alone. If it's slabbed or in original mint packaging, that packaging is part of the value.
• Bring paperwork if any exists — old receipts, invoices, prior appraisals.