Find out how to get coins and other historical items valued
Museums Victoria cannot tell you how much your object is worth. We DO NOT provide valuations of historical items, but read on to find out who does.
Coin valuations
Published price guide books for items such as coins, antiques and stamps are often available through your local library.
A rough guide to current worth can sometimes be obtained by a search for similar items on online auction sites, although due caution should be exercised, and this information should be cross-checked against other sources.
Another helpful resource is the Commonwealth Government's list of approved valuers.
Other historical items
For general items, you can:
- Contact one of Australia's principal auction houses. To start you off, a good list of Australian auction houses is available at the ABC's Auction Room website
- Choose a valuer from the Commonwealth Government's list of approved valuers.
The Commonwealth Government's list of approved valuers
This list is produced as part of the Commonwealth Government's Cultural Gifts Program, whereby people can donate artefacts to museums in order to receive a tax benefit.
The valuers on the list are generally commercial dealers who have a detailed knowledge of the market in their fields, and will be happy to value items within their competence. They may charge a fee for this work, either on an hourly basis or as a percentage of the total valuation. Check with them first.
To obtain the current list of approved valuers, download it from The Australian Government Cultural Gift Program website.
The Cultural Gifts Program
The Cultural Gifts Program encourages Australians to donate items of cultural significance from private collections to public art galleries, museums, libraries and archives.
Gifts are required to be valued by at least two valuers who are approved to value for the Cultural Gifts Program. Some of these valuers also undertake private valuations, and therefore may be able to assist with item enquires and valuations. Using this list to obtain valuation services does not place you under any obligation to donate your items to any cultural organisation.
For any enquiries regarding the Cultural Gifts Program, contact:
Cultural Gifts Program
Office for the Arts
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
GPO Box 2154
CANBERRA ACT 2601
T: (02) 6271 7106
E: [email protected]
Browse the Numismatics & Philately Collection online or find out how to donate objects to the museum.