Discover the Worth of Family Heirlooms and Hidden Treasures

Every coin, note or antique tells a story

If you’ve inherited a collection of old bank notes, rare coins or antique jewelry, you may be holding far more than sentimental value. For collectors and families across Jacksonville, uncovering the story and worth behind those items often begins with a conversation at A-Coin & Stamp Gallery.

For decades, Bill Hatchett has built a reputation as one of Northeast Florida’s most respected experts in rare currency, coins and historical collectibles. His work goes beyond simple transactions. It is rooted in research, history and a genuine fascination with the stories that objects can tell, especially those tied to Jacksonville’s past.

Hatchett has spent years studying paper currencies issued under the National Banking Act, focusing on rare notes connected to local banks. These notes ceased issuance in 1935, but they remain an important part of Jacksonville’s financial and cultural history.

“Our business model is simple,” Bill said. “We pay the most and sell for the least. Our buying power, coupled with the many relationships that we have with collectors all over the world, enables us to give you top dollar for your valuables.”

Whether someone considers themselves a serious collector or has simply been entrusted with family heirlooms passed down through generations, understanding true market value requires professional expertise. Many valuable items sit tucked away in drawers, safes and boxes, their owners unaware of their rarity.

Among the most intriguing pieces are National Currency notes issued by banks throughout Jacksonville, Fernandina, St. Augustine, DeLand, Palatka, Live Oak and other towns. Of the nine Jacksonville banks that issued notes, collectors have documented currency from eight. To date, no note from the First National Bank of Jacksonville has ever surfaced.

It is widely believed that many of those notes were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1901. The possibility that one could still exist continues to fuel collectors and historians alike.

Bill notes that if a First National Bank of Jacksonville note were discovered in good condition, it could be worth as much as $100,000.

“It’s like a treasure hunt and highlights an important part of history,” he said. “It’s my quest to find these rare items and help owners reap the gain from their value.”

Hatchett’s credentials reinforce that passion. He is a longtime member of the Antique Appraisal Association of America, the American Numismatic Association and several state and national numismatic societies. He is also an authorized dealer with both PCGS and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, two of the most recognized grading authorities in the coin industry. A-Coin & Stamp Gallery is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

His expertise has led him to serve as a rare coin expert witness in local, state and federal court cases, where accurate valuation can carry significant financial implications.

Beyond rare currency, A-Coin & Stamp Gallery evaluates coins, jewelry, watches, gold, silver and antiques. For families unsure whether an inherited collection holds meaningful value, a professional appraisal can provide clarity and peace of mind.

For Hatchett, the work remains deeply personal. Each appraisal represents an opportunity to connect history with the present and, in some cases, uncover a long-forgotten piece of Jacksonville’s story.