Numistify guide
Where to Sell Coins: Local and Online Options Compared
Where you sell can matter as much as what you sell. A coin shop is fast; an auction can reach the most buyers; eBay puts you in charge. Here is how the options compare, and how to prepare for any of them.
The short answer
It depends on the coins: a local coin shop is quickest, a coin show lets you compare several dealers in one day, an auction house reaches the most buyers for valuable coins, and eBay can bring good prices but takes effort and fees. Wherever you sell, know roughly what the coins are worth first, keep them uncleaned and get more than one offer.
Before you sell
Know roughly what you have. Look the coins up in the Red Book or a world coin catalogue, and compare auction records and eBay sold listings; see what is my coin worth?
Separate the metal from the collectibles. Common silver and gold sell on their metal; scarce dates and fine condition sell on collector demand; see face, melt and numismatic value.
Leave the coins as they are. Never clean them before selling.
Get more than one offer, and be wary of anyone pressing for a decision on the spot.
Local coin shops
The quickest route: you can walk in, have the coins examined and leave with payment. A good dealer will also tell you what is common and what deserves more attention. The trade-off is price: a dealer must resell, so offers sit below retail, and bullion is usually bought somewhat below full melt value. Visit more than one shop for anything significant.
Coin shows
Many dealers in one room, which makes it easy to compare offers in a single day. Shows also attract specialists who may pay more for coins in their field.
Auction houses
For valuable or rare coins, a numismatic auction reaches the widest pool of serious buyers, and competition can push prices up. Auction houses usually charge the seller a commission and the buyer a premium, and it takes weeks or months from consignment to payment. Ask about terms before you consign.
eBay and online marketplaces
Selling directly to collectors can bring the best prices for some coins, and you set the terms. It also means work: accurate photographs and descriptions, fees, insured and tracked shipping, and dealing with buyer questions and returns. Certified coins sell most easily online, because buyers do not have to rely on your grading.
Online dealers and bullion buyers
Many dealers buy by mail, quoting prices for bullion and common coins. They are convenient for metal, but compare their quotes with local offers and check their reputation and shipping terms before sending anything.
Choosing
Common coins and bullion: a local coin shop, a show or a bullion buyer — whichever pays best on the day.
A few valuable coins: consider certification first, then an auction or a specialist dealer; see should I get my coin graded?
A whole inherited collection: sort it first, then sell each part where it fits; see inherited a coin collection?
Questions people ask
Where is the best place to sell coins?
It depends on the coins. A local coin shop is quickest; a coin show lets you compare several dealers in one day; an auction house reaches the most buyers for valuable coins; eBay can bring good prices but takes effort and fees.
Will a coin dealer pay full price for my coins?
Usually not. A dealer has to resell the coin, so offers are normally below retail price guides, and bullion is usually bought somewhat below full melt value. Compare more than one offer.
How do I avoid being underpaid for my coins?
Know roughly what the coins are worth before you sell, keep them uncleaned, get more than one offer, and be wary of anyone pressing for an immediate decision.
Should I get coins graded before selling them?
Only valuable coins, where the grade or authenticity changes the price by more than the cost of grading. For common coins and bullion, it rarely pays.
Is it safe to sell coins on eBay?
It can be, with care: describe and photograph the coins accurately, ship insured with tracking, and expect fees and some buyer questions. For valuable coins, certified ones sell more easily.
Related guides
How to spot fake coins — useful when buying back in.
Need to track your collection?
Numistify is where collectors keep track of what they actually have — coins, banknotes and bullion in one catalogue, with the date, mint mark, grade and cert number on every piece.
It also works out what each item really cost you, with the buyer fees, shipping and grading added in rather than just the hammer price. When you sell, you can see what you made on it.
Free for your first 50 items, and there is no card to enter.