How long does an estate coin appraisal take?

At SellMyCoins.ca, most photo submissions are reviewed within 24–48 hours. For large collections with many coins, it may take 3–5 business days to work through everything thoroughly. You will receive a written response identifying each coin and providing a value.

Do I need a formal appraisal for probate?

For probate or estate tax purposes, you may need a formal written appraisal from a certified appraiser. The written assessment from SellMyCoins.ca can serve as a useful starting point and reference, but consult your estate lawyer about what documentation is specifically required in your province. Ontario and Quebec have different requirements.

What if the collection is very large?

Contact Richard directly at Richard@sellmycoins.ca to discuss large collections. For very large estates, Richard can work through them systematically — starting with the most likely valuable pieces (silver dollars, gold coins, Newfoundland coins) and working through the rest. There is no minimum or maximum collection size.

Can I sell just part of the estate collection?

Yes. There is no minimum and no obligation to sell everything. You can sell individual coins, specific lots, or the entire collection. Many estate executors sell the valuable coins and keep the rest for family members.

Are old coin albums and folders worth anything?

The albums and folders themselves are usually worth very little. What matters is what is in them. A complete date set of Canadian silver dollars in a Whitman folder can be worth $500–$2,000+. A complete set of Newfoundland coins in an album can be worth $1,000–$5,000+. Photograph each page and submit for assessment.

I found a jar of old coins in the estate. Is it worth sorting through?

Yes, always. Jars of old coins frequently contain pre-1968 silver coins worth $2–$25 each in metal content alone. Occasionally they contain key dates worth hundreds or thousands. Photograph the contents and submit — Richard will identify anything of value.

Estate Guide

Estate Coin Collection Appraisal

Q: What is the most important thing NOT to do with an estate coin collection?

Do not clean anything. This is the single most common and most costly mistake. Coins that look dirty, tarnished, or dull may be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in their current state. The dark toning on old silver coins is called patina, and collectors often prefer it. A coin that has been cleaned — even gently with a cloth — is immediately worth 30–70% less than an uncleaned example of the same date and grade.

Discovering a coin collection as part of an estate can be overwhelming — especially when you are already dealing with the emotional weight of losing someone. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process calmly and confidently.

SellMyCoins.ca provides free photo estimates for estate coin collections across Canada. No coin knowledge required. Upload photos and Richard will identify and value everything within 24–48 hours.

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The most important rule: do not clean anything. Cleaning destroys collector value permanently. Coins that look dirty or tarnished may be worth hundreds of dollars exactly as they are. A cleaned coin is worth 30–70% less than an uncleaned example of the same date and grade.

The First Thing to Do: Nothing

When you discover a coin collection in an estate, the most important first step is to do nothing — specifically, do not clean anything. This is the single most common mistake made with estate coin collections, and it can permanently destroy significant value.

Coins that look dirty, tarnished, or dull may be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in their current state. The dark toning on old silver coins is called patina, and collectors often prefer it to a bright, polished surface. A coin that has been cleaned — even gently with a cloth, a pencil eraser, or a commercial coin cleaner — is immediately worth less than an uncleaned example of the same date and grade. This damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Once you have confirmed that nothing will be cleaned, you can begin the process of assessment. Take your time. There is no rush to sell, and a careful approach will result in a better outcome.

What to Do with an Estate Coin Collection

Inventory what you have

Make a rough list of what you found — albums, folders, loose coins, rolls, proof sets, jars. You do not need to identify individual coins; just get a sense of the scope of the collection.

Photograph everything

Take clear photos of albums (each page), individual coins (both sides), and any loose coins or rolls. This creates a record and is the foundation for the appraisal. A smartphone camera is sufficient.

Submit for a free assessment

Upload photos to SellMyCoins.ca. We will work through the collection systematically, identify the most valuable pieces, and provide a written purchase estimate within 24–48 hours.

Decide what to do

With a clear picture of what the collection is worth, you can make an informed decision — sell the entire collection, keep certain pieces, or divide it among family members. There is no obligation to sell.

Consider the estate context

If the collection is part of a formal estate, a certified appraisal may be needed for probate or tax purposes. A written purchase estimate from SellMyCoins.ca can serve as a useful reference, though a formal certified appraisal may be required for legal purposes — consult your estate lawyer.

What Estate Collections Often Contain

Canadian estate collections assembled over decades frequently contain a mix of the following. Values shown are approximate current market ranges.

Canadian silver coins (pre-1968)

$2–$5,000+ each

Dimes, quarters, 50-cent pieces, and dollars dated 1967 and earlier. These are silver and worth $2–$25+ each in metal content alone, plus collector value for better dates and grades.

1948 dollar: $500–$5,000; 1921 50-cent: $500–$10,000+

Proof and specimen sets (RCM)

$20–$500+

Royal Canadian Mint sets from the 1970s–2000s. Common sets are worth $20–$100; rare sets and early specimen sets can be worth much more.

Pre-1970 specimen sets are the most valuable

Newfoundland coins

$10–$500+

Pre-Confederation Newfoundland coins are highly collectible and frequently found in Ontario and Atlantic Canada estate collections. Even common dates are worth $10–$50 each.

Key dates like 1880 and 1900H worth $200–$1,000+

Foreign coins

Varies widely

Many collectors accumulated foreign coins alongside Canadian ones. Values vary widely — most are worth very little, but some pre-Confederation British coins used in Canada and certain Commonwealth coins have collector value.

Always worth submitting photos before discarding

Rolls of coins

$20–$200+ per roll

Rolls of older coins (pre-1968) may contain silver. Rolls of pennies from the 1950s–1960s may contain key dates. Never spend or break up rolls without checking.

Silver rolls are worth $20–$50+ in metal alone

Gold coins

$500–$3,000+

Occasionally found in estate collections. Any gold coin is worth at minimum its gold content — typically $500–$3,000+ for pre-1920 Canadian gold coins. Ottawa Mint sovereigns are identifiable by a "C" mintmark.

Ottawa Mint sovereign: $800–$3,000+

A note on probate and estate documentation

If the coin collection is part of a formal estate going through probate, you may need a written appraisal for documentation purposes. The written purchase estimate from SellMyCoins.ca can serve as a useful reference, but provincial probate requirements vary. In Ontario, estate assets over certain thresholds require formal documentation. Consult your estate lawyer or notary about what is specifically required. For a formal certified appraisal for legal purposes, a professional numismatist or certified appraiser may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Written response within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell

This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.

How Coin Values Are Determined

Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.

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Rarity

Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.

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Condition

Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.

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Silver or Gold Content

Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.

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Collector Demand

Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.

Related Coin Value Guides

Selling an Inherited Collection →Sell Estate Coins in Canada →Selling a Coin Collection in Canada →How Coin Appraisals Work →Is My Collection Worth Money? →How to Ship Coins Safely →← Back to Homepage

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If you believe you may have a valuable Canadian coin, upload clear photos using our free estimate form. We will review your coins and provide an estimated value — no obligation to sell.

Most photo submissions reviewed within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell