When is the right time to part with valuable collectibles?

You have likely heard the phrase “You can’t take it with you,” referring to a 1936 play about enjoying life to its fullest.  When it comes to your collections you’ve passionately built over the years, the same mantra applies.  There can be greater value in controlling the fate of your collections, rather than leaving the options to your heirs.

Many times, valuable collections are reduced to far below market value because heirs do not understand what they inherited or fought over.  The cost of evaluations and appraisals can be substantial when lawyers get involved, and many times property is held up in probate due to paperwork and lengthy legal processes.

There are many other reasons to consider parting with your valuables, rather than leaving them to your estate.

  • These days, family members rarely have the space, financial ability or passion to keep or store such property.
  • When an heir sells a collection, they might simply take it to a pawn shop, where they will be taken advantage of and not receive the full value.
  • If an heir splits up a collection, they might get less than what it would be worth as a whole.
  • An heir might not know about the key coins or the rare collectible disguised in the collection as a look-alike that might be worth quite a bit of money. For example, a 1916 D Mercury dime in a Mercury dime set.  In low-grade condition, the coin is worth $500.
  • If your heir sells your collection at a “gain,” they will be responsible for any capital gains taxes, giving them a much smaller profit than if you sold the collection yourself.
  • You hold the stories, the history, the passion for your items. Those things may be lost if you leave it to heirs.  Heirs may not be able to convey the background of your precious pieces and how they were acquired.

“Many of my customers have expressed comfort in knowing their heirs will have one less thing to deal with when settling an estate,” said PGS.  “They would rather know where their collections went, be assured that their property is appreciated and add cash to their estate—or to their pocket for their use now, if needed.”

PGS Gold & Coin makes it easy and comfortable to part with collections.  PGS Gold & Coin is a locally owned and family operated business since 2008.  They specialize in U.S. coins and hold more than 35 years of experience.  As a certified Coin Dealer, PGS is endorsed by the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and the PMG (Paper Money Grading).  They are a sponsor of the ANA (American Numismatic Association) and have a BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ Rating.

PSG Gold & Coin has three retail, buy-sell-appraise locations:

830 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067; 847-348-6447 or 888-416-2701

600 S. County Farm Rd., #110, Wheaton, IL 60187; 630-868-3412

900 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60193; 847-278-7691

In addition, PGS provides in-home/in-office appraisals.  For more information, visit pgsgoldandcoin.com or email Contact Us.

Next month, read about PGS Gold & Coin Gold Party Program, which offers personalized services party-style in your home.  Friends and family can have their gold, silver, platinum, jewelry, diamonds, coins and sterling flatware evaluated at the party and leave with cash.