How to Downsize a Parent's Collection of Figurines, Coins,...
Every family has a version of this: shelves of Hummels, binders of stamps, coffee cans of coins, cases of Precious Moments. Your parent valued them. You have no idea what they are worth. Here is how to find out and what to do next.
Quick answers
- Do not sell anything until you know what you have , some collectibles are genuinely valuable
- Get specialist appraisals, not general estate appraisers, for specific categories
- Coins and stamps often have collector value beyond face or melt value
- Most mass-market figurines (Precious Moments, Hummels, Bradford Exchange) have fallen significantly in value
- Online specialist communities can be useful for pricing, selling, and connecting with buyers
The Hard Truth About Most Collectibles
The collectibles market of the 1980s and 1990s was driven partly by the belief that items marketed as 'collectibles' would appreciate over time. For the most part, that did not happen. Mass-produced figurines from companies like the Bradford Exchange, Hummel, and Precious Moments were produced in large quantities, which limits scarcity and suppresses secondary market value.
A collection your parent assembled over decades and paid thousands for may now be worth a fraction of that on the resale market. This is not a reflection of taste or care , it reflects how the collectibles market evolved. Knowing this early saves families from confusion and disappointment.
Coins: Get a Professional Opinion First
Coins are different from most collectibles. The value spectrum is extremely wide and genuinely difficult to assess without expertise.
At one end: a jar of circulated quarters and dimes is worth face value. At the other: a single rare date coin in high grade can be worth thousands. Pre-1964 US silver coins have melt value based on silver content regardless of collector grade. Gold coins, certain Morgan and Peace dollars, early American coins, and error coins can be very valuable.
Take any coin collection to a professional numismatist (coin dealer) for evaluation before selling anything. Look for members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Get at least two opinions for anything that appears potentially valuable. Pawn shops and jewelry stores almost always offer below-market prices for coins.
Stamps: Condition Is Everything
Stamp collecting is a specialist market. The value of a stamp depends on condition, centering, gum quality, cancellation status, and rarity in ways that are nearly impossible to assess without expertise.
Common US stamps from the 20th century have very little collector value , they were produced in huge quantities. But older stamps, errors, and certain commemoratives can be worth significant money in the right condition.
Contact the American Philatelic Society (APS) for a referral to an accredited stamp dealer in your area. Many dealers will do a free initial assessment for a full collection. For potentially valuable items, consider sending to a professional grading service.
Figurines and Decorative Collectibles
Research current prices on eBay completed listings
Search the item name and filter to 'sold' listings. This shows what people actually paid, not what sellers are asking. The gap is usually significant. This is the most reliable real-world price check for mass-market collectibles.
Check specialist dealers for your specific brand
Hummels, Lladro, and Royal Doulton have specialist dealers who know the market and can identify which pieces in a collection have value. Not all pieces from a desirable brand are valuable.
Sell through specialty online marketplaces
eBay remains the largest marketplace for collectibles. Ruby Lane and Etsy work for vintage and antique items. Facebook Marketplace and local collector groups work well for items with regional or community interest.
Donate if the value is minimal
Thrift stores, church bazaars, and local community organizations often welcome decorative collectibles in good condition. If the resale value is under $10 per item, donation is often a better use of time than trying to sell.
Where to Find Specialist Buyers
money.org/find-a-dealer connects families with accredited coin dealers by location.
stamps.org has a dealer directory and appraisal resources for stamp collections.
Regional auction houses handle mixed estate lots and reach buyers across categories. Many will do a free walk-through assessment.
Facebook groups and forums dedicated to specific brands (Hummel collectors, Lladro collectors) have active buying and selling communities and can give you realistic current pricing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Precious Moments figurines worth anything?
Most are worth significantly less than their original retail price. Certain retired pieces from the 1970s and early 1980s have collector value, but the market for most pieces is weak. Check completed eBay sales for your specific piece before assuming value.
How do I sell a large coin collection?
Have it evaluated by at least two ANA member dealers. For high-value collections, consider a numismatic auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers. For modest collections, a local coin dealer buying outright is faster and simpler.
My parent has boxes of trading cards. Are they worth anything?
Possibly. Sports cards from pre-1980 in good condition, rookie cards of Hall of Fame players, and error cards can be valuable. Modern mass-produced cards from the early 1990s typically have little value. Get graded cards assessed at PSA or Beckett.
Is it worth hiring an estate appraiser for collectibles?
A general estate appraiser may not have the specialist knowledge to accurately value specific categories like coins, stamps, or vintage toys. For those categories, a category-specific specialist is more reliable than a general appraiser.
Sources
- American Numismatic Association - Find accredited coin dealers for collection assessment and sale
- American Philatelic Society - Accredited stamp dealers and appraisal resources
- AARP - How to downsize collectibles and what they are actually worth
What is a Senior Move Manager? A Senior Move Manager is a trained specialist who helps older adults and their families navigate moves, downsizing, and care transitions. They handle the logistics so you don't have to.
An SMM coordinates the full downsizing process from sorting and estate sales to donating and disposing so your family does not have to manage every detail.
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