Selling
Where to sell coins for a fair price
The best place to sell depends on what you have. Sell common silver coins to a local coin shop or bullion dealer for close to melt value, sell mid-value collector coins on eBay or to a dealer after getting two quotes, and sell certified rarities worth $1,000 or more through a major auction house.
Before you sell: three checks
- Know what you have. Date, mint mark, and whether it's one of the varieties worth checking. Scanning each coin takes seconds in the app; the coin value pages cover the most common questions.
- Know the floor. For silver coins, that's the melt value from the silver value calculator. Never accept less than about 90% of melt for worn 90% silver.
- Know real sold prices. On eBay, filter to sold items for the same date, mint mark and condition. Asking prices are often far higher than what coins actually sell for.
Your options compared
| Where | Best for | What you give up |
|---|---|---|
| Local coin shop | Silver, common coins, quick cash, a second opinion | Dealers pay below retail so they can resell; get two quotes |
| Online bullion dealers | Larger amounts of silver | Shipping and a wait for payment |
| eBay | Coins worth roughly $20 to $1,000, certified or easy to photograph | Fees of about 13% for coins (check eBay's current fee page), your time, returns |
| Major auction houses | Certified rarities worth $1,000+ | Seller fees and weeks to months before payment |
| Pawn shops, "we buy gold" stands | Rarely the best choice | Usually the lowest offers |
Selling a possibly rare coin
If you think you have a key date or error, such as a 1943 copper cent or a 1992 close AM, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling. A certified coin sells for its real value; a raw coin sells for what a skeptical buyer will risk. See PCGS vs NGC for how that works.
How to avoid getting lowballed
- Don't clean coins before selling. Cleaning can cut a collector coin's value by half or more.
- Get at least two offers for anything worth more than a few hundred dollars.
- Ask how an offer was calculated. For silver, a dealer should be able to tell you the spot price and the percentage they're paying.
- Be wary of buyers who need an answer today.
Questions
Where can I sell coins near me?
A local coin shop is the quickest option, especially for silver. Search for coin dealers and get quotes from two before accepting an offer.
Is it better to sell coins on eBay or to a dealer?
eBay usually returns more for mid-value collector coins after fees, if you can photograph and describe them well. Dealers are faster and better for silver and bulk lots.
How do I sell a rare coin?
Have it authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC, then sell it through a major auction house or an established dealer.