Jeffrey Allan Parsons is a seasoned professional in the antiques and collectibles industry, renowned for his expertise in gold, silver coins, bullion, and estate sales. Born on March 2, 1961, in Buffalo Hart, Illinois, Jeffrey developed a strong work ethic on his family farm, raising livestock and assisting his entrepreneurial father at a full-service gas station. His passion for coin collecting began at a young age when a customer gifted him an 1878 silver dollar, sparking a lifelong interest. By 18, he sold his collection for nearly $100,000, launching his career in the collectibles trade.
Over the past 35 years, Jeffrey has conducted more than 500 estate sales and managed numerous ventures, including Parsons Produce and over 150 firework stands across Illinois. Today, he leads the Estate Treasures Roadshow and the American Rare Coin Collectors Association, offering expert services in estate sales and antiques valuation.
Jeffrey is also a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Bree, have five children, including two adopted daughters from Russia, and nine grandchildren. Together, they enjoy a fulfilling life split between West Columbia, Texas, and Springfield, Illinois.
A philanthropist at heart, Jeffrey has supported families in need, including donating $5,000 to a family who lost their home in a fire. Beyond his professional success, Jeffrey’s hobbies—golfing, fishing, gardening, landscaping, and coin collecting—reflect his eclectic interests and zest for life. His dedication to excellence, family, and community defines his remarkable journey.
What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
From a young age, I was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of my father. Growing up on a farm in Buffalo Hart, Illinois, I learned the value of hard work while raising livestock and helping my father at his full-service gas station. The turning point came when one of my father’s customers gifted me an 1878 silver dollar. That single coin sparked a fascination with collecting, and by the age of 18, I had built and sold a significant collection, earning nearly $100,000. That sale was exhilarating—it showed me the potential of combining passion with business. Over the years, I’ve stayed in this field because it’s not just financially rewarding but also endlessly exciting. Every estate sale or collection I work with tells a story, and being part of that process is incredibly fulfilling.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your job.
Easy Things:
Recognizing authenticity in coins and collectibles: After decades of experience, spotting fakes has become second nature.
Connecting with people at estate sales: I enjoy meeting people, hearing their stories, and understanding the personal histories tied to the items I appraise.
Identifying the value of items: Years of hands-on work have sharpened my ability to quickly assess market trends and item worth.
Difficult Things:
Keeping up with fluctuating markets: Prices for precious metals and antiques can change quickly, requiring constant vigilance and research.
Managing the emotional aspect of estate sales: Families often have strong attachments to items, and balancing sensitivity with professionalism can be challenging.
Traveling frequently for work: While rewarding, the travel required to evaluate collections or oversee sales can be exhausting, especially with a family at home.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
The thrill of discovery: Every estate sale or collection has the potential to uncover hidden treasures, making the job feel like a constant adventure.
The connection to history: Coins and antiques often come with fascinating backstories that tie to larger historical events, making the work intellectually stimulating.
Helping families: Providing expertise during estate sales allows families to maximize their returns and preserve their loved ones’ legacies, which is deeply rewarding.
What do you think are your 3 biggest weaknesses and how are you overcoming them?
Perfectionism: I tend to spend too much time ensuring every appraisal is flawless, which can slow progress. I’ve learned to trust my expertise and set firm timelines.
Taking on too much at once: With so many opportunities, it’s hard to say no. I’ve started delegating more tasks to trusted team members.
Emotional involvement: Sometimes, I connect too deeply with families during estate sales. I remind myself that my role is to guide them through a business process while offering empathy.
Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.
Once, I appraised a collection that appeared to be of little value at first glance. Hidden among the items was a rare error coin worth over $10,000. The family was shocked and overjoyed, and the experience taught me to always dig deeper and never make assumptions. It reinforced my belief in the importance of thoroughness and patience.
Have you ever moved for a new job? Tell us about that experience.
Yes, moving to West Columbia, Texas, was a significant step in my career. It allowed me to expand my business and connect with a broader market in antiques and collectibles. While it was challenging to leave Illinois, where my roots run deep, the move ultimately provided more opportunities for growth. Adjusting to a new community took time, but it helped me appreciate the importance of flexibility in both life and work.
What do you value most and why?
Family is what I value most. My wife Bree and our children and grandchildren are the center of my world. They remind me why I work hard and keep me grounded. Beyond family, I value integrity in my work—ensuring that my clients trust me to provide honest appraisals and guidance. This commitment to ethics is what has built my reputation in the industry.
How do you celebrate your victories?
I enjoy celebrating victories by spending quality time with my family. Whether it’s a simple dinner or a small trip, being with my loved ones makes any achievement more meaningful. I also like to reward myself with a new collectible or coin for my personal collection. It’s a small way of acknowledging my hard work while indulging my passion.
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Its themes of perseverance, hope, and redemption resonate deeply with me. The idea that hard work and determination can lead to freedom and success aligns with my own journey. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, there’s always a way forward.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace patience and focus on long-term goals. At 18, when I sold my coin collection, I didn’t fully grasp the value of reinvestment. While the sale was a success, I now see how taking a more measured approach could have yielded even greater rewards. Trust your instincts, but take the time to plan carefully.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?
Yes, I believe mentorship is a way to give back and share knowledge. My expertise in antiques and estate sales has been shaped by years of learning, and I’d be honored to guide others.
Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?
I love classic apple pie. Its simplicity reminds me of my roots in Illinois, where fresh, homegrown produce was part of life. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home and brings back memories of family dinners and gatherings. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and always satisfying.