This is a podcast from MR Mint Coins & Collectibles in Kerrville, Texas, exploring the value, history, and stories behind coins, currency, gold, silver, jewelry, bullion, sports cards, memorabilia, and family collections. Whether you are a lifelong collector, a curious beginner, or someone who just inherited a box of old coins, this show helps you understand what you have, what makes it valuable, and how to make smart, confident decisions. Join host Tom Fox and MR Coin owner Mike Russ for a show that celebrates local expertise, honest conversations, and the treasures hiding in plain sight across the Hill Country.
Tom visits with Mike Russ about how appraisals work when customers bring coins, jewelry, bullion, and collectibles into Mike’s store, especially in estate situations. Mike explains categories (bullion, jewelry, collectible coins, and “run-of-the-mill” items) and how pricing starts with spot prices, then applies purchase percentages: bullion is typically around 95% of spot, with silver sometimes around 90% due to premiums; jewelry value is based on karat purity, weight, and a percentage of spot; collectible coins are evaluated via grading/condition and market tools like Gray Sheet and eBay, factoring in fees, with some coins potentially sent for professional grading. They emphasize transparency, education, trust-building, getting second opinions, and caution against hotel “roadshow” buyers. Mike recommends handling precious metals outside estate sales due to high commissions and suggests keeping collections together for better value.
Highlights:
- Appraisal Basics and Categories
- Pricing Collectible Coins
- Bullion and Jewelry Math
- Estate Sales and Private Consults
- Keep Collections Together
- Testing, Grading, and Timeline
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