Coins of the Realm

3 Reasons to Get a Formal Appraisal!

A formal appraisal is an evaluation of your goods that is documented in writing and suitable for use in legal matters. Formal appraisals can be given for entire collections or for individual items. Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting a formal appraisal for your valuable assets by visiting a coin dealer.

Insurance Purposes
Whether you collect rare stamps to sell or are keeping your grandmother’s antique gold jewelry in your family, insuring your valuables will protect you in the event of robbery or a disaster. By obtaining a formal appraisal for your valuable goods, you can insure them for an accurate amount. If you have had your silver, gold, or other high-value commodities appraised in the past, remember that the value of these goods constantly fluctuates. Obtaining an up-to-date appraisal allows you to adequately protect these items.

Sale of Valuables
If you're considering selling a valuable collection or item, you should first obtain a formal, written appraisal to assist you in determining the appropriate price. Even if you don't plan to sell the item right away, having it formally appraised provides you with an accurate account of your current assets. It is essential to bring your valuables to a qualified appraiser to ensure that you receive adequate compensation during your sale.

Estate Valuation
Obtaining a formal appraisal for your antiques and precious metals is an important aspect of determining the value of your estate. Whether you are in the process of estate planning or settling an estate, having written documentation of the value of items allows you to accurately divide your estate as needed.

At Coins of the Realm, we offer formal appraisals for coins, paper currency, stamps, and bullion, or bulk amounts of precious metal. We provide expedited appraisals and suitable legal documents for the convenience of our customers. To learn more about formal appraisals, stop by Coins of the Realm’s Rockville store or give us a call at (301) 340-1640.

Need More Info on Coins or Jewelry? Check Out The 5 Helpful Links Here

Are you interested in valuable coins? Do you want to learn more about popular gemstones for jewelry? Find more information regarding these topics on the following websites. To start your own coin collection or have your jewelry appraised, contact Coins of the Realm today at (301) 340-1640!

•  Visit MSNBC to learn about valuable coins and sunken treasure found in shipwrecks.

• Learn more about the controversy that typically surrounds shipwrecks on this page from Time Magazine.

• Take a closer look at pictures of the latest underwater find on this page from NYTimes.com.

• Find more information about how pearls are formed at the American Museum of Natural History online.

• Visit this website to learn more about the stunning green gemstone known as emerald.

The Truth Behind Sunken Treasure

The ocean is not only a majestic body of water, but also a mysterious haven for forgotten treasures. Throughout history, numerous civilizations and cultures have relied on water transportation to help them discover new lands, trade with foreign countries, and learn more about the world. But the ocean isn’t always a safe place to be, resulting in shipwrecks—tragic for these ancient vessels’ crews, but fortunate for coin collectors and dealers.

• After misfortune at sea, expeditions are organized to find any remnants of the ship, its people, and its story. Sometimes these expeditions happen soon after a wreck, while others don’t get underway until months, years, or even centuries after a ship goes down.
                           
• After finding a wrecked ship, crews work quickly and carefully to bring what they can up to the surface for further examination. This type of expedition serves a number of purposes. First, crews can identify the ship, where it came from, and when it first set sail. Expeditions also allow crews to determine what caused the wreck and learn more about the culture and story of the crew that was onboard.
                     
• During these expeditions, diving crews often find interesting and intriguing cargo throughout the ships. Valuable cargo is commonly found in shipwrecks, further promoting the belief that “sunken treasure” can be found deep in the ocean. This valuable cargo is typically in the form of silver coins, gold coins, or both.
                                       
• The coins found in these ships may not be in circulation today, but this only adds to their value. Recently, a British steamship found at the bottom of the North Atlantic revealed a cargo of silver worth over $18 million! Coin buyers and sellers are some of the biggest fans of sunken treasure, always looking for the rarest or most valuable coin backed by an exciting story.

If you’re interested in buying or selling valuable coins, contact the team here at Coins of the Realm. Our coin dealers will help you learn more about your coins, and even buy them. Learn more by visiting our website or calling us at (301) 340-1640.

Tips to Determine the Value of a Coin

If you’ve stumbled upon some old coins, a little bit of research will help you determine just how valuable they are. Many people think all coins become more valuable with age, but this isn’t true in all cases.

In this video, you’ll learn tips that can help you determine how much those old coins are worth. First, check for gold and silver. These coins will always be worth more than their face value. Next, check for coins with mint mistakes. These rare flaws also make coins incredibly value. Finally, get a coin blue book or visit a coin dealer for a certified appraisal.

At Coins of the Realm, we specialize in quality appraisals. We also buy and sell valuable coins. Learn more today by giving us a call at (301) 340-1640.

3 Popular Alternatives to Diamonds

Diamonds are typically featured as the star of engagement rings, wedding bands, and other classic jewelry, but this doesn’t mean they’re the perfect choice for every woman. If you’re interested in buying something other than diamonds, or selling pieces from your jewelry collection, take a look at these popular diamond alternatives you can find at a precious metals dealer:

• Pearls:
  Pearls have long served as a symbol for femininity. These unique gemstones are the only kind that is produced by a living animal: the mollusk. Like diamonds, pearls provide a natural beauty and wonder, adding to their mystery and charm. Though the classic pearly-white color is commonly associated with these sea treasures, pearls actually come in a wide variety of colors, including black, purple, and gold! Pearls also come in a variety of shapes—perfectly round pearls are actually extremely rare.
                        
• Emeralds:
  The birthstone for the month of May, emeralds are also one of the most dazzling of all natural gemstones! The stunning green color typically associated with these gemstones is due to trace amounts of chromium found inside of the mineral beryl. Flawless emeralds are extremely rare, but many collectors, buyers, and sellers prefer emeralds with flaws. This is because there is an assortment of artificial emeralds available to consumers, and flaws tend to prove an emerald’s authenticity.
                           
• Sapphires:
  These gemstones come in a wide variety of colors—in fact, they can be found in every color except for red and pinkish-orange. The most popular sapphires feature a captivating blue color. This beautiful hue gives this gemstone a classic and romantic appearance, making them a great choice for any type of jewelry. Blue sapphires also hold the distinction of being the most valuable and precious blue gemstones.

At Coins of the Realm, our team of precious metals and gemstones dealers will help you learn more about the most popular alternatives to diamonds. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, we can help! Give us a call today at (301) 340-1640 to find out more.