How can I find out how much my coins are worth?

The value of your coins depends on several factors, including their type, year of minting, and condition. Here's an overview to guide you in evaluating their value:

1. Consult a Coin Dealer:
   Visiting a reputable coin dealer is the most reliable way to determine your coins' value. Keep in mind, however, that a "free valuation" may actually be an offer to purchase your coins, not an impartial assessment of their market value.

2. Use a Reference Guide:
   You can refer to the Standard Catalog of World Coins for the relevant century, which might be available at your local library. While these catalogs are typically expensive to buy, they are accessible through Amazon or other booksellers. Note that the prices listed in these books reflect retail prices—what dealers sell coins for—not what they pay to acquire them. Dealers typically offer around half the listed book price.

3. Selling to Collectors:
   If you sell directly to collectors, you might get a price between the dealer's offer and the catalog price. Platforms like eBay can give you an idea of current demand and prices for similar coins, though eBay prices aren't always accurate reflections of true value. Items on eBay can sell for far above or below their actual worth.

4. Condition (Grading):
   The condition of a coin is crucial. Collectors favor coins in mint or uncirculated condition, as these command higher grades and values. For instance, an uncirculated coin in flawless mint condition may be worth hundreds of times more than the same coin in "good" condition with signs of circulation.

5. Scarcity or Rarity:
   Rarity is a significant factor in determining value, but it isn’t solely linked to age. For example, many thousand-year-old Chinese coins sell for just a few dollars because they are common. In contrast, a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, with only five known examples, can sell for over $1,000,000 due to its extreme rarity.

Understanding these factors will help you better evaluate the worth of your coins and decide how to proceed with selling or collecting them.