How do I get my coins appraised?

The professional numismatists at Kagin's will be happy to provide you with a free verbal evaluation of your selected coins. However, if considerable time is required, due to the quantity of coins or extensive research is involved, or if you request a written evaluation, a fee at $100 per hour will be charged. Of course, if we purchase your coins, we will wave the appraisal fee.

How do I ship my coins or currency to you for an evaluation?

The first thing we will want to do is obtain as much information about the items before we decide if it is beneficial to you to send them in for a formal evaluation. When the determination to proceed has been made, the items may be sent to us via registered-insured mail (insuring them for the maximum value that you feel they are worth), accompanied with an inventory specifying each item. We request that along with the items to be evaluated, a check for $25 be included to cover the cost of postage and handling back to you. If we purchase your items, the $25 check will be refunded to you. ALL COINS AND PAPER MONEY ARE FULLY INSURED WHILE IN OUR POSSESSION.

What is the best way to sell my collection of coins or currency?

For low value, relatively common items, such as average circulated coins struck in the last 100 years, or modern silver coins dating from the 1930's to 1964, there is a general value range, which will be consistent with most dealers, give or take 5% to 10%. Exceptions might be rare dates or coins that survive in unusually high grade, for which collectors will pay a higher premium. In the case of exceptional coins, prices might vary from dealer to dealer, depending on how quickly and easily they can be resold. Simply put, a dealer with a ready buyer is apt to pay more for something than a dealer who might have to hold the material longer, searching for a buyer. At Kagin's we have a nationwide clientele of ready buyers. If we can't pay you top dollar, we will recommend someone in your area who can.

What is the difference between rare coins and bullion coins, such as South African krugerrands or American gold eagles?

Rare coins are uncommon by nature and their value is based primarily on the demand from collectors. Modern bullion coins are relatively common, but contain precious metal. Their value is tied closely to the daily international gold or silver spot prices. We specialize in rare coins, not bullion items, although we have frequently provided competitive bullion coinage services to our established customers, upon request.

I have a number of certified, professionally graded and encapsulated coins, each with a value of $1,000, or more. How do I sell them for the highest possible price?

High value coins require consultation with a specialist in such items, whom can best advise you of the most effective method of selling, based on the content of the collection. Although an auction is sometimes the best method of sale, often a nationally prominent dealer can pay as much as you would realize at auction, after the auction company's commission and buyer's charge is factored in. Kagin's specializes in top of the line numismatic properties, frequently paying record prices for extraordinary rarity or quality. Also, a private transaction can be completed in a matter of hours or a few days, rather than months.

I am new to collecting, and would like to begin buying better quality coins or paper money. How do I get started?

First, you need to select a numismatic topic that interests you. There are boundless ways to collect coins or paper money. A conversation with one of our professional numismatists will provide you with a starting point for your pursuits.

How do I know that the coins I buy from Kagin's are authentic and properly graded?

We guarantee the authenticity of everything we sell and specialize in high quality coins graded by the most highly respected third-party grading services.

Do you have a return policy if I buy coins or paper money from you and decide I don't want them?

Each transaction is important to us, but most important is your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 15 days of receipt for a full refund.

Are there additional costs involved with purchasing coins or paper money from you?

Orders under $1,000 require a $10 postage and handling fee. For orders over $1,000, there is no additional charge. California residents must include appropriate sales tax for all currency transactions and all coin transactions less than $1,000. All dealers are required to complete a resale card.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes we do. VISA and MasterCard.

Do you have a lay-away plan?

Yes, we would be happy to work with you on a plan that fits your budget. Pease call for details.

Will you buy back coins or currency I have purchased from you?

Absolutely. Every one of Kagin's numismatists is a collector at heart. We truly enjoy buying numismatic properties, and therefore, get vicarious pleasure assisting you in the pursuit of additions for your collection. We strive to build relationships with our clients, not just sell coins and paper money. And when the time comes for you to sell, it is our goal to repurchase your collection at the best price possible and in turn, offer it to the next generation of collectors.

Do you accept trades?

Definitely. Please offer us your duplicates or other material and we will try to give you the best deal we can.

I have a 1943 cent. What is it worth?

Three different mints struck a total of over a billion cents made of zinc-coated steel, because copper was needed for the war effort. Approximately 15 to 20, struck in copper by mistake, are known. Every year, thousands of people ask dealers nationwide if their 1943 "penny" is rare and worth a large sum of money. Examples struck in steel are worth about triple face value in average circulated condition. The easiest way to check your coin's metallic content is by holding it to a magnet, which will attract a normal coin made of steel.

I have silver certificates, which are the same size as current paper money. Are they redeemable in silver like it says on the note? What are they worth?

After 1928, silver certificates were printed in $1, $5 and $10 denominations. The Treasury stopped redeeming silver certificates for silver coins in 1968. Silver certificates of all denominations from the Series of 1934, 1935, and 1957, are generally worth a 15% to 25% premium over face value, in average circulated condition, and more if in "New" or nearly "New" condition. Certain Series of 1935 issues in the $1 denomination bearing a red letter "R" or "S" on the face, or $1, $5 and $10 denominations using a yellow seal, or overprinted with the word HAWAII, are worth more. Earlier Series of 1928 $1 silver certificates are worth a premium of several dollars, or more, to collectors. Especially rare and desirable is the Series of 1928E $1 silver certificate, which could be worth hundreds of dollars.

How can I tell if my gold coin is genuine?

In the area of American gold coinage, U.S. Mint $1 to $5 gold pieces are often counterfeited and many are very deceptive. Counterfeit $10 and $20 gold pieces also exist, but are not as abundant. Examination of any gold coin by a qualified, knowledgeable professional is suggested.

Privately minted Western gold coins of the 1850's and 1860's period have been reproduced in huge quantities over the last 40 years, or so. Specifically, modern reproductions of Blake & Co $10 gold pieces, Baldwin & Co "Cowboy" $10 gold pieces and the 1860 Mormon "Beehive" $5 gold pieces seem to be everywhere, and other types exist. These appear crudely made, compared to authentic coins, and are not made of gold. A jeweler can easily authenticate these by determining if, in fact, they are made of gold.

Modern reproduction fractional gold pieces of the 25C., 50C., or $1 denominations also abound. Examples with a bear, or other mammal, are not authentic or made of gold. All genuine fractional gold coins have the denomination followed by a D., DOL., or DOLLAR designation.

Often, at Kagin's, upon viewing a photograph, an e-mail scan, or even a clear FAX of a coin, we can determine if it is authentic, and if genuine, gain an idea of its approximate value. .
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