I would first see about moving them to a bank safety deposit box. They would be safe and not at your home.

Good idea, Sherry. I'd have to rent a larger safe deposit box but that's not the problem. No one would know the coins and silver aren't in my house. I'd still be a sitting duck for a break-in.

I just can't figure out how to go about selling these things without someone figuring out where I live.

Talk about a First World problem, huh?

Kessala

Have whoever you are showing them to come to the bank.

Interesting idea, but what keeps the buyer from noting my license plate or even following me home from the bank?

I'm so paranoid about this. And that's why I still have this inheritance still sitting around.

Kessala

Do you have a real bricks-and-mortar coin store in your area? Look for one that's been in business for a long time. You might not get the best price, but you should be safe with a real legit long-standing business.

An reputable dealer will ask for your name and address. Perhaps even asking proof that you came by these legally.

Unfortunately, you may find yourself having to deal with businesses (coin dealers) not widely known for honesty or integrity. Information on the true value of such items is not widely held and unfortunately the potential buyers would have it and you wouldn't.

Is the collection so substantial as to suggest the potential for selling to or through an auction house? If so, the value for estate tax purposes might give you some guidance of what to expect. Or, who you might talk to (whoever appraised it).

There are books published periodically with coin prices that might give you some idea what you have on an item by item basis. Or maybe not. If the silver is of an investment or commercial grade standard, that value is easily determinable, as silver is a commodity traded daily in public markets. .

The first thing I would do is have an appraiser come to look at the items. But I must ask if you live in a high crime area? Do the things you mention about people following you actually happen? If so, put everything in the car and go to another town to have them appraised and sell them.

You can look up value on the internet there are many sites
that quote in real time. If the inheritance is substantial you may want to
speak to your CPA as capital gains may come into play. Selling precious metal
is the same as selling stock and bonds.

"If the inheritance is substantial you may want to speak to your CPA as capital gains may come into play"

The cost basis of inherited property (to determine gain or loss) is reset to its value on the date of death for federal taxes, so any capital gain or loss therefore results only from value changes since that date.

Speaking to a CPA in advance of a financial transaction one is unfamiliar with is a good idea. Unless some time has passed or large value changes have happened since the date of death, the income tax consequences are not likely to be significant.