I Inherited a Collection of Gold and Silver Coins in Gijón, Asturias: What Do I Do Now?
You've lost a family member, and among their belongings, something unexpected appeared: a box of old coins, some gold, some silver, perhaps old banknotes, ingots, or medals. You don't know if they're worth a lot or a little. You don't know if someone is trying to trick you when you ask. You don't know where to start.
This guide is written exactly for you.
In the next few minutes, you'll understand what types of pieces usually appear in numismatic inheritances, which ones are the most valuable, what mistakes to avoid before selling, and how to get a fair price for an inherited collection in Asturias without needing to be an expert in anything.
First: Don't Do Anything Yet
Before anything else, there are three things you should not do with an inherited collection:
Do not clean the coins. This is the most costly and most frequent mistake. A gold or silver coin with natural patina is worth much more than the same coin after cleaning it with water, vinegar, or any product. Patina is a sign of authenticity and age: collectors value it enormously. Cleaning a coin can destroy 70% of its value in seconds.
Don't throw anything away. Even if a box seems full of ordinary, worthless coins, it can hide exceptional pieces among the seemingly ordinary. Heirs who have thrown away "ugly or dirty coins" without consulting first have made mistakes that are later impossible to correct.
Don't sell in a hurry to the first offer. Inheritances generate emotional and economic urgency that can lead you to accept the first offer you receive without knowing if it's fair. Take the necessary time to inform yourself. A free appraisal at a specialized numismatics shop like ours in Gijón doesn't commit you to anything and can make a difference of hundreds or thousands of euros.
What a Numismatic Inheritance Usually Contains
Inherited collections in Asturias and the rest of Spain usually contain a mix of pieces with very different values. These are the most frequent categories:
Gold Coins
These are the pieces that concentrate the most value by size and weight. In Spanish inheritances, the most common gold coins are:
Mexican gold centenarios — The most popular gold coin in Spain for decades. It contains 37.5 grams of pure gold and its value ranges between 2,500 and 3,500 euros depending on the gold price at any given time. If you find a large, golden coin with the Mexican coat of arms and the date "1821–1947" or similar, it's probably a centenario. It is one of the most valuable pieces that can appear in an inheritance.
Gold Pounds Sterling — British gold coins with the profile of Queen Victoria, Edward VII, or George V. They contain approximately 7.3 grams of 22-carat gold. Their current value is around 450–600 euros per piece. They are very common in Spanish collections from the first half of the 20th century.
Old Spanish gold coins — The 25 gold pesetas of Alfonso XII, the 100 gold pesetas of the 19th century, and the Isabelinas are pieces that appear quite frequently in Asturian inheritances. Their value combines the price of gold with a significant numismatic premium.
20 French gold francs — French coins from the 19th and early 20th centuries, very widespread in Spain. They contain approximately 5.8 grams of gold. They are worth between 300 and 450 euros depending on condition and date.
South African Krugerrand — If you find a large golden coin with an antelope and a 20th-century date, it could be a Krugerrand, the world's best-selling gold investment coin. A full ounce is currently worth around 2,400–2,800 euros.
Silver Coins
Silver coins are the most abundant in Spanish numismatic inheritances. Their value depends on both the silver content and collector interest:
Silver "Duros" — The 5 silver pesetas coins of Amadeo I, Alfonso XII, and Alfonso XIII are common pieces in 20th-century inheritances. Depending on the year and condition, they can be worth between 20 and several hundred euros each.
Silver Ounces — If you find large silver coins with the inscription "1 troy ounce" or "999 fine silver," these are pure silver investment coins. Their value is linked to the price of silver, currently between 25 and 40 euros per ounce depending on the piece.
2,000 Pesetas Silver Coins — Commemorative issues of 2,000 silver pesetas minted between 1994 and 2001 frequently appear in recent inheritances. Depending on the issue and condition, they are worth between 15 and 80 euros.
Pillar Dollars and Eight-Reales Coins — If the inherited collection is old, Spanish colonial silver coins may appear. An eight-reales coin in good condition can be worth between 100 and several thousand euros depending on the mint and date.
Gold and Silver Ingots
Certified gold or silver ingots are the easiest pieces to value: their price depends directly on the weight and purity of the metal. A 100-gram gold ingot is currently worth around 7,500–8,000 euros. 1 kg silver ingots are worth between 800 and 1,000 euros. If you find ingots in the inheritance, look for the certificate of authenticity that should accompany them: it increases their value in the resale market.
Medals and Decorations
Military, religious, and commemorative medals can have value both for the metal they contain and for their historical interest. Civil War decorations, colonial-era medals, and certain old religious medals are especially sought after by specialized collectors.
Old Banknotes
It is common for peseta banknotes, foreign banknotes, or even banknotes from vanished countries to appear alongside coins. Don't discard them without consulting: some Spanish Republic banknotes or certain old American dollars can be worth much more than they seem.
How Much an Inherited Collection Can Be Worth
It's impossible to give a figure without seeing the pieces, but to give you a reference, these are common real situations in numismatic inheritances that we manage in our numismatic shop in Gijón:
A box with 20 silver "duros" of Alfonso XII in average condition can be worth between 400 and 1,200 euros. If there is a rare date or an exceptionally well-preserved piece among them, the figure can double.
A Mexican gold centenario found among old papers is worth between 2,500 and 3,500 euros on its own, regardless of the rest of the collection.
A mixed collection of silver peseta coins, Republic banknotes, and some foreign coins can easily be worth between 500 and 3,000 euros if the pieces are in good condition.
A 10-gram gold ingot found in a family safe is currently worth between 700 and 800 euros.
What these figures illustrate is that a seemingly modest numismatic inheritance can have a much higher value than you imagine. And also that the difference between selling well and selling poorly can be hundreds or thousands of euros depending on who you go to.
How to Get a Fair Price for an Inherited Collection
These are the steps we recommend you follow if you have inherited coins, banknotes, or precious metals:
Step 1: Inventory without touching. Make an approximate list of what you have (large golden coins, small silver coins, banknotes, ingots) and photograph each piece on both sides with good lighting. Do not clean or separate anything yet.
Step 2: Look for documentation. Check for certificates of authenticity, purchase invoices, catalogs, or any documents accompanying the pieces. This information can significantly increase the selling value.
Step 3: Consult a specialist before selling. A specialized numismatics shop like ours in Gijón offers free and no-obligation appraisals. You can send us photographs in advance or bring the pieces directly to the store. In both cases, you will receive an honest valuation based on real market prices.
Step 4: Compare if you need to. If the collection is of great value, there's no problem in getting a second opinion. A serious professional won't mind if you do. What you should avoid is selling to the first person who makes you an offer without knowing the real value of what you have.
Step 5: Sell with peace of mind. Once you know the value of your collection, you can make an informed selling decision. At our numismatic shop, payment is immediate and in cash or bank transfer as you prefer.
Why Choose Us to Manage Your Numismatic Inheritance in Asturias
We know that managing an inheritance is a delicate time. That's why our approach is always transparency and human treatment:
Free and no-obligation appraisal. We don't charge anything for valuing your collection, even if you decide not to sell. It's a service we offer because we believe you deserve to know what you have.
Prices based on the real market. Our offers are calculated based on the updated gold and silver prices and the real prices of the numismatic market, not on what is convenient for us to pay.
Experience with inheritances. We have managed dozens of inherited collections in Asturias. We know how to identify valuable pieces, separate what deserves to be sold individually from what should be sold for its metal content, and explain the entire process clearly.
Total discretion. Inheritances are personal and family matters. We treat each case with the confidentiality and respect it deserves.
Service in Gijón and throughout Asturias. You can visit us at our Gijón store or send us photographs from anywhere in Asturias for a preliminary valuation. For large collections, we make home visits in the Asturian metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inheritances of Coins and Precious Metals
Do I have to declare inherited gold coins to the tax authorities?
Inherited coins and precious metals are part of the inheritance mass and must be included in the inheritance tax declaration. Their valuation for tax purposes is based on the market value on the date of death. If you later sell them, the difference between the value declared in the inheritance and the selling price may generate a capital gain subject to personal income tax (IRPF). We recommend consulting a tax advisor for your specific case, as there are inheritance tax bonuses in Asturias that can significantly reduce the tax burden.
How do I know if a gold coin is authentic?
The authenticity of a gold coin is verified through several non-destructive tests: exact weight on a precision scale, metal density (gold has a very specific density that is difficult to counterfeit), XRF analysis of the metal composition, and visual verification of minting details. In our numismatic shop in Gijón, we have all these means and verify the authenticity of any coin at no additional cost during the appraisal.
Is it better to sell coins separately or as a lot?
It depends on the type of pieces. Coins of high numismatic value (rare pieces, good condition, rare dates) should be sold individually to maximize the price. Coins of primarily metallic value (silver or gold bullion in normal condition) can be sold as a lot without losing much value. In our appraisal, we will tell you which pieces are worth separating and which should be grouped.
Can I sell inherited coins even if I don't have the original papers?
Yes, most coins and ingots can be sold without original purchase documentation. In the case of ingots, the certificate of authenticity adds value but is not essential for sale. For the transfer of precious metals above certain thresholds, there is an obligation to identify the seller (DNI), but it is a simple process that we manage.
How long does the appraisal and sale process take?
A standard appraisal of a medium-sized collection (up to 50-100 pieces) is carried out on the same day at our shop in Gijón. If you accept the offer, payment is immediate. For larger collections or pieces requiring additional research, we may need 24-48 hours to give you a definitive valuation.
What happens if there are fake coins in the collection?
It is more common than it seems to find reproductions or fakes in inheritances, especially of very valuable coins such as centenarios or historical gold coins. If we detect non-authentic pieces during the appraisal, we will inform you with complete transparency. Reproductions have no numismatic value, but some may have artistic or decorative value. We will never charge you for identifying them.
Do you also buy gold watches or jewelry that come with the collection?
Yes, in addition to numismatics, we buy gold in any form: jewelry, watches, gold dental work, and silver objects. If there are jewelry or watch pieces alongside the inherited collection, we can value everything in the same visit so you don't have to make multiple arrangements.
Visit Us in Gijón or Consult Us from Anywhere in Asturias
If you have inherited gold coins, silver, old banknotes, or ingots and live in Asturias, we are here to help you. The appraisal is free, the treatment is humane, and the price we offer you is what your collection is truly worth in the current market.
You can come directly to our numismatic shop in Gijón without an appointment for individual pieces, or call us to arrange an appointment if you have a large collection. We also attend to inquiries by photograph for collectors from Oviedo, Avilés, Langreo, Mieres, and any other Asturian municipality.
Don't let a collection of real value be poorly sold due to lack of information. Consult us first: it costs you nothing and can make a very significant difference.
Your trusted numismatist in Asturias. We appraise inheritances with transparency, experience, and at a fair price.