What Do You Do With Inherited Jewelry?

If you have inherited jewelry, there are several options you can consider. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with inherited jewelry depends on your personal preferences and financial needs.

For instance, jewelry in good condition can be worn and become part of your wardrobe. Likewise, if the jewelry has sentimental value, you may choose to keep it as a cherished family heirloom or have it remade into a more modern design. 

However, if you don’t want to keep the jewelry, you can always donate or sell it. You can take it to a jewelry store or a pawn shop for a quick appraisal, or you can sell it through an online auction site or a jewelry dealership.

What Is the Etiquette for Inherited Jewelry?

There is no one set of rules for the etiquette of inherited jewelry, as it can vary greatly depending on the family’s culture, beliefs, and traditions. 

However, in general, the most important thing is to respect the wishes of the deceased. If the person who left you the jewelry expressed a specific wish for how it should be used or passed on, you should honor their request.

Additionally, if multiple people have inherited jewelry, it’s crucial to have open and honest communication with each other to avoid any misunderstandings. If the jewelry is to be divided among family members, do so in a fair and equitable way.

Is It OK To Sell Inherited Jewelry?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to sell inherited jewelry if you don’t want to keep it. 

Inherited jewelry is considered personal property, and you have the right to do with it as you please. People choose to sell their inherited jewelry for various reasons, such as raising funds for a major purchase, paying off debts, or supporting their lifestyle.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the sentimental value that the jewelry may hold for other family members or for future generations. If you do choose to sell the jewelry, it’s a good idea to communicate your decision with the rest of your family.

Who Gets Jewelry When Someone Dies?

When someone dies, the distribution of their jewelry and other personal property is determined by the terms of their will or trust. If they passed away without any estate planning documents in place, then the state intestacy laws will determine who gets the jewelry. 

A will or trust is a legally binding document that outlines the distribution of a person’s assets, including jewelry, after they die. If the deceased person had a will or trust, their jewelry will be distributed according to the instructions specified in that document.

If the deceased person did not have a will or trust, the state laws of intestacy would come into play. These laws vary by jurisdiction, but typically dictate that the jewelry and other assets are distributed to the deceased person’s closest relatives, such as their spouse or children. If the deceased person was unmarried and had no children, the jewelry may be distributed to other relatives, such as siblings, parents, or grandparents.

How Do You Fairly Distribute Jewelry After Death?

In many instances, jewelry will be distributed according to the deceased person’s wishes, as explained by their estate planning documents. If the deceased person had a will or trust, it should specify how their jewelry and other assets are to be distributed. This can provide a clear roadmap for the distribution process.

However, in situations where the deceased person did not leave a will or trust or it does not specify how particular pieces of jewelry should be distributed, it is essential to split it fairly among heirs, in proportion to the share of the estate they are entitled to receive.

Knowing the market value of each piece can help determine its worth and ensure that it is distributed fairly. If there is any confusion or disagreement about the value of the jewelry, a professional appraiser can provide an independent evaluation that can help resolve any disputes.

How Do You Separate Inherited Jewelry Between Siblings?

While the deceased person’s will and trust may dictate how specific pieces of jewelry should be distributed, if there are no instructions or estate planning documents provided, the personal representative may be placed in the challenging position of deciding how to fairly distribute a jewelry collection. Separating inherited jewelry between siblings can be difficult and emotional, especially if multiple people want to keep certain pieces.

When making these decisions, it’s important for the personal representative to respect the deceased’s wishes as much as possible while also providing for a fair distribution of the estate’s assets. For instance, a family member that wants to keep a valuable piece of jewelry may elect to give up a portion of their monetary inheritance to ensure all siblings receive an equal share of the estate. 

What If Siblings Fight Over the Jewelry?

If siblings fight over jewelry that is part of the estate of a deceased parent and there is no guidance in the will or trust on how it should be distributed, a creative solution may be the best choice. One option would be to rotate possession of certain pieces of jewelry between the siblings who want it while maintaining shared ownership. Or, it may be better to simply sell all the jewelry and split the proceeds.

Even if you hope to resolve the situation amicably, it’s always a good idea to involve a probate litigation attorney as soon as a dispute arises. An experienced lawyer can help you negotiate with your siblings to reach a mutually-agreeable compromise, and, if you cannot come to an understanding, they can help represent your interests in court. 

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Top 50 Most Valuable Pennies In History

 

 

This video and information was made by Christian the owner of Treasure Town Channel on Youtube, " This video is about The Top 50 Most Valuable U.S. Pennies are how they are constantly changing, and I tried to do my best to do a quick run through of some of the highlights of the best errors, varieties, key dates, proofs, patterns, mis-strikes, and other craziness that has happened at the U.S. mint over the past 167 years or so since small-size cent coins started up in 1856! 

There have been some re-pricing in coin markets, with certain coins skyrocketing up the ranks, while other coins fall significantly down in value - with one of them going from $1,700,000 in a private sale to $840,000 in public auction (and falling out of #1)." 

Mint Marks

Mint marks are letters that identify where a coin was made. They hold the maker responsible for the quality of a coin. When the U.S. used precious metals such as gold and silver to make circulating coins, a commission evaluated the metal compositions and quality of coins from each of the Mint facilities. The evaluations ensured that each facility produced coins to the correct specifications.

Philadelphia was the only branch in operation in the Mint’s earliest years, so identifying the sources of a coin was not necessary. A March 3, 1835 Congressional Act established mint marks in the United States, along with the first Mint branches. When the Mint branches in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans opened in 1838, mint marks made their first appearance on U.S. coins. However, the practice of not identifying Philadelphia’s coins continued even after the first branches were established.

This changed in 1942. When nickel was removed from five-cent coins during World War II, the “P” mint mark first appeared on coins produced in Philadelphia. The mark’s position also moved from the right of Monticello to above the dome to indicate the new metal composition. After the war, when use of the regular alloy resumed, the mint mark returned to its former position and the Mint no longer used Philadelphia’s “P.”

In 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was introduced. Once again, the “P” mint mark appeared. The following year, the “P” appeared on all of the denominations except the cent, which still holds true today.

Mint Mark Facts

No mint marks appeared on circulating coins from 1965 to 1967. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated mint marks to discourage collecting while the Mint worked to meet the country’s coinage needs.

Mint marks were placed on the reverse of coins until 1968 when they moved to the obverse.

The San Francisco Mint made circulating coins with the “S” mint mark from 1854 to 1955. After that, they produced “S” circulating coins from:

• 1968-1974: pennies
• 1968-1970: nickels
• 1979-1981: dollars

In 1968, proof coin production moved from the Philadelphia Mint to San Francisco and proof coins gained the “S” mint mark.

The West Point Bullion Depository made circulating pennies from 1973 to 1986 and circulating quarters in 1976 to 1979. The San Francisco Mint also produced circulating pennies around this time. These coins did not have mint marks so that they couldn’t be distinguished from Philadelphia coins.

In 2017, the “P” mint mark appeared for the first time on circulating pennies. This change was only for the 2017 issued cents, in honor of the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary.

In 2019, the “W” mint mark appeared for the first time on a circulating coin. The West Point Mint produced 10 million quarters in the 2019 America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

Most medals don’t have mint marks. The Philadelphia Mint makes Congressional Gold Medals and their bronze duplicates, Presidential Medals, and most others. But for certain numismatic silver medals, other Mint facilities may help. The Mint places the mint mark on some of these medals for marketing reasons. The mark can be on the obverse or reverse side, depending on how it fits into the design.

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Coin Collecting Misconceptions

 

Here is a video by Rod Gillis,  who is the Education Director at the American Numismatic Association. Rod Gillis highlights some of the most common misconceptions regarding coin collecting. These are main questions that have been asked that Rod is addressing for the public. Topics that Rod covers in this video are; Should you clean your coins?, Are all coins rare?, Can I make a lot of money collecting coins? and information on counterfeit coins. 

50 State Quarters Program

Launched in 1999, the 50 State Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that honored each of the 50 states. The U.S. Mint issued five new quarters each year in the order that the states ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union.

The reverse (tails) of each quarter features a design related to that state. The obverse (heads) design shows the familiar portrait of George Washington used on the quarter since 1932. But the inscriptions previously used on the reverse – “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” – all appear on the obverse in order to accommodate the state designs.

In 2009, the Mint made six more quarter designs for Washington, DC and the five U.S. territories as part of the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program.

The 50 State Quarters

1999

• Delaware
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Georgia
• Connecticut

2000

• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• South Carolina
• New Hampshire
• Virginia

2001

• New York
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Kentucky

2002

• Tennessee
• Ohio
• Louisiana
• Indiana
• Mississippi

2003

• Illinois
• Alabama
• Maine
• Missouri
• Arkansas

2004

• Michigan
• Florida
• Texas
• Iowa
• Wisconsin

2005

• California
• Minnesota
• Oregon
• Kansas
• West Virginia

2006

• Nevada
• Nebraska
• Colorado
• North Dakota
• South Dakota

2007

• Montana
• Washington
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• Utah

2008

• Oklahoma
• New Mexico
• Arizona
• Alaska
• Hawaii

This commemorative coin series was set to honor each of the 50 states and was rolled out in its entirety by 2009. To date, these quarters are the most successful numismatic program in history. Many collectors have acquired this series in its entirety, while others chose to collect states they have visited or lived in. In any case, these are popular coins to collect with a large following, including those with passing numismatic interests.

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The Process Of Sculpting Coins

 

This video from the United States Mint's Virtual Tour App highlights medallic artists describing the process of sculpting coins. 

 

The Myths and Legends Coin Collection

The Myths and Legends collection by The Royal Mint is a captivating series of bullion coins that pay homage to some of the most enchanting and timeless tales from mythology and folklore. These coins are meticulously crafted, combining the artistry of minting with the rich narratives of legends that have transcended time and culture.

Two of the standout coins in this collection are available on the Tavex Bullion website – the “Morgan Le Fay” and “Merlin” coins.

Morgan Le Fay

Morgan Le Fay is a character deeply rooted in Arthurian legend, and she has captured the imagination of countless storytellers and artists throughout history. 

• Sorceress and Enchantress: Morgan Le Fay is often portrayed as a sorceress and enchantress of unparalleled beauty and power. Her character is shrouded in mystery, and her ability to wield magic makes her a central figure in the Arthurian tales. The coin beautifully captures her enigmatic aura, with intricate detailing that highlights her mystique.
• Complex Relationships: Morgan Le Fay’s relationships with King Arthur and his knights are complex and multifaceted. She is sometimes depicted as a friend and ally, while at other times, she is a formidable adversary. The coin’s design manages to convey the duality of her character, making it a thought-provoking piece for collectors who appreciate the nuances of Arthurian legend.
• Prized Collectible: Due to her pivotal role in Arthurian lore, Morgan Le Fay is a highly sought-after character among collectors of mythology and folklore-themed coins. Owning a Morgan Le Fay coin is not only an investment in precious metal but also a connection to the enchanting world of Camelot.

Merlin

Merlin, the legendary wizard and advisor to King Arthur, is an iconic figure whose influence extends far beyond the realm of Arthurian legend. 

• Magical Abilities: Merlin is renowned for his extraordinary magical abilities and wisdom. He is often portrayed as a sage and a mentor to King Arthur, guiding him through the challenges of ruling Camelot. The coin beautifully captures the essence of Merlin’s magic, with intricate designs that evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.
• Pivotal Role: In the tales of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin’s guidance and wisdom are indispensable. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Arthur and his kingdom. The coin dedicated to Merlin serves as a tribute to his importance in the Arthurian legends.
• Touch of Magic: One of the remarkable features of the Merlin coin is its ability to evoke a sense of magic and wonder. Numismatists and collectors are drawn to this coin not only for its investment potential but also for the enchanting story it tells. It adds a touch of magic to any collection. 

The Myths and Legends collection aims to merge the fascination of ancient myths and legends with the enduring value of precious metals. This collection is a testament to the craftsmanship of The Royal Mint and the enduring appeal of timeless tales. The coins in the Myths and Legends collection are minted with precision and attention to detail, using high-quality materials such as .999 fine gold. Each coin tells a story and is designed to transport collectors into the realms of myth and fantasy. The collection has gained popularity among both numismatists and investors for its uniqueness and artistic value.

Significant Features of the Myths and Legends Coins

The Myths and Legends coins possess several features that make them stand out in the world of bullion coinage:

• Intricate Designs

The coins in this collection boast intricate designs that vividly portray the characters and stories they represent. From the fine details of Morgan Le Fay’s enchanting visage to the mystical aura surrounding Merlin, these coins are a testament to the artistry of minting.

• High Purity

The high purity of the metals used in these coins makes them a reliable store of value in addition to their aesthetic appeal.

The coins are a beacon of purity, crafted from 999.9 pure gold, boasting a 24-carat gold purity that has been prized through the ages for their inherent beauty and resilience.

• Unique Investment Opportunity

Investors often see the Myths and Legends coins as a unique investment opportunity due to their dual appeal as both numismatic treasures and precious metal assets.

With a weight of 1oz, this coin is a tangible asset of substance, carrying a face value of £100. They can provide a hedge against economic uncertainty while also offering the potential for significant appreciation.

nvesting in these coins allows you to diversify your investments, offering a unique type of investment that combines the allure of collectibles with the stability of physical gold. Moreover, it’s worth considering the potential capital gains tax benefits associated with certain types of investments, including precious metals.

As time goes on, the stories of Morgan Le Fay and Merlin continue to enchant, and the coins that bear their likeness will continue to hold their allure, potentially appreciating in value and providing a hedge against economic uncertainty.

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How To Sell A Vintage Watch

 Over the last 30 years, vintage watches have gone from a niche hobby to an international market worth billions of pounds annually. Not all vintage watches are valuable, so it is essential to discover whether your watch is trash or treasure and the best way to realize its true worth.

1.) Find Out What You Have

Research is the first step in selling a vintage watch. If it is a family piece, ask about its history. If the watch is on its own, ask if anyone remembers a box or any paperwork. These can get separated during the watch’s life, and if the watch is sought-after, additional items such as packaging and warranty documents can add to this value significantly.

Make a note of any maker’s names, model names or numbers, and any other identifying features and then search online for comparable watches for sale or completed auction results.

Vintage watches are a complex subject. For collectable brands and models, tiny details can make a massive difference to what collectors may pay. If you discover that your watch has significant value, mainly if the values vary across a wide range, it is wise to seek expert assistance. Expert dealers such as Vintage Gold Watches assess hundreds of watches annually and are well-placed to identify rarities.

Remember that even if your watch is not a sought-after collectable, it may still have value represented by the precious metal of the case and bracelet. In this case, it may be best to sell to a bullion dealer who pays closer to the metal’s daily value than a watch dealer or auctioneer who acts as a go-between for the same bullion buyer.

2.) Choose Your Route

The decision as to whether to handle a sale yourself or involve an intermediary will depend on your level of confidence in your abilities to prepare, photograph and accurately describe your watch. You will also have to handle the sales payment and shipping aspects. Alternatively, you can sell your watch outright to a vintage watch dealer, sell it on consignment through a dealer or consign it with an auction house.

Each has its pros and cons, as listed below;

Sell to a dealer

Pros:

• No watch preparation is required
• No photography or description writing

Quick Payment

Cons:

• No element of competition for your watch
• Dealers may not be interested in buying your watch for stock
• Dealers will offer a lower purchase price to account for their operating costs

Sell via auction

Pros:

• The auction house will prepare, photograph, and describe your watch
• Buyers compete to win your watch, ensuring the actual market value
• Access to a broad audience of specialist collectors
• The auction house handles payment and shipping

Cons:

• No guarantee of a sale
• A long wait for the sale date and a further wait for payment.
• Significant commission fees and buyers’ premiums are deducted from the overall value of your watch, along with additional costs of photography and insurance.
• A low reserve price may attract interest, but your watch could sell for a disappointing value on a quiet sale day.

Sell via an online auction site or dedicated watch marketplace

Pros:

• The site will handle the payment aspects of the sale
• Wide audience
• Lower fees

Cons:

• You have to photograph and describe the watch yourself
• No guarantee of a sale
• You have to handle packaging and shipping

There is the potential for fraudulent activity on the buyer’s side

Sell via an online collectors’ forum

Pros:

• A focused audience of knowledgeable collectors for your watch brand
• Low fees, if any at all
• There is a level of vetting of buyers by the forum community

Cons: 

• You have to have a certain level of interaction with the forum via posts and comments to sell
• You have to photograph and describe the watch yourself
• You have to field any questions and queries from other forum members
• Packaging and shipping will be your responsibility
• The transaction is open to fraud as most forums are anonymous

3.) To Service or Not to Service

Unless handing your watch straight to a dealer, you should clean the watch before sale. This is best done with a soft microfibre cloth and a wooden toothpick to get into the corners. Beware of getting any vintage watch wet, as even water-resistant models may have lost any protection they once had. Clean but do not polish. Buyers like to see watches in their original condition and to make up their minds about whether the watch should be polished at a later date.

Paying for a service is a balance between cost and benefit. If you sell to a dealer, they will service the watch after purchase, so you should not worry about this. If you are selling the watch yourself, a serviced watch may give buyers more confidence and achieve a better price, but you may not get the cost of the service back in the increased value.

4.) Brush up on Your Photography Skills

Without the watch, your photographs are the only way your buyer can see what is on offer. Your pictures must be clear, focused, and well-lit. Keep backgrounds plain and try to avoid reflections. You should work around the watch, including the dial, crown, case back and bracelet.

Ideally, you will need pictures of the movement and the inside of the case back. This may require specialist help removing the case back without damaging the watch. Ensure you include pictures of everything the watch comes with, including the box, warranty documents, receipts, swing tags etc. If this is beyond your abilities, consider an alternative selling route or employ a professional product photographer if the value is high enough.

5.) Write Your Listing Description

The description is a vital part of selling a vintage watch. It needs to be accurate and not misleading. Do not attempt to deceive buyers, as this will inevitably lead to the sale being refunded and may lead to legal action.

Focus on the condition of the watch, what it comes with, and it's functionality. If any provenance or history is associated with the watch, explain this clearly but stick to provable facts. Ensure you list the model numbers and names correctly so buyers can find you in a search.

6.) Set Your Price

Be realistic when setting your price, whether offering the watch to a dealer or selling it yourself. Look at comparable examples sold and consider whether yours is in better or worse condition. Remember that a listed price on a website does not mean a watch ever sold at that level. A lower price may have been negotiated, or the watch withdrawn from sale.

7.) Exercise Post-sale Caution

Once you have achieved a sale, your work is not necessarily over unless you have sold to a dealer. An auction sale may involve a long wait, hoping the top bidder follows through with payment. Any other sales method will involve packing and shipping the watch. Only send out the watch if payment has been made or the online platform confirms the funds are in escrow. Ensure that all shipping is fully insured, and for high-value items, it may be worth videoing yourself packaging the watch to prevent issues once the watch arrives with the buyer.

Selling a vintage watch is an involved process and far more complex than selling a contemporary model. Age and condition can add or remove value in ways only experts can judge. At first sight, it may seem that a dealer’s margin is a high cost to the seller, but once you understand how much the dealer does to prepare stock for sale and in the post-sale process, this margin becomes a more attractive price to pay.

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Coin Collecting Hacks: Quick & Easy Tips To Build An Impressive Coin Collection

 

Here are some hints and tips on how you can build up an impressive coin collection. This information is from The Britannia Coin Company: sharing our passion for collectible coins, one video at a time. They post ancient, hammered, milled and modern gold as well as new Royal Mint releases from our shop in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, UK

 

Who is on the Dime?

Since 1946, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s face has been featured on the dime known by his namesake FDR. President FDR is not the only face depicted on a dime, but he is the only President or elected official whose likeness is on a dime. 

Roosevelt’s Portrait on the Dime 

The Roosevelt dime was designed by John Sinnock, whose initials are found near the bottom of President Roosevelt’s neck. Sinnock used a composite of several photographs of FDR’s likeness to craft the dignified profile view, but his design was met with some criticism. 

The criticism came from the artist who claimed that Sinnock used her design as his own. 

Who Sculpted Roosevelt’s Portrait? 

As a child, Selma Hortense Burke often played with the clay in a riverbed near her home in Mooresville, North Carolina. She drew inspiration from her grandmother, who was a painter and pursued art as a career.  

After she earned multiple college degrees and awards for her work, Selma traveled abroad and found work under Henry Matisse in Paris. 

After returning to the United States, Selma H. Burke won a Commission of Fine Arts competition in 1943. This commission was to sculpt President Roosevelt’s portrait on a plaque for the Recorder of Deeds Building in the nation’s capital.  

Burke found sculpting a portrait without a live model difficult, so she wrote a letter to the White House requesting a live session to sketch the President. 

President Roosevelt accepted her request, and she met with him in February 1944. Selma sketched FDR’s likeness on a brown paper bag and was invited to return the next day. The following year, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Burke to assess her progress on the sculpture and complained that Franklin looked too young. Selma H. Burke’s reply was, “I didn’t make it for today; I made it for tomorrow and tomorrow.” 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt died several months later and never saw the sculptured plaque unveiled.  

The Release of the Roosevelt Dime 

Following his death, the U.S. Mint and Congress elected to honor his memory and commemorate the March of Dimes, which he had founded, with a dime bearing his likeness. John Sinnock was the designer chosen to sculpt the dime since he had sculpted other Presidents while teaching at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art.  

Sinnock had worked for the U.S. Mint as an engraver and designed Presidential medals for Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and President Roosevelt’s inauguration medal. The Roosevelt dime was first released on January 30, 1946, which would have been President Roosevelt’s 64th birthday. The release had been scheduled for February 5 of that year but was moved up to align with FDR’s day of birth. 

After its release, Selma H. Burke claimed that Sinnock’s portrait looked remarkably like her own. Some agreed, including Roosevelt’s own son. Nearly 80 years later, some numismatists and historians are convinced that Sinnock used Burke’s design. Others have suggested there are noticeable differences when comparing the two profiles side-by-side, especially in the nose and hair.  

The U.S. Mint and Congress did not credit Burke with the design, but the Smithsonian American Art Museum did.  

Burke continued working as a sculptor and established two institutions dedicated to the arts in Pittsburg and New York City. President Jimmy Carter presented Selma Burke with the Women’s Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award in 1979. 

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