How to Get Started

We understand that figuring out what to photograph and what information to provide to us can be quite overwhelming. Unless you have collected the items yourself, most likely you have no idea what is worth showing to us and what is worthless. If you have inherited a collection, are helping someone dispose of the contents of an estate, or are even a lawyer or accountant trying to assist your client in determining if their possessions need to be appraised, we will do our best to simplify the process. We do not charge you anything to look at your images or information, so feel free to send us as much as you think necessary.

If you have:

Stamps & Postal History:

Begin by taking an overall image of the collection, no matter how large it may be. This will give us some perspective. Follow that with more up-close images. If the stamps are mounted in albums or books, show us the oldest stamps, the high face value stamps and the pages that appear most full. Show us any related items such as envelopes with stamps on them (covers) or postcards. Pick out examples with unusual subject matter, high face value stamps or strange places of origin or destinations on them, as well as Registered, Certified, Postage Due or any other odd or interesting markings. Tell us if there are any papers or receipts showing the stamps were purchased from auctions or dealers. And make sure to show us anything the collector may have indicated were their “best” items!

Coins & Paper Money:

Begin by taking an overall image of the collection, no matter how large it may be. This will give us some perspective. Follow that with more up-close images of some of the older and high face value coins or currency. Show us any coins that may appear to be gold or silver. Try to give us a ballpark idea of how many of each denomination you have. If you have United States coins, begin by focusing on anything from 1964 and earlier. Most dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars from 1964 and earlier contain silver and have value regardless of their condition. For paper money, take photos of the front sides of the oldest and highest face value bills. Try to give us an idea of how many of each denomination you have, and what years they are from. Show us anything that may seem out of the ordinary to you, and take as many images as you think will provide us with a good idea of what you have. Don’t forget to show us any foreign coins or paper money you may have as they can be of value as well! Please tell us if there are any papers or receipts showing the coins or paper money were purchased from auctions or dealers. And make sure to show us anything the collector may have indicated were their “best” items!

Everything Else:

Take as many images as you feel properly show the items you want us to see. Once we have seen some basic images, we can more accurately direct you to show us what we need to see more closely. In the case of jewelry or silver, we may ask you to show us up-close images of maker’s marks. In the case of fine art (paintings, watercolors, prints), we will want to see up-close images of artist signatures. Most importantly, remember that this is a multi-step process and we will be glad to work through it with you. And, best of all, there is no charge for this!