Is There A Treasure In Rare Coins Hidden In Your Basement?

A friend was recently cleaning out his family home’s basement when he came across a locked box that hadn’t been opened in perhaps decades. He dusted it off, turned the lock and was surprised to find it contained a cache of out-of-circulation coins: Liberty coins, Morgan silver dollars, Mercury dimes, Franklin half-dollars and more. Not knowing what some of these coins even were, let alone what they might be worth, he took them to a professional and had them appraised.

While much of the collection wasn’t worth a whole lot — some hadn’t been stored properly, some were worn beyond recognition — there were some real finds, including several rare 1884-CC Morgan silver dollars.

Who knows, you just might have a treasure hidden in your attic or basement — and if you do, West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins can help you evaluate what you’ve got and then give you options as to what to do next. If you do find some old, potentially rare and valuable coins, make sure to do several things:

1. If they are in a pile or not organized, handle them gently with clean hands, or with cotton gloves if possible — and try not to touch the faces.
2. Separate them into similar groups and/or dates. Lay a soft cloth down to protect them from dirty floors or surfaces.
3. If they are already in envelopes, plastic sleeves, cardboard folders or other containment devices, keep them there so that you don't risk any damage.
4. Don't polish them. It will reduce their value. If you can't see a date because of grime, bring it in and have the dirt properly removed by a professional.

West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins are members of the top two coin certification and authentication services in the U.S.: the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). We submit thousands of coins to both of these services, so you can be confident that you're getting the most accurate information.

For more tips on coin collecting, please see our blog post on Coin Collecting and the Coins page on our website. Or just come in to any of our three locations in West Seattle, Bellevue or Lynnwood and talk to one of our experts.

West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins specializes in gold buying and dealing in rare coins. We are a family-owned business that was first established in 1979 and is now located in West Seattle, Bellevue and Lynnwood. We also buy and sell gold, silver, diamonds, currency and jewelry. Visit us first for a free evaluation.

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Bellevue Rare Coins, Lynnwood | Located at 18411 Alderwood Mall Pkwy, Suite F, Lynnwood, WA. | Phone: 425-672-2646. | http://www.wscbrc.com.

West Seattle Coins | Located at 4500 SW California Ave, Seattle, WA. | Phone: 206-938-3519. | http://www.wscbrc.com.

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