Handling an estate is one of the most emotionally and logistically challenging experiences a family can face. When that estate includes coins, currency, gold, silver, bullion, or jewelry, the complexity increases, because most people have no idea what they have or what it is worth.
This guide is written for executors, trustees, attorneys, and family members who need to liquidate a coin, currency, or precious metals collection as part of an estate.
Step 1: Do Not Touch Anything Yet
Before you do anything else, do not clean, sort, or reorganize the collection.
- Do not clean coins: cleaning destroys value permanently
- Do not break up original rolls or sets: original packaging adds significant value
- Do not throw anything away: what looks like a jar of old pennies might contain key dates worth hundreds of dollars each
- Do not separate coins from their holders: PCGS, NGC, CACG, ANACS and ICG certified slabbed coins are worth more in their original holders
Leave everything exactly as you found it and bring it in for a professional evaluation.
Step 2: Understand What You Might Have
Estate collections often contain a mix of items with very different values:
Coins: circulated common dates, key dates, uncirculated and proof coins, PCGS/NGC/CACG/ANACS/ICG certified coins, gold coins
Currency: old paper money, large size notes, silver certificates, gold certificates, star notes, national bank notes
Bullion: gold and silver bars, American Eagles, 90% silver coins, other bullion coins
Jewelry: gold jewelry, sterling silver flatware and hollowware
Stamps: U.S. and foreign stamp collections, (modern first day covers are worth very little)
Step 3: Get a Professional Evaluation
Bring the collection to Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion in Pendleton, SC. We specialize in estate purchases and provide:
- Free, no-obligation evaluation
- Same-day offers: no waiting
- Immediate payment: cash or bank transfer at time of purchase
- Complete discretion
- We travel for large collections: if the collection is substantial, we will come to you
- (See Step #5)
We have evaluated and purchased collections ranging from a few hundred dollars to well over seven figures.
Step 4: Know What a Fair Offer Looks Like
A fair offer should be based on:
- Current precious metal spot prices for gold, silver, and platinum items
- Numismatic value for rare coins, key dates, and high-grade examples
- Market value for currency, stamps, and other collectibles
At Clemson Coins, we break down our offer by category so you understand exactly what you are receiving for each type of item.
Step 5: Compare Offers
We always recommend getting multiple offers before selling. We are confident in our pricing, we consistently pay more than any other dealer in the region, but you should verify that for yourself by getting at least 1 and perhaps 2 other offers prior to coming to us so that we can pay you more.
Working With Attorneys and Trustees
We work directly with estate attorneys, executors, and trustees throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. We can provide written appraisals for estate purposes and documentation for probate proceedings.
We Will Come to You
For large collections, we will travel to your location anywhere in Upstate SC, Western NC, Northeast GA, or East Tennessee. Call us first: 864-502-0100.
Visit our dedicated [Estates & Trusts](/estates-&-trusts) page for more information.
Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion 7611 Highway 76, Pendleton, South Carolina 864-502-0100: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
We Pay More, Always.