Last Updated: January 14, 2026
When you inherit a box of old coins or discover a collection tucked away in your attic, the question becomes urgent: What are they really worth? For Peninsula residents, finding reliable coin appraisers on the San Francisco Peninsula can mean the difference between receiving fair market value and accepting a fraction of what your collection deserves. With the region’s rich Gold Rush numismatic history and established dealer network, you have access to some of the nation’s most experienced appraisers—but knowing where to look and what to expect is essential.
The San Francisco Bay Area hosts multiple generations of coin expertise, from firms operating since the 1950s to modern hybrid services offering both in-person and online evaluations. Whether you’re liquidating an estate, verifying authentication, or simply curious about your grandfather’s coin album, choosing the right appraiser requires understanding their credentials, service models, and local market knowledge.
Quick Answer: Where to Find Trusted Peninsula Coin Appraisers
Quick Answer: Reliable coin appraisers on the San Francisco Peninsula operate primarily through established San Francisco dealers like Witter Coin (since 1960), Robert R. Johnson Coin and Stamp Co. (since 1954), and Polyak Precious Metals (40+ years). Most offer free preliminary appraisals at their showrooms, with certified written appraisals available for estates and insurance. In-home evaluations are standard for large or high-value collections.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Appraiser:
- Longevity and reputation: Firms with decades of operation demonstrate stability and trustworthiness
- Service model: Choose between showroom visits, in-home appraisals, or hybrid online options
- Specialization: Verify expertise in your specific collection type (U.S. coins, world coins, paper currency)
- Certification options: Formal written appraisals for estates, insurance, or legal purposes
- Local market knowledge: Peninsula-area expertise in regional collections and demand
Understanding the Peninsula’s Numismatic Appraisal Landscape
The San Francisco Peninsula benefits from proximity to one of America’s most historically significant coin markets. The San Francisco Mint, operational since 1854, produced some of the nation’s most coveted coins during and after the Gold Rush era. This legacy created a concentration of numismatic expertise that persists today, with several multi-generational firms serving collectors and estates throughout the Bay Area.
When searching for reliable coin appraisers on the San Francisco Peninsula, you’ll find most established professionals operate from San Francisco proper, with showrooms in neighborhoods like the Marina District accessible within 20-40 minutes from Peninsula cities like Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Mateo. This concentration offers advantages: competitive pricing, specialized expertise, and convenient in-home services for larger collections.
Established Brick-and-Mortar Appraisers
Traditional showroom-based appraisers remain the gold standard for Peninsula residents seeking face-to-face evaluations. Witter Coin, located at 2299 Lombard St. in San Francisco’s Marina District, has operated since 1960 and offers free preliminary appraisals six days weekly (Monday-Friday 10 AM-5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM-2 PM). Their professional numismatists handle collections ranging from a few dollars to well over $1 million, with appointments recommended for substantial holdings.
Robert R. Johnson Coin and Stamp Co., established in 1954, specializes in certified appraisals for estates, trusts, banks, and attorneys—critical for legal or insurance documentation. Their expertise spans U.S., foreign, and ancient coins, plus paper currency and stamps. For Peninsula estates requiring formal valuations, their decades of experience with probate and trust liquidation proves invaluable.
Polyak Precious Metals, family-owned with over 40 years of Bay Area service, offers both showroom and in-home consultations for high-value collections. Their appraisers handle rare coins alongside bullion and jewelry, providing comprehensive estate evaluations. Options include San Francisco Coin Buyers, Heritage Auctions, and other local dealers for additional perspectives.
Hybrid and Online Appraisal Services
Since 2024, hybrid models combining online convenience with local expertise have gained traction among Peninsula clients. Services like Coinfully offer free online appraisals via photo submissions, with at-home evaluations available for large or historically significant collections. One customer reported receiving offers “three to four times better” through online submission compared to in-person Peninsula buyers—highlighting the value of comparing multiple appraisals.
MV Coin Shop introduced text-based photo appraisals, allowing quick preliminary estimates without travel. These services work well for initial valuations, though in-person authentication remains essential for high-value rarities where subtle variations dramatically affect worth. For comprehensive guidance on professional evaluations, explore our resource on coin appraisals in San Francisco.
In-Home Evaluation Services for Peninsula Estates
For substantial collections or estate liquidations, in-home appraisals eliminate the hassle of transporting valuable items. Most established Peninsula-area appraisers offer this service, particularly for collections exceeding $10,000 or containing historically important pieces. US Stamp Co., operating from nearby Emeryville, provides complimentary home evaluations with expertise in both U.S. and foreign coins, advising on optimal liquidation strategies through direct purchase, consignment, or auction.
When scheduling in-home appraisals across Peninsula neighborhoods from Burlingame (94010) to Mountain View (94040), verify the appraiser’s credentials and request references. Legitimate professionals welcome these inquiries and often provide testimonials from previous estate work.
Common Mistakes When Seeking Coin Appraisals
Even experienced collectors make critical errors when choosing appraisers, often costing thousands in lost value. Understanding these pitfalls helps Peninsula residents avoid costly mistakes when evaluating inherited collections or preparing for sales.
Accepting Single Appraisals Without Comparison
The most expensive mistake is accepting the first offer without seeking multiple opinions. Coin values vary significantly based on current market demand, appraiser expertise, and dealer inventory needs. A 2024 case documented a Peninsula seller receiving offers three to four times higher after submitting to online services versus local in-person buyers. While not every collection sees such dramatic differences, obtaining 2-3 appraisals from different sources—traditional dealers, hybrid services, and specialized auction houses—ensures fair market positioning.
For valuable collections, consider mixing service models: a free preliminary appraisal at an established showroom, an online evaluation for comparison, and a certified written appraisal if the collection warrants estate documentation. Learn more about documentation standards in our guide on coin buyers who provide written appraisals.
Confusing Preliminary Evaluations with Formal Appraisals
Many Peninsula residents don’t realize that “free appraisals” offered by dealers are actually preliminary evaluations—verbal estimates suitable for selling decisions but not legal or insurance purposes. Formal certified appraisals, required for estate settlements, divorce proceedings, or insurance coverage, involve detailed documentation with photographs, condition reports, and certified valuation letters. These typically cost $100-$300 per hour or a percentage of collection value.
Robert R. Johnson and similar firms specialize in certified appraisals accepted by California probate courts and insurance companies. If you’re settling an estate in Peninsula counties, verify your appraiser provides documentation meeting legal standards rather than relying on verbal estimates.
Overlooking Condition Grading Expertise
A coin that appears “pretty good” to untrained eyes might grade anywhere from Good (G-4) to Extremely Fine (EF-40)—a difference that can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars for key dates. Professional grading follows standardized scales from organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Reliable Peninsula-area appraisers are trained in these standards, identifying subtle wear patterns, strike quality, and surface preservation that dramatically affect value.
Before committing to an appraiser, ask about their grading methodology and whether they recommend third-party certification for key pieces. High-value coins often justify the $20-$50 per coin cost of professional grading, which can increase marketability and selling price substantially.
Best Practices for Choosing Peninsula Coin Appraisers
Selecting the right appraiser requires balancing expertise, convenience, and service model to match your collection’s size and your specific needs. These strategies help Peninsula residents make informed decisions.
Verify Credentials and Specialization
Longevity matters in numismatics—firms operating 40+ years have survived multiple market cycles and built reputations requiring protection. Check membership in professional organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), though not all excellent appraisers maintain these affiliations. More important: ask about specific expertise relevant to your collection. A dealer specializing in ancient coins may offer limited insight into 20th-century U.S. commemoratives, while an expert in U.S. gold might lack depth in foreign currency.
Request references from previous estate or collection appraisals similar to yours. Established Peninsula-area firms welcome these inquiries and often provide testimonials demonstrating their track record with local clients.
Match Service Model to Collection Value
Small collections under $1,000 typically don’t warrant formal appraisals—free showroom evaluations or online photo submissions provide sufficient guidance for selling decisions. Mid-range collections ($1,000-$10,000) benefit from in-person showroom appraisals where experts examine condition, authentication, and current market positioning. Large estates or historically significant collections above $10,000 justify in-home evaluations and possibly certified written appraisals for documentation.
Peninsula residents in cities like Menlo Park (94025) or Belmont (94002) should consider travel convenience: a 30-minute drive to San Francisco showrooms like Witter Coin (offering free parking) might be worthwhile for substantial collections, while smaller holdings could utilize text-photo services or online submissions to minimize time investment.
Understand Regional Market Dynamics
Bay Area coin markets differ from other regions due to the Peninsula’s affluent collector base and San Francisco’s Gold Rush numismatic legacy. Local demand for California fractional gold, San Francisco Mint coins, and pioneer gold issues often exceeds national averages, potentially commanding premium prices through regionally-focused dealers. An appraiser with deep Peninsula market knowledge recognizes these opportunities, steering you toward buyers most likely to pay top dollar for locally significant material.
Conversely, some collections benefit from national exposure through major auction houses or online platforms rather than local sales. Experienced appraisers like those at US Stamp Co. advise on “best strategies for marketing” based on your specific holdings and timeline. For broader context on the local market, review our educational resource on understanding San Francisco coin dealers.
How to Prepare for Your Coin Appraisal
Proper preparation maximizes appraisal accuracy and efficiency, whether you’re visiting a San Francisco showroom or hosting an in-home evaluation at your Peninsula residence.
Document and Organize Your Collection
Before contacting appraisers, create a basic inventory listing approximate quantities by category: U.S. coins (pennies, nickels, silver dollars, etc.), foreign coins by country, paper currency, and tokens or medals. Note any coins you believe might be valuable based on age, precious metal content, or family stories. Take clear photographs of key pieces, capturing both obverse (front) and reverse (back) at angles showing condition details.
This preparation helps appraisers allocate appropriate time and expertise. A collection of 500 common wheat pennies requires different handling than 50 rare Morgan dollars—preliminary information ensures the right specialist reviews your material.
Gather Provenance Documentation
Any documentation about your collection’s history adds value and aids authentication. Previous appraisals (even if dated), purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, and family correspondence about acquisitions all provide context. For Peninsula estates, decades-old receipts from San Francisco coin shops establish provenance and sometimes reveal purchase prices confirming authenticity.
If coins were graded by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS, keep them in their sealed holders—breaking these seals destroys certification and can reduce value by 20-50% for high-grade rarities. Appraisers can verify authenticity of graded coins through registry databases without opening holders.
Choose the Right Appraisal Timing
Coin values fluctuate with precious metal prices and collector demand. If your collection contains substantial silver or gold bullion content, consider timing appraisals when metals markets are favorable—though predicting peaks is challenging. For estate settlements, timing is often dictated by legal requirements, but when you have flexibility, avoid year-end holidays when appraisers are busiest and may rush evaluations.
Peninsula residents should schedule showroom visits mid-week when traffic from San Mateo or Palo Alto is lighter and appraisers can dedicate more attention to your collection. For in-home appraisals across Peninsula zip codes like 94301 (Palo Alto), 94403 (San Mateo), or 94010 (Burlingame), allow 2-4 hours for thorough examination of substantial collections.
What to Expect During the Appraisal Process
Understanding typical appraisal procedures helps Peninsula residents recognize professional service and avoid questionable practices.
Initial Examination and Sorting
Professional appraisers begin by sorting collections into categories: precious metal content (gold, silver, platinum), numismatic value (rare dates, mint marks, varieties), and common circulation pieces. They’ll use magnification to examine condition, checking for cleaning damage, environmental damage, or counterfeits. Authentic appraisers handle coins carefully—often wearing cotton gloves—and may test precious metal content using electronic analyzers or specific gravity methods.
Expect questions about how you acquired the collection and whether you have additional items not present. These aren’t intrusive—they help appraisers understand context and potentially identify missing valuable pieces you might have overlooked.
Valuation and Market Analysis
Reliable appraisers reference current market data from sources like the Red Book (Official Guide to U.S. Coins), auction records, and dealer price lists. They’ll explain valuations, distinguishing between retail (insurance), wholesale (dealer purchase), and auction (consignment) values. These can vary dramatically—a coin with $1,000 retail value might bring $600-$700 wholesale or $800-$900 at auction minus commissions.
Be skeptical of appraisers who offer immediate high values without research or refuse to explain their methodology. Professional numismatists at firms like Witter Coin and Robert R. Johnson educate clients throughout the process, demonstrating expertise through transparent analysis. When considering next steps, explore options for selling coins in San Francisco.
Recommendations for Liquidation or Preservation
After evaluation, expert appraisers suggest optimal strategies: direct sale to dealers for quick liquidation, consignment to auctions for maximum returns on rarities, or retention for collections with strong family significance. They may recommend third-party grading for key pieces or advise against it when costs exceed potential value gains.
For Peninsula estates, appraisers often coordinate with local attorneys, trust administrators, or financial advisors, providing documentation suitable for probate filings or tax reporting. This collaborative approach streamlines estate settlement while ensuring proper valuation for all parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peninsula Coin Appraisals
How much does a professional coin appraisal cost?
Most Peninsula-area dealers offer free preliminary appraisals at their showrooms or through online submissions. These verbal estimates suffice for selling decisions. Certified written appraisals for estates, insurance, or legal purposes typically cost $100-$300 per hour or 1-3% of collection value, with minimum fees around $150-$250. In-home evaluations for substantial collections may be complimentary if you’re selling, or charged at hourly rates if documentation-only.
Should I clean my coins before appraisal?
Never clean coins before appraisal—cleaning reduces value by 50-90% for collectible pieces. Natural toning and patina are desirable to collectors, while cleaning leaves scratches and unnatural surfaces that destroy numismatic value. Present coins exactly as found, even if dirty or tarnished. Professional appraisers evaluate potential condition beneath environmental deposits.
How long does a typical appraisal take?
Small collections (under 50 coins) take 30-60 minutes for preliminary evaluation. Mid-size collections (50-500 coins) require 1-3 hours, while large estates can take 4-8 hours or multiple sessions. Complex collections with rare varieties, foreign coins, or paper currency extend timelines. Schedule appointments with realistic time expectations based on collection size.
What if I disagree with the appraisal value?
Seek a second opinion from another established appraiser. Significant valuation discrepancies warrant investigation—either one appraiser missed something important, or differences reflect varying market perspectives (retail vs. wholesale vs. auction). For valuable collections, obtaining 2-3 independent appraisals before selling provides market consensus and negotiating leverage.
Are online appraisals as reliable as in-person evaluations?
Online appraisals via photos work reasonably well for preliminary estimates on common coins, but cannot match in-person examination for authentication, precise grading, or detecting subtle varieties. For collections potentially exceeding $5,000, in-person appraisal by experienced numismatists remains essential. Hybrid approaches—online preliminary followed by in-person confirmation—balance convenience with accuracy.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Peninsula Collection
Finding reliable coin appraisers on the San Francisco Peninsula comes down to matching established expertise with your specific needs. For most Peninsula residents, the combination of long-operating San Francisco showrooms, convenient in-home services, and modern hybrid options provides multiple paths to accurate, fair valuations. Prioritize appraisers with decades of experience, verifiable credentials, and transparent methodologies over those offering suspiciously high immediate estimates.
Whether you’re settling an estate in Redwood City, evaluating an inherited collection in Menlo Park, or exploring the value of coins accumulated over decades, the Peninsula’s access to San Francisco’s numismatic heritage ensures professional expertise within easy reach. Take time to compare multiple appraisals, ask questions throughout the process, and choose service models appropriate to your collection’s value and complexity.
The difference between accepting the first offer and conducting thorough research with trusted professionals can mean thousands of dollars—investment-worthy when dealing with valuable collections that represent family history and financial assets alike. Start with preliminary appraisals to gauge collection value, then commit to certified evaluations for estate or insurance purposes when warranted. Your grandfather’s coin collection deserves the same careful attention he gave to assembling it.
Sources and References
This article references information from established numismatic firms operating on the San Francisco Peninsula and broader Bay Area, including Witter Coin (established 1960), Robert R. Johnson Coin and Stamp Co. (established 1954), Polyak Precious Metals (40+ years), Coinfully, US Stamp Co., and MV Coin Shop. Historical context draws from the San Francisco Mint records and California Gold Rush numismatic history. Grading standards reference the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) methodologies.
Financial Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on precious metal prices, collector demand, condition, and market conditions. Appraisal estimates represent opinions at specific points in time and do not guarantee selling prices. Consult qualified numismatic professionals and financial advisors before making significant buying or selling decisions. This article provides educational information only and does not constitute financial advice.