b) Grade is particularly important if one intends to sell United States coins because a coin's "condition" or grade is a primary determinant of value.

The concept of "rarity."
a) Rarity indicates the number of coins which are known to exist in a particular type, mintmark, and grade..

b) Understand the difference between mintage and rarity. Mintage is the number of c)ins struck or produced. Rarity reflects the number of coins which survive. A coin can be hard to find without being "rare." And it's not unusual to find coins in which large mintages were recorded to be rare today.

c) Don't assume that just because a coin is "old" that it is also "rare." Age does not necessarily equal rarity.

d) Rarity alone does not automatically ensure a high value. There are some rare coins which can be purchased for modest sums simply because few people are interested in collecting them or purchasing them. In the end, a coin's value is determined by demand. And in turn, demand is determined by the number of buyers who would like to purchase your coin.

Hire a professional dealer or appraiser if necessary.
a) Most dealers and appraisers charge an hourly rate. In return they will provide a preliminary estimate of cost of the appraisal based on the number of coins you want them to evaluate and the time needed to perform the service.

b) If a dealer is providing an estimate with intent to purchase, the appraisal fee might be waived. If that's the case, you should have more than one prospective buyer estimate the value of your coin or coins.

Who are YOUR Customers?
a) Dealers And Other Collectors

The most logical candidates are other collectors or dealers specializing in the coins you have for sale. Many collectors often know of other collectors who might also be interested in what you have to offer.

Where Can You Find Them?
a) Coin Bourses

"Bourse" is French for "exchange." So a coin bourse (or Show) is quite naturally a place to buy and sell coins. Dealers pay in order to have a presence on the bourse.

Many shows encourage dealer-to-dealer trading or wholesale purchases during non-public hours and retail sales when the show is open to the public. In practical terms, however, one will find wholesale and retail activity simultaneously on most coin show bourses.

While you're looking around at shows, keep an eye out for dealers selling the kinds of coins that you collect or have for sale. When you come across a possible candidate, simply inquire as tow whether they're interested in buying. Make sure you're up to speed on the grades and prices of any coins you're trying to sell. The prices on certified coins are pretty accessable due to Coin World and the "CCDN".

Also keep in mind the fact that many dealers will only buy and sell coins that have been graded and sonically sealed in slabs by third-party grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

b) Through the Mail or the Internet

Many dealers and collectors advertise in various coin and numismatic journals and periodicals when they're looking for specific items. Since these dealers and collectors aren't likely to be in your area, you might find that selling by mail is the best solution.

The rules are pretty straightforward. Make sure your potential buyer is actually interested in your coin before you mail it and only then after clear cut terms of sale have been agreed upon.

Never send coins to dealer or collectors who haven't expressed an interest in buying what you're selling.

Other Methods.
a) Consignment Sales

Many dealers will take a coin or a collection from you in order to sell it on "consignment" generally meaning the dealer gets a percentage of the sale price.

As always, make sure you have a clear-cut arrangement before entering such an agreement.

b) Auctions Public auctions are ideal for selling large collections or extremely rare and attractive coins. As a general rule, reputable auction firms send out catalogs to their regular customers prior to sales.

Of course, these firms will charge a fee for selling your coin. That fee is most often a percentage of the selling price. All the rules apply here but you'll probably find that most reputable firms will ask you to sign a contract outlining the terms and conditions of any potential sale.