What a world

Just went to a local gold silver and coin buyer and took about half my collection with me; pretty impressive from what I've been told, but this guy offers me $175 for the whole collection which includes silver unc pieces and a 2006 $5 gold eagle in a gold bezel and some nice banknotes. A $175 dollars for the lot - that's a joke and I told him so; guess I'll just let it appreciate in value, but what a shameful offer.
  while I work

You're always going to get ridiculous offers from a business for a full lot, you would probably get more from another collector or you will definitley get more selling one at a time on eBay for instance !